<div id="subtitle">NY Commission on Public Integrity accuses lobbyists, clients of violating state law</div><div><p>The state Commission on Public Integrity is charging 13 lobbyists and clients with violating New York lobbying laws.</p><p>Among the groups charged is Patricia Lynch Associates Inc., which the commission says could face $25,000 or more in civil fines for accepting a check for lobby work done before it filed the appropriate paperwork with the state. A spokesman for the company declined to comment.</p><p>Powers & Company Inc. is charged with failing to disclose a lobbying contract on time and inaccurately reporting compensation from a contract with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The company didn't immediately return a call for comment. It also faces a $25,000 fine.</p><p>The commission has settled for $500 with Bolton St. John's Inc. for charges that it failed to file an accurate compensation statement for its client, Medtronic Sofamor Danek.</p><p>The commission also charged the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors with violating the law when it held two legislative receptions. The commission says the group sponsored a reception that didn't have enough people in attendance to be exempted from the law banning gifts.</p><p>The association declined to comment while the matter is still pending.</p><p>In the previous cases, the entities admitted the violations and paid a $250 civil penalty.</p><p>The commission also charged 10 clients of lobbyists with failing to file their semiannual reports on time.</p><p>New York state has 5,757 lobbyists and 3,330 lobbying clients. Many clients hire more than one lobbyist. The commission usually issues charges at each bimonthly meeting.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=65019592&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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