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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. |
Address2 | |
City | JACKSON HEIGHTS |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11370 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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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 | 2012 |
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 and CEO, United Spinal Association |
Date | 04/19/2012 |
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
Prepared and submitted a comment letter to HHS on behalf of the National Disability Leadership Alliance in response to CMS' Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight's December 16th release of a pre-regulatory bulletin on the defnition of the "essential health benefits" to be included in all policies sold on the insurance exchanges nationwide under ACA. United Spinal raised the following issues: the need for more information on model plans; the need for strong federal oversight to ensure adequacy
of coverage under the various plan options proposed and compliance with the letter of the law; the need to clarify the relationship of essential benefits for insurance exchange plans to Medicaid coverage and access to long-term services and supports and Medicaid buy-in options; the need for further assurance of an acceptable habilitative care definition and benefit and how mental health parity will be met and the need to determine how and on what basis "medical necessity" will be defined.
United Spinal staff also worked closely with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) to prepare the CCDs comments on this guidance. The CCD response recommended the following to HHS; HHS should establish a federal oversight process; HHS should create an Advisory Board: the Secretary should establish a formal public transparent process to review, EHB plans in future years; HHS should develop and enforce safeguards for EHB coverage; HHS should specify what constitutes a plan that is substantially equal to a benchmark plan; HHS should provide a process for states to include their mandates in their EHB plans at federal expense, at least for an initial two-year period; HHS should prohibit benchmark plans from using benefit-specific limitations; insurers should be directed to capture a patients individual functional needs in determining medical necessity; evidence-based medicine or comparative effectiveness research should be applied in a manner that does not lead to inappropriate restrictions in coverage of and access to therapies, treatments, medications, assistive devices and long term services and supports for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses; HHS should define in regulations the term rehabilitation and habilitation services and devices in the EHB package to explicitly include services that maintain as well as improve function; HHS should apply mental health parity in the EHB context to coverage under the mental health, substance use disorder and behavioral health coverage category; HHS should require plans to use medical criteria to make benefit determinations and disclose such criteria to consumers.
United Spinal Association met with CMS Acting Administrator, Marilyn Tavenner to discuss a range of issues including: CMS'
power mobility device demonstration project; the importance of creating a separate benefit for complex rehab technology such as sophisticated, customized mobility devices that can save enormous costs in medical and hospitalization costs due to injuries and lesions experienced with the wrong equipment; the impact of CMS' competitive acquisition program on the SCI/D community on access to durable medical equipment and the ability to service such equipment as the Round One Rebid saw a significant diminution in eligible suppliers nationwide; needing consumer representation from United Spinal President Paul Tobin on any external advisory panel that is created to help CMS seriously examine Medicare's treatment of DME and its impacts on those with significant disabilities; and the faulty rationale for Medicare's restrictive policy on approval of wheelchair and other mobility device use in the home only.
United Spinal, along with other stakeholders, have crafted legislation to create a separate benefit for complex rehab technology (CRT). CRT is used by individuals with disabilities who have medical conditions significantly different from those experienced by the traditional elderly Medicare population. CRT requires a broader range of services and specialized personnel than those required for standard DME. Many of the products require a physician evaluation and CMS has included additional and more rigorous quality standards with which CRT companies must comply.
In March, United Spinal sent letters of support to all members of the House and Senate respectively to encourage sign-on to Dear Colleague letters initiated by Rep . Jim Langevin (D-RI) and Senators Robert Casey (D-PA) and Dick Blumenthal (D-CT), requesting that the Appropriations Committees in each house approve $5 million for the Lifespan Respite Care programs in FY 2013. The letter cautioned that Lifespan Respite Care program is small and therefore vulnerable to being cut without appreciating its value. Yet, the correspondence stated, the program plays a powerful role in helping states to: (1) better coordinate federal, state and local resources; (2) recruit and train respite workers; (3) better train the caregivers themselves; and (4) make more efficient the delivery of both emergency and assigned respite services.
