ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico has hired a new company to lobby on its behalf in Washington, D.C. — at nearly double the cost the school has paid in recent years.
The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/VaTYgJ) that UNM will pay Madison Associates, based in the nation's capital, $237,000 this year for its lobbying services under a one-year contract that could be renewed for three years.
President Bob Frank says the firm will have to earn "every cent we pay them."
Madison Associates will be in charge of raising UNM's profile at the federal level, marketing the university to federal agencies, and getting UNM researchers, faculty and staff to testify in congressional hearings.
Last year, UNM contracted with The National Group lobbying firm for $120,000 annually.