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Lobbyists spent nearly $18 million to court lawmakers and agency officials during the first budget season under a new Democratic governor, a slight decline from the last budget crafted under former Republican Gov. Scott Walker.

But the major players remain mostly unchanged, with six of the top 10 lobbying groups this year also making it into the top 10 two years ago during the last budget battle, according to preliminary records compiled by the nonpartisan Wisconsin Ethics Commission. The Wisconsin State Journal reviewed the total lobbying effort in the first six months of 2019 compared to the first six months of 2017.

Total spending from more than 700 potential lobbying groups decreased by more than $1 million so far this year, although many of the biggest movers and shakers spent just about as much, if not more, than the first six months of the last budget cycle. While hundreds of groups reported to the Ethics Commission, many recorded little to no lobbying activity.

The spending compiled by the Ethics Commission includes lobbying on both budget and non-budget items, although lawmakers and lobbyists typically spend more time on the budget than other legislation during the first six months of the year.

Gov. Tony Evers introduced the budget Feb. 28 and signed it July 3.