Companies and organizations spent big money on lobbyists last year, looking for help in convincing the state government to act in their interests. The biggest spender, according to a Maryland State Ethics Commission report covering the period between Nov. 1, 2010 and Oct. 31, 2011, is the Maryland State Education Association.

The state’s powerful teachers union outpaced all other companies in reported spending on lobbyists. with $1,034,959.59 reported to the Maryland State Ethics Commission.