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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 222 S. Riverside Plaza |
Address2 | Suite 1500 |
City | Chicago |
State | IL |
Zip Code | 60606 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 400348610-12
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6. House ID# 403510000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2021 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
Signature | Digitally Signed By: Paul Melmeyer |
Date | 4/19/2021 4:10:01 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Health care issues affecting individuals with neuromuscular disease including therapy development, newborn screening, screening and diagnosis, adequate insurance coverage, and access to care.
Advocated for funding for the FDA Orphan Products Grants Program.
Advocated for the passage of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act, H.R. 482 / S. 350, to encourage investment in the national newborn screening program in order to detect more neuromuscular conditions early to speed appropriate interventions for patients.
Advocated for robust funding of the national newborn screening program.
Advocated for increased funding for National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Health Resources and Services Administration, and other health agencies that conduct research on neuromuscular disease and provide services to those with these conditions.
Advocated for adequate, affordable, accessible health coverage for individuals with neuromuscular conditions.
Advocated for maintaining strong incentives for rare disease drug development included within the Orphan Drug Act (PL 97-414)
Advocated for reintroduction of the ACT for ALS Act.
Advocated for access to healthcare via telemedicine/telehealth throughout and after the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Advocated for equitable access to the COVID-19 vaccines for the neuromuscular disease community.
Advocated for a variety of items to included within the American Rescue Plan Act (H.R.1319) including Medicaid coverage provisions, marketplace affordability and access provisions, COBRA modifications, and public health provisions pertaining to access to care, treatment, and vaccines.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AVI
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for the passage of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (S.642, H.R.1893)
Advocated for further air travel access improvements for individuals with disabilities through regulation by FAA and DoT.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for robust funding for the Newborn Screening programs at the CDC, NIH, and HRSA
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated in favor of robust appropriations funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the Health Resources and Services Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for adequate, affordable, accessible health coverage for individuals with neuromuscular conditions. Cited opposition to the expansion of Section 1115 demonstration waivers that would create substantial barriers to care for patients and families who enroll in Medicaid.
Supported enhancements to Medicaid coverage as part of the American Recovery Plan (H.R.1319)
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for adequate, affordable, accessible health coverage for individuals with neuromuscular conditions.
Advocated for further health insurance marketplace financial and COBRA enhancements as part of the American Recovery Plan.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for enhanced COBRA benefits for individuals who have lost their job but are seeking insurance.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code PHA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for provisions that enable ongoing access to necessary medications and treatments for neuromuscular disease patients throughout theCOVID-19 pandemic.
Advocated for the reintroduction of the ACT for ALS, legislation that should accelerate development of treatments for individuals with ALS and other neuromuscular diseases.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for passage of measures that would provide financial assistance to nonprofits providing essential healthcare services to the neuromuscular disease community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Brittany |
Hernandez |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
HCR |
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
1 | 3 | 5 |
2 | 4 | 6 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |