|
LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 120-34 Queens Blvd., #320 |
Address2 |
|
City | Kew Gardens |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11415 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
|
5. Senate ID# 12994-12
|
||||||||
|
6. House ID# 334210000
|
TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2015 |
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 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
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: Alexandra Bennewith |
Date | 4/17/2015 5:53:54 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 MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supports Ensuring Quality Access to Complex Rehab Technology Act - working to reintroduce House and Senate legislation. HR 1516 was introduced in March. Working on reintroducing Senate legislation. The bill provides separate recognition for customized wheelchairs under Medicare for indiduals with significant disabilities.
Supports Steve Gleason Act, 2015, HR 628 - provides Medicare beneficiary access to eye-tracking accessories for speech genearating devices and removes the rental cap restriction for SGDs.
Supports Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act - HR 773/S.539 - amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to repeal the Medicare outpatient rehabilitation therapy caps.
Supports Patient Access to Disposable Medical Technology Act of 2015/HR 1018 which amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover substitute disposable medical technology, subject it to a special payment rule, and exempt it from competitive acquisition.
Supports HR 729 Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2015 which directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to commence a project to demonstrate and evaluate the fiscal impact of covering low vision devices under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in the same or similar manner as coverage is provided for durable medical equipment under such part.
Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to commence a project to demonstrate and evaluate the fiscal impact of covering low vision devices under part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance) of title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act in the same or similar manner as coverage is provided for durable medical equipment under such part.
Discussed improvements to orthotics and prosthetics rules and essential health benefits regulations.
Discussed support of the Affordable Care Act, definitions of the summary of benefits and coverage for rehabilitation and habilitation services to prescription drug formularies.
Discussed removing competitive acquisition pricing from complex rehab technology accessories.
Support HR 2 - the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 which amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act (SSAct) to: (1) remove sustainable growth rate (SGR) methodology.
Supports Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (S. 2553/HR 4994) - amends title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for standardized post-acute care assessment data for quality, payment, and discharge planning.
Discussion of postponement of consideration of site-neutral payment policy for inpatient rehabilitation hospitals and units (IRFs) and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
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
Support funding the Multiple Sclerosis Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program at $10 million for FY 2016.
Support funding the National Institutes of Health at least at $32 billion in FY2016.
Support the Advancing Research for Neurological DIseases Act of 2015, HR 292 which creates a centralizedd data collection system at the CDC that will track and collect data on the epidemiology of neurological diseases.
Provide recommendations to the SOFTWARE Act which provides healthcare services and information by way of telemedicine.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
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 TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed US DOT's Safer Streets initiative and increased accessibility including the need for accessibility and disability-related data collection; the importance of human services coordinated transportation in rural America; needed regulation for the non-motorized safety performance measures and the Pedestrian Safety Enhancment Act; ADA enforcment; AMTRAK, air travel, technical assistance; and commercial drivers' licenses for people with disabilities.
US Access Board Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee (RVAAC) - discussed the development of consensus recommendations regarding vehicles of fixed guideway systems, inlcuding rapid, light, commmuter, intercity and high speed rail.
United Spinal suppported an amendment to HR 749 - Passenger Rail Reform and Investment Act of 2015.
The amendment requires Amtraks Office of Inspector General to submit a report to the House T&I and Senate Commerce Committees on boarding procedures at the 10 busiest stations for wheelchair users and passengers using or transporting bicycles. Rep. Lipinski mentioned United Spinals support in his floor speech and clarified that the amendment would require the report to include motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs. HR 749 passed with the amendment.
United Spinal supports HR 1448 - Transit Accessibility Innovation act of 2015 (HR 1448). The legislation would create a competitive grant program under the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to encourage transit systems to make public transportation more accessible and user-friendly for individuals with disabilities.
United Spinal provided recommendations on multi-modal accessible transporation appplications that would promote independent living and mobility of travelers with disabilities and improve the travel experience of all users.
United Spinal discussed strategies for creating successful models for building connected communities and measuring the benefits for its citizens.
United Spinal raised questions regarding the accessibility of innovative transportation modes, and the importance of ensuring existing transportation is connecting people with disabilities to their homes, work, schools, and other important destinations.
United Spinal engaged in a discussion with senior National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) staff regarding data collection of pedestrians with disabilities injuries and fatalities, as well as the need to report on wheelchair user injuries and fatalities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 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 |
Carol |
Tyson |
|
|
|
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
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
United Spinal submitted comments to the US Housing and Urban Development agency on proposed rule changes to the Section 811 program under the Frank Melville Supportive Housing Investment Act (Docket No. FR-5576-P-01). Section 811 provides funding to develop and subsidize rental housing with the availability of supportive services for very low- and extremely low-income adults with disabilities.
United Spinal signed on to a Congressional letter urging lawmakers to act quickly to stop unfair budget caps and sequestration from taking effect in the upcoming fiscal year. Sequestration in FY16 would impose additional deep cuts to important NDD programs, including HUD and Rural Housing Service housing programs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD), 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 |
Carol |
Tyson |
|
|
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
The National Disabilities Leadership Alliance Employment Team, co-chaired by United Spinal Association and EINSOF Communications, met with DOLs Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to discuss continued implementation of Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which prohibits discrimination and requires employers with federal contracts or subcontracts that exceed $10,000 to take affirmative action to hire, retain, and promote qualified individuals with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Labor - Dept of (DOL)
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
|
Carol |
Tyson |
|
|
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 CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal provided comments to the White House on 21st Century policing regarding criminal justice and strategies for building improved trust between law enforcemnet and the disability community.
United Spinal signed on to a Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) letter to the President to urge the Administration not to erode the workplace rights afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as it writes policy concerning employer-based wellness programs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
White House Office
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 |
Carol |
Tyson |
|
|
|
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
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
United Spinal signed onto a statement for the record to testimony given to the House Ways and Means Committee, Maintaining the Disability Insurance Trust Funds Solvency in support of budget fixes, called reallocation, to protect the Social Security ensure that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to both current and future beneficiaries, including the 7 in 10 SSDI beneficiaries who are age 50 and older.
United Spinal also signed onto a letter to the Social Security Administration urging for improved oversight of representative payees, those who represent individuals eligible for social security benefits. United Spinal also signed onto a letter to the Senate Committee on Finance, the House Committee on Ways and Means in opposition to proposals to eliminate or reduce concurrent Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits, including the Social Security Disability Insurance and Unemployment Benefits Double Dip Elimination Act of 2015 (S. 499; H.R. 918) and the Reducing Overlapping Payments Act of 2015 (S. 343).
United Spinal signed onto comments to the Social Security Administration regarding the improved monitoring of representative payees. The Social Security Administration's Representative Payment Program provides financial management for Social Security payments of beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their own payments.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
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
Address |
|
||||||
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
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
|
|
||||||||
1 |
|
3 |
|
||||||
2 |
|
4 |
|
ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
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 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
% |
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 |