Supported reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. This is the only federal legislation that specifically assists states and other entities to develop and expand service delivery systems, and provide needed advocacy to meet the needs and protect the rights of individuals who have sustained a TBI and their families.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Heather |
Ansley |
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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
United Spinal submitted a statement for the record as part of the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee hearing on Securing the Future of the Social Security Disability Insurance Program. The statement noted that the SSDI program provides vital and much-needed economic security and access to health care for individuals with significant impairments. This income support program is an integral component of our nation's safety net.
Discussed the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 115/S. 490). This legislation increases from 23 to 26 the maximum age of eligibility for certain dependent children of veterans for medical care under CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]).
Urged Congress to leave any needed Social Security reforms out of the deliberations of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. Includes the submission of a letter and report to Congress and the Administration detailing the detrimental impact that adopting the chained CPI would have on veterans.
Endorsed the importance of Social Security for veterans and their families through the booklet, Social Security: Serving Those Who Serve Our Nation.
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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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Heather |
Ansley |
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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 ECN
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal submitted a letter of support for Senator Tom Harkin's leadership in introducing the "Rebuild America Act of 2012"; a comprehensive initiative to restore Americas middle class, protect Social Security and create more jobs, with an emphasis on promoting the rights and independence of Americans living with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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
United Spinal staff participated in drafting a MAPRx Coalition letter to the CMS Administrator commenting on the Draft 2013 Medicare Call Letter regarding proposed changes to the Part D prescription drug program. Specifically, MAPRx comments addressed the following issues: improved beneficiary protections; specialty tier guidance; co-pay thresholds; tier labeling and hierarchy; proposed plan rating criteria; Medicare Therapy Management (MTM) programs; and, drug utilization review controls
under Medicare Part D. The Coalition urged CMS to maintain and strengthen the six protected classes (antineoplastics, immuno-suppressants, anti-retrovirals, anti-convulsants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics) as the HHS Secretary develops and issues new criteria as directed under the Affordable Care Act. It is critical that beneficiaries continue to have access to the full range of therapies within these six classes in order to pursue the optimal management of their conditions.
In late March, United Spinal coordinated advocacy efforts with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) in distributing a letter from the CCD to the U.S. House of Representatives expressing concerns regarding the devastating impacts that House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryans (R-WI) proposed budget would have on Medicaid beneficiaries and calling these outcomes a potential public health crisis of a national scale. Specifically, the Medicaid restructuring proposals within the House Budget for FY 2013 would undermine the integrity of the Medicaid program and would likely result in an increased number of Americans unable to access the care they need. We strongly recommended that lawmakers protect Medicaid from drastic cuts and from other harmful changes to the program, such as block grants.
United Spinal has released a new advocacy tool as a member of the National Disability Ability Leadership Alliance (NDLA)a coalition of 14 leading disability organizationsthat highlights key principles for providing coordinated quality health care in Medicaid managed care programs for people living with significant disabilities. As the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and state Medicaid programs grapple with how best to apply managed care to our higher risk, higher cost population, United Spinal and the NDLA hope this new set of principles will provide utility to payers, as well as to beneficiaries, their advocates and other stakeholders who must be actively involved in all aspects of program development, evaluation, refinement and innovation. Such stakeholder engagement will help to ensure that beneficiaries will continue to receive necessary services and supports while reinforcing their capacity to work and enjoy productive, quality lives in their communities. Among the 16 principles are ones emphasizing patient choice; advancing home- and community-based services and supports, ensuring access to durable medical equipment and assistive technology; maintaining Medicaid buy-in option for low income workers; and supporting family caregivers.
As part of its collaboration with the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), United Spinal developed a set of principles for states to follow in developing and implementing managed care systems that apply to Medicaid long-term services and supports. Draft principles involve the following issues: stakeholder involvement; staged implementation; specificity in contracts; due process and appeals; access to durable medical equipment; strong federal/state oversight; define target pupulations and ensure choice; provider network and specialist accessibility; care coordination and continuity; patient-centered care; making use of community-based disability service networks; the provision of continuous feedback opportunities; quality care management; non-discrimination; and, family/informal caregiver supports.
United Spinal Association joined with several other disability and consumer advocacy groups in endorsing an amicus brief in the case before the U.S. Supreme Court on the issue of the constitutionality of the Medicaid expansion under the health reform legislation.
