If you are working on a campaign to bring about policy changes, or advocating for a specific piece of legislation, it is essential that you know who else is lobbying on the issue, how much they are spending, and which individuals and firms are doing the work. But even if you are working on other types of campaigns—such as organizing campaigns that focus on a single industry or sector—these records can be helpful. Understanding how a company or industry trade association spends its lobbying dollars can give you insight into how these businesses work. For example, businesses in a certain sector might rely on a certain tax credit, or worry about the effects of a certain regulation, or benefit from a specific federal or state appropriation. Here’s how to figure it out.