Article archive / December 1, 2011
Originally published: . Volume 3, No. 4. Source pages: 8.
Based on records from the state ethics board website, the lobbying firm of Courson Nickel was likely paid by LPA (Louisiana Psychological Association) rather than LAMP (Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychology) to lobby for the controversial legislation, Act 251.
Records show that the lobbyists worked for both organizations, LPA and LAMP, through the 2009 legislative session. However, the lobbyists were paid by LPA and not LAMP. It was not until October 2009 that LAMP paid a fee of $6,000 to the lobbyists. Then LAMP paid $20,831 in December 2009. This period was during intense controversy in the association.
The 2009 President Darla Barnett posted a letter to LPA members on June 25, 2009 saying that LAMP had been involved, and “…LPA has monitored this bill, as it does all bills potentially affecting psychology, but took no formal position on the bill. The Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychology and the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners have negotiated what they both believe to be the best compromise on the legislation,” she told members.
Taking into account the $18,000 retainer paid to Courson Nickel by LPA for general purposes, the other money needed to pass Act 251 likely came from LPA grant funds, and totaled between $28,000 and $54,000.
Tom Hannie said to the Times in 2009, “In short, APA and LPA funds were used to create a new profession.”
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