The amicus brief is designed to not only defend the Affordable Care Act's Medicaid expansion, but also to try to prevent the Supreme Court from doing damage to other federal spending statues, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, most recently reauthorized in the No Child left Behind Act; the federal foster care and child support enforcement programs (Titles IV-E and IV-D of the Social Security Act); the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act; and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act. Other "Spending Clause" enactments include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which prohibit various forms of discrimination (racial, gender, disability) by entities that receive federal funds.
Discussed possible solutions for improving access to Medicaid for military families who have children with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Defense - Dept of (DOD)
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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Heather |
Ansley |
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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
In a March 16 letter, United Spinal Association joined more than 900 other health and disability groups (Coalition for Health Funding) in a letter to the leadership of the Senate and House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittees urging them to recommend the largest possible FY 2013 302(b) allocation without exceeding the discretionary cap established by the Budget Control Act (BCA). The letter the full allowable funding for these domestic programs
will boost the economy and reduce the deficit through through prevention of costly chronic diseases, increased earnings, and reduced expenditures for unemployment and other social service programs.
Urged Congress to provide the highest level of funding possible for the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies FY 2013 appropriation.
Supported The Independent Budget for the VA budget recommendations for VA and related agencies serving veterans for FY 2012 and 2013.
Urged the Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to consider the negative impact of budget reductions on veteran specific and other programs that benefit disabled veterans before enacting cuts.
Discussed the potential impact of the budget proposal of House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (D-1st WI) on programs for veterans and people with disabilities.
Discussed the potential impact of the deficit reduction proposals of Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) on programs that benefit veterans with 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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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Heather |
Ansley |
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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 DEF
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the Caring for Military Kids with Autism Act (H.R. 2288). This legislation requires the autism spectrum disorder treatment authorized for dependents in uniformed services facilities under TRICARE to include behavioral health treatment, including applied behavior analysis, when prescribed by a physician.
Supported the Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act (S. 2179). This legislation would make needed reforms to ensure that veterans and servicemembers receive the full benefit of their DoD and VA educational benefits.
Urged adoption of amendments to the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act regarding tuition assistance disclosures.
Urged removal of a provision in the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act that would remove Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs jurisdiction over TRICARE.
Urged the Department of Defense to delay implementation of an MOU between DoD and educational institutions regarding DoDs Tuition Assistance program.
Urged Congress to eliminate the offset of military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.
Discussed potential amendment to the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act regarding special needs trusts and military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.
Discussed a provision in the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act to fund programs for wounded warriors.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Defense - Dept of (DOD)
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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 EDU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act (S. 2179). This legislation would make needed reforms to ensure that veterans and servicemembers receive the full benefit of their DoD and VA educational benefits.
Urged Congress and the Administration to address the treatment of our nation's veterans by some for-profit educational institutions. This includes amending the 90/10 rule.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Education - Dept of, Defense - Dept of (DOD), Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA)
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
Submitted testimony to the House Veterans Affairs Committee regarding community supports for veterans.
Discussed the Consolidating Veteran Employment Services for Improved Performance Act of 2012 (H.R. 4072). This legislation would consolidate programs currently carried out by DOLs Veterans Employment and Training Service in VA. It would also consolidate the disabled veterans' outreach program specialists and local veterans' employment representatives
into a single provision establishing veteran employment specialists, which shall perform both tasks.
Supported the Military and Veterans Educational Reform Act (S. 2179). This legislation would make needed reforms to ensure that veterans and servicemembers receive the full benefit of their DOD and VA educational benefits.
Supported the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (H.R. 674/Pub. Law 112-56). This legislation includes provisions to increase employment opportunities for veterans and represents a blend of proposals that were included in H.R. 2433 and S. 951.
Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 (S. 1264). This legislation would require VA to provide voter registration applications and assistance in absentee voting for certain veterans.
Urged Congress and the Administration to address the treatment of our nations veterans by some for-profit educational institutions. This includes amending the 90/10 rule.
Supported the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (H.R. 2433). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans receive the training, transition, and placement assistance they need to allow them to gain meaningful employment opportunities.
Supported the Helping Our Homeless Heroes Act (H.R. 2559). This legislation would make improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs that assist homeless veterans and their families.
