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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 | 11426 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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Zip Code | |
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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 | 2008 |
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 | 01/21/2009 |
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
Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bills for FY 2009 (S. 3230, no House bill #) -- especially appropriations for Social Security Administration Limitation on Administrative Expenses (SSA-LAE), Medicare, Medicaid, State Childrens Health Insurance Program, National Family Caregiver Support Program, Lifespand Respite Care Act, Families of Children with Disabilities Act of 2008, funding for special education under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), support of 302b and general health funding, cont
and for many disabilities programs funded by the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill.
Defense appropriations bill for FY 2009 - support for multiple sclerosis research under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs at the Department of Defense.
HR 2638 - Continuing Resolution (CR) making appropriations for all agencies and activities that would be covered by the regular fiscal year 2009 appropriations bills. Requested inclusion of additional appropriations for SSA-LAE in order to enable SSA to reduce the tragic backlog in disability determinations as well as funding for many disabilities programs funded by the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill.
HR 1424 -- Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 --Title V. Subtitle B -- Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenicia Helath Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, Section 511, requiring group health plans that provide both (i) medical and surgical benefits and (ii) mental health or substance use disorder benefits to meet certain requirements to provide parity between (i) and (ii).
Support for funding for disability research across all federal agencies.
Support for Independent Budget for Veterans Admininstration.
Possible future legislation to include in the expected second economic stimulus package:
- funding of direct support workers for people with disabilities
- funding for state vocational rehabilitation programs including needed funding for Title I programs under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- funding for new National Computer Center for Social Security Administration to enable major overhaul of antiquated IT building and equipment and increased Limitation on Administrative Expenses (LAE) to enable SSA to reduce the tragic backlog of applications for disability benefits
- funding for programs supporting employment of people with disabilities,
- funding for affordable, accessible housing
- funding for biomedical research
-funding to renovate aging schools and make them accessible to students and staff 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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
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 CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
S. 3212 the Bipartisan Electronic Voting Reform Act (BEVRA) to help assure accessible, reliable and secure voting systems for people with disabilities and provide funds to help develop equipment that meets BEVRA standards.
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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
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 for National Housing Trust Fund created by Housing & Economic Recovery Act of 2008, HR 3221.
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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
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
Health care reform: proposals for major health care reform, including Senator Baucus' white paper Call to Action Health Care Reform 2009 and anticipated legislation for 111th Congress. No bill #'s yet. HR 1424 - Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 - Title V, Subtitle B - Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenicia Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, Section 511 requiring group health plans that provide both (i) medical and surgical benefits and cont
(ii) mental health or substance use disorder benefits to meet certain requirements to provide parity between (i) and (ii).
Medical Device Safety Act of 2008 S 3398
Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 S 3408
Possible future legislation - health care reform to include long term services and supports for people with disabilities and chronic conditions.
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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
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 INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
Social Security - funding for Social Security Admninstration Limitation on Administrative Expenses (SSA-LAE) to enable SSA to reduce the tragic backlog in disability determinations -- Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill for FY 2009 (S. 3230 - no House
bill #) and HR 2683 - Continuing Resolution for FY 2009. Met with senior SSA officials to discuss legislation for expedited Records Review in connection with applications for Social Security disability benefits.
Possible future legislation to help assure that a knowledgeable, experienced pool of representaitives is available to people claiming Social Security disability benefits by making permanent a demonstration project by which the Social Security Admininstration pays fees to attorneys and qualified non-attorney representatives of successful claimants out of retroactive 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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
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
Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act, H 154, S 2101 to end Medicare's 24-month waiting period. Medicare Improvements for Patients & Providers Act of 2008 , HR 6331, and related bills, HR 6252, S 3118, including provisions to fix the physician payment rate, delay Medicare competitive bidding for durable medical equipment and exempt complex rehabilitation from competitive bidding altogether -- because of impacts on people who need wheelchairs and other durable medical equipment. cont.
S. 3327 - to improve the state plan option under Medicaid providing for home & community-based services -- cjamges tje home and community-based services option in the 2005 Deficit Reduction Act to allow more people to access these services.
HR 1845 & S. 6252 - Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Acquisition Reform Act of 2007 regarding competitive bidding for durable medical equiptment.
HR 1809/ S 2103 -- Medicare Independent Living Act -- to reverse Medicare regulations and policies that restrict payment for power mobility devices (wheelchairs) to those needed "in the home" rather than in the community -- such as for going to work, school, grocery shopping, medical appointments, places of worship and to accompany childred to school and activities.
HR 1621/ S 799 - Community Choice Act of 2007 -- to support Medicaid coverage of community based services such as personal care, activities of daily living, etc.
HR 1279 -- Direct Support Professional's Fairness & Security Act -- to support equalization of wages between privately and publicly employed direct support professionals.
Community Living Assistance and Supports, CLASS Act
S. 1758, Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and Tom Harkin (D-IA)
H.R. 3001, Reps. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and John Dingell (D-MI)
Both bills provide for a cash benefit to help obtain services and support. They would establish a national insurance plan to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become severely functionally impaired. Participants would not be required to impoverish themselves in order to qualify for benefits.
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) -- oppose the Rhode Island 1115 Waiver application that would essentially block grant Medicaid to Rhode Island -- which would jeopardize Medicaid services.
Discussions with senior CMS officials about what will be happening with competitive bidding following enactment of HR 6331 that delayed competitive bidding temporarily and exempted complex rehabilitation from competive bidding altogether.
Discussions about possible future legislation in the 111th Congress regarding:
- physician payment rate
- Medicare competitive bidding for durable medical equipment
- make permanent some of the temporary delays/moratoria that were included in HR 6331 and related bills
- seek permanent repeals of Medicaid rules that were delayed by legislation (e.g. enactment of HR 5613)
- increasing the federal share of Medicaid (known as FMAP) including increased FMAP for direct support workers.
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)
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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
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 for Independent Budget for Veterans Administration
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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
Hathaway |
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Others w less than 20% time |
Others 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
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
Anticipated reauthorization of the Worforce Investment Act including the Rehabilitiation Act of 1973.
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 |
Margaret (Peggy) |
Hathaway |
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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
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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 |
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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 |