Altria Paid Lobbyist $120K in 2007

Source from:  chron.com The Associated Press  08/23/2007

Tobacco company Altria Group Inc. paid Richard Hohlt $120,000 in the first half of 2007 to lobby the federal government, according to a disclosure form. Hohlt lobbied on tobacco regulations, tax legislation and a children's health program, according to the form posted online Wednesday by the Senate's public records office. Altria, which owns the Philip Morris cigarette companies, is lobbying against congressional proposals to increase taxes on tobacco products that would be used to aid the expansion of a health insurance program states use to cover poor children. The Senate has passed a bill that would provide $35 billion over five years, while the House proposed a $50 billion hike. The White House has sought a $5 billion increase and President Bush has threatened to veto a larger expansion of the program. Altria and other tobacco companies have said the proposals are unfair and the tax increases may not prove to be a stable funding source for the program due to declining tobacco sales. In a separate issue, the company supports a Food and Drug Administration proposal giving the government authority to regulate tobacco products for the first time in an effort to make them safer. Altria said more regulation would help companies reduce the harm in their products. But analysts have said Altria is better positioned and has more resources than its rivals to operate in a more-regulated environment. Under a federal law enacted in 1995, lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying. Altria is based in New York City. Enditem