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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 75-20 ASTORIA BLVD. |
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City | JACKSON HEIGHTS |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11426 |
Country | USA |
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5. Senate ID# 12994-12
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6. House ID# 334210000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2009 |
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 | |
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 Tobin, President & CEO, United Spinal Association |
Date | 07/20/2009 |
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
See next page
BUDGET & APPROPRIATIONS
Budget for FY 2010 HCR 85 and SCR 13
Appropriations for FY 2010 (no bill # yet) including
Labor-Health & Human Services- Education & Related Agencies, including funds committed to comprehensive health care reform and the related goals of reducing costs, improving quality and expanding coverage for all Americans including the 46 million Americans who lack health insurance; increased funds for Social Security Administration Limitation on Administrative Expenses (SSA-LAE) ( For details and recommendations, see 3-24-09 testimony of United Spinal Associations Vice President for Public Policy on behalf of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) at http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=view&id=7618); Medicare including but not limited to repeal of arbitrary outpatient therapy caps; Medicaid; State Childrens Health Insurance Program; special education under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), vocational rehabilitation, family support and maternal and child health. support of 302b and general health funding; funds for Lifespan Respite Care Act; Funds for the core missions and activities of the major federal public health agencies including discretionary budget allocation for NIH, CDC, HRSA, FFS and other public health service agencies, including Biomedical and Behavioral Research: Maintaining a vigorous portfolio of investigator-initiated basic research and pivotal translational and clinical studies to address the myriad health challenges that confront the American people and to develop a stable pool of talented new investigators whose ideas and fresh perspectives are vital to invigorating the research enterprise; Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Improving community-based prevention and early intervention activities that address costly chronic diseases, infectious diseases, including those that are becoming increasingly drug-resistant, strengthening public health capacity and ensuring those with disabilities reach their highest potential in function and health; Access to Safety Net Health Care Services: Assuring access to basic and targeted health care services for the rapidly growing numbers of Americans who lack health insurance as recession-related unemployment increases; Health Professions Education: Assuring that there is a well-trained, diverse health and public health workforce to serve as the foundation for the nations health care system; Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Assuring access to needed mental health and substance abuse services for hundreds of thousands who must wait months for care, including Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; reducing the 15-20 year lag from bench to bedside of promising new treatments; Health Services Research: Building the evidence needed to ensure patients get the right care at the right time, every time; providing decision makers with information that will help control unsustainable costs; Health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives: Reversing current health disparities for this population that now suffers a life expectancy that is four years lower than the general population; Food and Drug Safety: Assuring the nation has a safe food supply and a safe and effective supply of drugs and medical devices. Funds for state Vocational Rehabilitation programs, Centers for Independent Living, and many other programs.
Veterans Affairs funding for the level for VA medical care as championed by the Independent Budget (a detailed budget developed annually by several veterans organizations) including funds to research and treat mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury; assurance that the VA will not bill private health insurers for treatment of health problems related to military service; VA health care funding reform including advanced appropriations and mandatory funding; one unified lifetime electronic health record for members of our armed services that will contain their administrative and medical information; increased funding for VA homeless veterans programs; funds for Medical and Prosthetic Research Program and to bring VA research facilities into the 21st century.
