Lobbyists pick up the tab for legislators' meals and trips Lobbyists pick up the tab.
The gifts often leave Virginia lawmakers with mixed emotions. Although the presents represent a nice benefit for service to the state, legislators must wrestle with the appearance that special interests are buying favors at the Capitol. B efore the session begins, each legislator must file a Statement of Economic Interests, disclosing income sources, stock holdings and gifts. Not all 140 legislators share in the bounty. Ten legislators said they did not receive any gifts last year.