Walgreen spent $430K on lobbying in Q4

Deerfield, Ill. Walgreen Co. said it spent $430,000 in the fourth quarter as it lobbied the White House and Congress on matters related to the Tricare military health benefits program and other issues.

Walgreen said it lobbied on several proposed bills relating to Tricare, which covers military members and their families. It also lobbied on pathways for generic versions of biotech drugs, reimbursement rates for retail pharmacies and the Employee Free Choice Act, which is intended to make it easier for workers to form unions.

Walgreen also said it lobbied Congress and the U.S. Department of Justice on laws regarding the fencing of stolen goods online.

The company cut back on its lobbying activity, compared with a year earlier; it spent $470,000 lobbying in the fourth quarter 2008.