Defense: funds to conduct multiple sclerosis (MS) research under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) of the Department of Defense (DOD). Matthew Shepherd Hates Crimes Prevention Act Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA), S. 909, HR 1913, added to S. 1390 the 2010 Department of Defense Authorization bill. Gives greater tools to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victims disability, whether real or perceived, and authorizes funding for states to help with prosecution of hate crimes.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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 HOU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act of 2009, HR 1675, to make significant changes and improvements to the Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program and authorize a demonstration program that fulfills the promise of true community integration as envisioned by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Support the Inclusive Home Design Act, HR 2353, to advance housing accessibility by filling in gaps of Fair Housing Act & Sec 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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 IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated that any substantial increase in mandatory use of e-Verify (for employers to verify legal status of employees) be enacted only if sufficient funds are made available for the Social Security Administration to handle the resulting increase in administrative tasks.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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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
Funding for Social Security administrative expenses (SSA-LAE) to enable the Social Security Administration (SSA) to reduce the tragic backlog in disability determinations. Contact with both House and Senate and with covered executive branch officials of SSA to discuss a number of policy positions including privacy rights and other issues in processing disability applications (including SSA proposal for expedited record review); necessity for increased program integrity activities; electronic disability folders; cont
expanding internet access for those representing claimants for disability benefits; use of video hearings; increased time for hearing notice; new screening initiatives including Quick Disability determinations and Compassionate Allowances; improved development of evidence earlier in the application and appeals processes; because it helps claimants to be well represented in the complex appeals and hearing process increasing and indexing the fee cap for representatives (HR 1093) and extending or making permanent the demonstrations for (i) voluntary Title II attorney fee withholding and direct payment procedures to Title XVI and (ii) allowing non-attorney representatives to qualify for fee withholding and direct payment provided that they meet certain requirements; evaluation of the effectiveness of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA) and extension of expired/expiring provisions; and the necessity for better processing of reported earnings and prompt adjustment of monthly benefits in order to minimize the serious problems created by overpayments to beneficiaries.
Community Living Assistance and Supports Act (CLASS Act) to create a national insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide services to assist people with activities of daily living in order to stay in their homes and communities if they become disabled. People would not be required to qualify for Medicaid or go into a nursing home or other institution in order to receive benefits.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA)
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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
Stem Cell Research Improvement Act of 2009 allows for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research provided that certain ethical requirements are met (HR 873 and S 487).
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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 HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
See next page
Support comprehensive health care reform and the related goals of reducing costs, improving quality and expanding health care coverage for Americans with disabilities and all Americans (including those who lack health insurance). We hope that comprehensive health care reform will:
Provide for home and community-based services and supports for people with disabilities and chronic conditions such as Community Living Assistance and Supports (CLASS) Act* and the Community Choice Act.*
Provide for comparative effectiveness research and using the resulting information in a way that respects that what works for many people will not work for all;
Provide for prevention and wellness including
--Developing standards for accessible medical equipment;
--Authorizing funds to establish a Prevention and Public Health Investment Fund;
--Providing for community Transformation Grants that include focus on the needs of people with disabilities;
-- Including disability status within data collection on health disparities;
-- Proving training programs for primary care providers and dentistry on how to treat individuals with disabilities;
Provide for health coverage that adequately meets the needs of people with disabilities and chronic conditions including
-- Covering durable medical equipment, prosthetics and orthotics (DMEPOS) including but not limited to power wheelchairs -- that meet the individual needs of people with disabilities and chronic conditions, enable them to be as independent as possible, to live in their homes and participate in their communities, and enable them to be employed without fear of losing health care/services and supports they need. This includes retaining the first month purchase option for people who have permanent or long-term need for power wheelchairs and including DMEPOS as covered in essential health insurance benefits.
Provide for insurance market reforms, such as those included in the Senates Affordable Health Choices Act and the Houses Americas Affordable Health Choices Act that could greatly improve the lives of people with disabilities and chronic conditions by allowing increased access to health care, such as:
--Requiring health insurers to provide the same coverage, charge the same premiums and renew policies to people no matter what their disability or other pre-existing or newly acquired conditions. Currently, unless they have employer-sponsored plans, people with disabilities are often denied coverage altogether, the policies exclude needed services or the premiums are way too costly.
--Prohibiting lifetime caps on coverage. Currently many insurance companies have a lifetime benefit of $1 million. People with serious injuries or conditions often quickly exceed this cap due to lengthy hospital stays or extensive rehabilitation
-- Requiring health insurance to cover rehabilitation and habilitative services.
*Pursued both independently and as part of health care reform:
CLASS Act* -- S. 697/H.R. 1721 included in the Senates Affordable Health Choices Act. Support legislation to establish a voluntary payroll deduction insurance plan so that people with disabilities will be able to pay for assistance with activities of daily living. This would enable them to remain in their homes and off of the Medicaid program. CBO estimates that the CLASS Act will bring billions into the federal treasury and save Medicaid $2.5 billion in the first 10 years alone.
