Since 1989, spending by the education industry to fund election campaigns and lobbying activities has continuously increased. Also of note is the large disproportional level of spendings on campaigning versus lobbying efforts. The chart below tracks spending reported through 2011.
To provide some context to the education industry's influence in campaign financing, the chart below compares its total amount of spending to three other key industries that are consistently the top contributors. "Public sector union industry" includes teachers' unions, while individual donations by school personnels and institutions are included as part of the education industry (see sub-industries).