Metro East Sun

Lobbyists bought State Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton) 43 meals in 2015, according to an analysis of filings with the Illinois Secretary of State.

Over the past decade, state filings show lobbyists have spent more than $25,000 breaking bread with Haine, who was first elected in 2002.

The average 2015 tab: $40.18. Two meals included his wife, Anna.

Haine’s favorite 2015 Springfield spots: Illini Country Club (16 times) and Augie’s Front Burner (11 times). He was also was treated to meals at state capitol staples the Sangamo Club, Maldaner’s and Saputo’s.

Back in the Metro East, he ate twice at lobbyists' expense at Tony’s Restaurant and once at Princivalli’s Cafe in Alton.

Repeat buyers included health insurers Cigna and Humana, the Illinois Life Insurance Council, and Dorgan & McPike, a lobbying firm led by former State Rep. Jim McPike (D-Alton). Among other clients, it represents Fairmount Park in Collinsville, AT&T, Ameren, the Illinois Hospital Association and SFC, a payday lender.

Haine, who is the chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee, ate and drank on lobbyists' dime nine times in February, seven times in March, four times in April and 12 times in May -- 32 times as the legislature convened in spring 2015. The state Senate was in session a total of 42 days.

In addition to his $67,836 legislative salary, Haine, like all Illinois lawmakers, earns $111 per diem while the Illinois General Assembly is in session, plus 39 cents per mile reimbursement for travel to and from Springfield. For 2015, that would add more than $6,800 to Haine’s salary for a total approaching $75,000.

Haine also currently collects $148,042 in state pension payments for his work as Madison County's state attorney, the Madison/St. Clair Record reported last month.

Lobbyist Spending on Sen. Bill Haine by year

2006 $1,450.95

2007 $1,755.05

2008 $2,020.90

2009 $2,538.54

2010 $2,747.83

2011 $5,512.23

2012 $1,902.06

2013 $2,205,56

2014 $2,669.63

2015 $2,058.28

2016 $555.86 (through March 31)

Total: $25,143.89

2015 Lobbyist Spending on Sen. Bill Haine by day