Community Choice Act* (S. 683/H.R. 1670). Support legislation to make services in the home and community the norm under Medicaid - enabling people to stay in their homes and remain part of their communities rather than having to go into nursing homes or other institutions to receive needed services.
End Medicares 24-month waiting period* - S 700/HR 1708. Support legislation to end the waiting period for Medicare for people who qualify for Title II Social Security disability benefits and people with life-threatening conditions.
Comparative Effectiveness Research HR 2502/S 1213* Support legislation to create non-government independent entities to study the comparative effectiveness of treatments in health care.
HR 1346/S 540 * Support legislation to prohibit immunity from state laws for companies that have products that are approved medical devices but that cause harm.
Mental Illness Chronic Care Improvement (MICCI) Act, S 1136* Support legislation to facilitate access to needed medical services.
Amend the Medicare Savings Programs and the Low Income Subsidy* to align, simplify and increase income eligibility, eliminate or substantially increase asset limits, stabilize the programs and make administrative simplifications.
Supported H.R.2575 to provide parity under group health plans and group health insurance coverage in the provision of benefits for prosthetic devices and orthotics devices, components and benefits for other medical and surgical services.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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
Urged President Obama, Secretaries Hilda Solis (Department of Labor), Arne Duncan (Department of Education) and Kathleen Sibelius (Department of Health & Human Services), other senior White House advisors and House and Senate leaders to take a number of affirmative steps to raise expectations of people with disabilities, families and employers with regard to employment of people with disabilities and to move people with disabilities out of poverty and into economically sustaining work.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Education - Dept of, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Labor - Dept of (DOL), Executive Office of the President (EOP)
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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
Supported S 700/HR 1708 to end the waiting period for Medicare for people who qualify for Title II Social Security disability benefits and people with life-threatening conditions. See additional page
Advocated for reintroduction of legislation to reverse the CMS rule that Medicare will pay for wheelchairs only as needed in the home rather than as needed for the individual to go to medical appointments, go to the pharmacy and grocery store, attend worship services, accompany children to school and other activities, vote and otherwise be independent and participate in the community.
Supported HR 2390, the Guidance, Understanding and Information for Dual Eligibles (GUIDE) Act to provide one-on-one counseling to people with cognitive impairments navigate and protect their rights with regard to the confusing Part D Prescription Drug Benefit Program authorized under the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003.
Commented on draft CMS Medicare Part D Transition letter --- intended to clearly inform Medicare beneficiaries of the transition process and their rights when the prescription medications prescribed by their physician are not covered by their plan.
Urged HHS Secretary Sibelius to exempt wheelchair seating cushions from the CMS Competitive Acquisition program for Durable Medical Equipment Prosthetics and Supplies (DMEPOS) commonly known as "DME competitive bidding."
Urged CMS to reinstate Orthotic Codes L2860 and L3890 for certain custom orthotic components used by children and adults with disabling orthotic impairments. Their deletion effective January 1, 2009 especially affects people whose health care payer is Medicaid or private insurance.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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 LAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support Matthew Shepherd Hate Crimes Prevention Act (HCPA), S. 909, HR 1913, added to S. 1390 the 2010 Department of Defense Authorization bill. Gives greater tools to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victims disability, whether real or perceived, and authorizes funding for states to help with prosecution of hate crimes. see next page
Support Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Reauthorization Act of 2009 (S. 678) which makes significant strides in meeting the needs of the many youth in the juvenile justice system who have mental health and substance abuse needs.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Andrew |
Morris |
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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 VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support The Combat PTSD Act of 2009, HR 952 - to require the VA to recognize that documented military service in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (OIF and OEF) will be presumed to have exposed the veteran to sufficient psychological stressors to support a diagnosis of PTSD. see next page
Support the Family Caregiver Act of 2009, S. 801 to facilitate support for the proliferation of family caregivers for severely disabled veterans whether or not the veteran participated in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom (OIF and OEF).
Support HR 2059 to allow military survivor benefit plans to provide for payments to special needs trusts for dependents of a deceased service member. Existing law allows only payments to a natural person, but this is the way service members need to designate payments to a special needs trust for a loved one who has disabilities.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
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Other w less than 20% time |
Other w less than 20% time |
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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.
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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
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
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FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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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
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