Continuing our look at Q1 2012 lobbying data - here is quick look at the lobbying efforts of some of the major consumer good companies. Amazon and Home Depot saw a slight uptick in lobbying expenditures, Nokia remained steady, while Target and Wal-Mart significantly decreased their lobbying efforts from the previous quarter.
Amazon: Increased lobbying 6% from the previous quarter
- Spent $690,000 in Q4 2012, up $40,000 from Q4 2011 when they spent $650,000
- Lobbying issues: online infringement; taxes on remote sales; data protection and privacy; cyber-security
The Home Depot: Increased lobbying 4% from the previous quarter
- Spent $280,000 in Q1 2012, up $10,000 from Q4 2011 when they spent $270,000.
- Lobbying issues: Organized retail crime; H.R. 25 – Fair Tax Act of 2009; light bulb efficiency; Residential Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act
Nokia: Spent the same amount on lobbying as the previous quarter
- Spent $160,000 in both Q1 2012 and Q4 2011.
- Lobbying issues: Global Freedom Act H.R. 3605; Mobile Device Materials, Waste and Energy Issues, Wireless Technology Innovation and Evolution Issues – General Education
Target Corporation: Decreased lobbying 37% from the previous quarter
- Spent $310,000 in Q1 2012, down $180,000 from Q4 2011 when they spent $490,000.
- Lobbying issues: the Pharmacy Competition and Consumer Choice Act of 2011; comprehensive tax reform; privacy and data security
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.: Decreased lobbying 31% from the previous quarter
- Spent $1,510,000 in Q1 2012, down $690,000 from Q4 2011 when they spent $2,200,000.
- Lobbying issues: supply chain security issues; conflict minerals in the DRC;, women’s empowerment economic program; access and affordability of healthy food, providing access to healthy food in food desert areas; S. 27, Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act; Discussions regarding food development and security policy in Central America.
