Listen to lobbyists when enjoying free meals, top Kansas legislator tells colleagues

Jason Alatidd, Topeka Capital-Journal
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A few minutes before gaveling in for the first day of the 2024 legislative session, a top legislator reminded his colleagues to listen to lobbyists when enjoying free meals this year.

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, told the House GOP caucus that the purpose of those free meals is for lobbyists to get to talk to legislators.

"Do remember when we have lunches, breakfasts, dinners and things like that, the folks that are sponsoring those dinners are sponsoring to spend time with you, to get to know you," Croft said. "That's part of the deal, is that since you have to eat, this is the time you get to sit there and talk to them.

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, left, told his fellow Republicans in a meeting minutes before the start of the 2024 legislative session that they should listen to lobbyists when enjoying free meals from them.
House Majority Leader Chris Croft, left, told his fellow Republicans in a meeting minutes before the start of the 2024 legislative session that they should listen to lobbyists when enjoying free meals from them.

"So be respectful for them, that they're paying for that brunch and be there talking about their issues and the problems that they have. Don't just grab it and leave, because that kind of defeats the purpose. So if you'll help us out there, that'd be great."

Washburn University political science professor Bob Beatty said there is no data on the effectiveness of lobbyist spending on free meals. But, "If access was not being attained, then they wouldn't be doing it."

"Money doesn't buy votes, it buys access," Beatty said. "In politics, that's 100% legal, whereas buying a vote is illegal. That's the definition of lobbying, because in order to influence legislators you have to be able to talk to them and have access. And so yes, that's how it works."

Kansas House members mingle alongside lobbyists, members of the media and others congregated outside of the House Chambers on Monday prior to the start of the legislative session.
Kansas House members mingle alongside lobbyists, members of the media and others congregated outside of the House Chambers on Monday prior to the start of the legislative session.

That goes for lobbyists attempting to get their voice heard by legislators from either political party, he said.

"That's part of the American system," he said. "Legislators will say the same thing, 'Oh, they can't by my vote.' But there's a better chance to get your case heard, obviously, if you get to state it to the legislator. That's going to occur over meals, at fundraisers, at conferences, whatever — but access is the key."

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas legislators told to listen to lobbyists in deal for free meals