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Number of groups hiring Nebraska lobbyists reaches new high

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A new report says more groups than ever are turning to lobbyists to try to exert influence in the Nebraska Legislature, but spending on specific lawmakers remains difficult to track.

Common Cause Nebraska said in a report Tuesday that the number of groups hiring lobbyists rose to a record-high 527 this year, up from 506 in 2014.

The report says groups spent nearly $14.1 million last year, most of which went to lobbyists.

Common Cause Nebraska says tracking perks such as food, golf outings and event tickets is difficult because they're all categorized as entertainment. Jack Gould, the group's issues chairman, says money spent by the groups can't be tracked to specific events or recipients.

The report was compiled from lobbyist disclosures filed with the Legislature.

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