Casey Seiler is reporting at Capitol Confidential a new report from the state Joint Commission on Public Ethics reveals that lobbying spending in 2014 increased approximately 8 percent over 2013. A total of $226 million was expended and more than $194 million in compensation was paid to lobbyists. Education groups topped the list for 2014. The pro-charter group Families for Excellent Schools came in at No. 1 with nearly $10 million spent on advertising and event-related expenses. The group organized a massive rally in East Capitol Park during last year’s budget negotiation, and staged another one last month. The New York State United Teachers union with $3.2 million in lobbying expenditures came in second. Other top spenders included the Greater New York Hospital Association, the No More Casinos Coalition, the United Federation of Teachers and the Trial Lawyers Association. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.