Silicon Valley increasing its lobbying in California's Capitol

Author: 
Coverage Type: 

So far, there are signs Internet-based companies are becoming more sophisticated as they become targets for increased government scrutiny and intervention, including calls for protecting consumer privacy and public safety. In addition to beating back threats, companies are cultivating relationships with lawmakers and working early to avoid a possible bruising legislative fight.

Despite its economic heft, the tech industry has a limited presence in Sacramento, particularly when compared with more established interests. Google, a relative newcomer in Sacramento, has spent $1.8 million on lobbyists here since 2004, the first year it waded into lobbying state government. Telecommunications giant AT&T, a major force in the Capitol, spent nearly $45 million on general lobbying in the same period. Tech companies have not parlayed their astronomical market values into lavish campaign giving either. Dealing with politicians is not a natural fit for many of these companies, which tend to operate in a hyper-speed business environment.


Silicon Valley increasing its lobbying in California's Capitol