Supported the CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2011 (H.R. 2671). This legislation would help to track undiagnosed diseases and facilitate collaboration between physicians, researchers, and government agencies by creating a patient registry to be maintained by the National Institutes of Health.
Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 198). This legislation would direct the VA Secretary to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of service dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities. Also discussed Senate companion bill (S. 1838).
Supported H.R. 2074, as amended. The amended legislation includes H.R. 198 and H.R. 1154.
Supported S. 914, as amended. The amended legislation includes S. 769, S. 411, and S. 957.
Discussed the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011 (S. 951) and the need to ensure that there are platforms for the development of internship opportunities for wounded warriors with private employers.
Supported the Helping our Homeless Veterans Act (S. 411/H.R. 1133). This legislation would allow changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure that homeless veterans receive more effective case management services.
Supported the Veterans Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services Improvements Act of 2011 (S. 957). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans with traumatic brain injuries receive the critical rehabilitation services needed to allow them to maximize their independence.
Supported the Housing, Employment, and Living Programs (HELP) for Veterans Act of 2011 (H.R. 117). This legislation includes provisions that would not only reform the VAs Special Home Adaptation grant program to allow veterans who meet the nationally accepted standard of legal blindness to receive assistance with critical home modification, but also increase the amount of grant funding available for this program and the Specially Adapted Housing grant program.
Supported the Andrew Connolly Veterans Housing Act (H.R. 1671). This legislation would extend until December 31, 2016, the authority of the VA Secretary to provide adaptive housing assistance under the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant program to veterans with disabilities who are temporarily residing with family members.
Supported legislation establishing an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 805). This legislation directs the VA Secretary to ensure that an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights is printed on signage in accessible formats and displayed prominently and conspicuously in each VA prosthetics and orthotics clinic. It also requires VA employees who work at such clinics, as well as patient advocates of veterans who receive care there, to receive training on the Bill of Rights and directs the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform veterans about it.
Supported the Veterans Equal Treatment for Service Dogs Act (VETS Dogs Act) (H.R. 1154/S. 769). The VETS Dogs Act states that the VA Secretary may not prohibit the use of service dogs in VA facilities or on VA property.
Discussed the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 115/S. 490). This legislation increases from 23 to 26 the maximum age of eligibility for certain dependent children of veterans for medical care under CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA]).
Urged Congress to expand the extended caregivers program authorized by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (P.L. 111-163) to include all veterans who are eligible for VA health care and meet certain needs-based criteria.
Urged Congress to expand VA home and community-based services for veterans with disabilities.
Urged Congress to increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits and to eliminate the offset of military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.
Urged Congress to provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VAs benefits claims processing backlog.
Urged VA to accept the authority granted to them by states through the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to serve as a voter registration agency.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor - Dept of (DOL), Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA), Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD), 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 |
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Ansley |
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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
Participated in discussions regarding the staff discussion draft of the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization.
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
Supported the reintroduction of the Inclusive Home Design Act. This legislation would require newly constructed single-family houses and townhouses that are built with federal assistance to include a minimum standard of visitability.
Discussed improving accessibility and visitability in Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.
Discussed legislative proposal to provide funding for adaptive housing for veterans.
Supported the Helping our Homeless Veterans Act (S. 411/H.R. 1133). This legislation would allow changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure that homeless veterans receive more effective case management services.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD), Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA)
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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 FOR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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 TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed potential modifications to the Air Carriers Access Act to allow a private right of action.
Discussed the Local Flexibility for Transit Assistance Act (H.R. 3200). This legislation would allow public transportation systems to use some of their federal Urbanized Area Formula Program funds (Section 5307) to pay for operating costs, and provide this
flexibility only to communities that are suffering from sudden spikes in fuel costs or high unemployment.
Supported the National Surface Transportation and Freight Policy Act (Title XII of S. 1950). This legislation would ensure a comprehensive national strategy for breaking gridlock, reducing fatality rates, reducing our dependence on foreign oil, and efficiently moving goods and people while improving access, quality of life, and public health.
Discussed the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) (S. 1813) and the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act (H.R. 7). We support a final bill that will support transit and meet the specific needs of people with 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 |
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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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LOBBYIST UPDATE
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ISSUE UPDATE
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
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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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