Calif. groups spent record amount lobbying SACRAMENTO, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- State disclosures indicate businesses, unions and interest groups spent a record $285 billion lobbying the California government in 2011. The California Teachers Association spent $6.5 million last year, the most out of any group, as schools battled potential funding cuts. The second-biggest spender was the California State Council of Service Employees, spending a total of $4.7 million. The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday other groups among the Top 10 spenders include the Western States Petroleum Association, AT&T, Kaiser Health Plan Inc. and Chevron.