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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 |
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City | Kew Gardens |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11415 |
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 | 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 |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
Signature | Digitally Signed By: Alexandra Bennewith |
Date | 1/20/2016 5:00:56 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support H.R. 292/S. 849 - Advancing Research for Neurological Diseases Act of 2015
Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; and (2) incorporate information obtained through those activities into a National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System. Requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that the System facilitates further research on neurological diseases.
Support HR 1969 Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act. This bill expands eligibility for the family caregiver program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to include members of the Armed Forces or veterans who are seriously injured or who became ill on active duty prior to September 11, 2001.
United Spinal submitted RFI comments as a member of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition as well as independently: "Inviting Comments and Suggestions on the Priorities specified for the NIH-wide Rehabilitation Research Plan".
Support Lifespan Respite Reauthorization Act , HR 3913 and the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act (S. 1085 & HR 1969 - includes provisions to reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care Program.
Support S. 2141 - Transparent Ratings on Usability and Security to Transform Information Technology (TRUST IT) Act of 2015 - To amend the Public Health Service Act with respect to health information technology.
Advocate for repeal of medical device tax.
Submitted a comment letter to the FDA regarding the announcement of the establishment of their Patient Engagement Advisory Committee and stated our availability to help the FDA regarding patient preference information, benefit-risk determinations and clinical trial or registry design.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Ross |
Meglathery |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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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 in support of HR 353-Veterans Access to Hearing Health Act. This bill is designed to amend title 38, United States Code, to include licensed hearing aid specialists as eligible for appointment in the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.
Wrote a letter of support for HR 3970, Housing our Heroes Act that would provide funding for a test program designed to renovate abandoned property to provide housing for veterans
Liaised with numerous Congressional offices to inform them of the need to support H.R. 3229/S.2196 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the non-application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories.
Support HR 3471 Veterans Mobility Safety Act- this bill is to amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements in the provision of automobiles and adaptive equipment by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Support S.1203 This is a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to improve the furnishing of health care to veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to improve the processing by the Department of claims for disability compensation, and for other purposes.
Support S. 1021 Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act- A bill to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to award grants to establish, or expand upon, master's degree programs in orthotics and prosthetics, and for other purposes.
S. 1022 Wounded Warrior Research Enhancement Act- This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to award research grants for: actions that can be taken to prevent amputation of limbs, the most effective point for orthotic and prosthetic intervention during patient treatment, orthotic interventions that are most effective in treating the physical effects of traumatic brain injury, patients that benefit most from particular orthotic and prosthetic technologies, orthotic and prosthetic services that best facilitate the return to active duty of members of the Armed Forces, and the effect of aging on the use of prosthetics.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Ross |
Meglathery |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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
Signed onto a letter to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) in support of DoDs Tuition Assistance Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the University of Phoenix.
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)
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 |
Ross |
Meglathery |
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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 accessibility and compliance issues with AMTRAK Government Affairs.
Discussed and submitted comments to Department of Transportation on equity and accessibility issues.
Opposed restrictive provisions in the House 2015 Coast Guard Reauthorization, H.R 1987 rolling back survival craft requirements.
Submitted letter to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee regarding the need for adequate provisions in the final surface transportation bill to ensure the safety of motorized and non-motorized users and support complete streets principles.
Discussed with DOT the development of training modules to improve the air travel environment for passengers with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), 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 |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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
Support the TIME Act, Transitioning to Integrated and Meaningful Employment Act, H.R. 188, introduced by Rep. Gregg Harper, R-MS) which phases out special wage certificates under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 under which individuals with disabilities may be employed at subminimum wage rates.
United Spinal signed onto a letter to the Social Security Administration educating the agency on reasonable accommodation requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
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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
United Spinal Association signed onto a letter, facilitated by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, to Department of Housing and Urban Development, out of concern that public housing authorities (PHAs) and other rental assistance program administrators are interpreting national HUD policy to be that all distributions from special needs trusts are income for HUD rental assistance programs. The letter stated that HUD rules, in light of special needs trust law and policy, require that distributions from special needs trusts not be counted as income.
Support H.R. 3975, the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act - The bill would authorize a veteran first-time homebuyers tax credit equal to 10 percent of the purchase price of the residence and an adaptive housing credit of up to $8,000 for veterans to address structural and other changes to their home to accommodate their disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD), 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 |
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Ross |
Meglathery |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
Submitted comments to CMS requiring better clarification of resident rights and person-centered planning needs.
United Spinal signed onto a letter of support for the nomination of Henry Claypool to serve as a Commissioner on the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC).
United Spinal signed onto a letter of support to CMS regarding Section 1557 and nondiscrimination towards people with disabilities in health programs and activities including the ACA regarding the enrollment of people with disabilities and the availability of plans and services for the disability community.
Transition to Independence Act (S. 1604)
United Spinal Association supports the Transition to Independence Act (S. 1604), introduced by Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) and signed onto a Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities letter. This bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration program over five fiscal years, beginning with FY2017, under which a Medicaid Buy-In-State program meeting certain criteria may receive bonus payments for: meeting specific measurable benchmarks in expanding individual integrated employment and reducing subminimum wage work, congregate setting work, or facility-based day habilitation placements for working-age individuals with a disability receiving Medicaid-funded home or community-based services; and taking other actions conducive to expanding employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities within the state.
United Spinal signed onto a letter to CMS in support of protecting and improving access to electronic health records - Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Electronic Health Record Incentive Program.
Support H.R. 3229/S. 2196 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2015
Amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover, as medical and other health services, complex rehabilitation technology (CRT) items designed or individually configured for a specific qualified individual to meet that individual's unique: (1) medical, physical, or functional needs related to a medical condition; and (2) capacities for basic activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental ADLs.
Support H.R. 1516/S. 1013 - This bill amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to prohibit the application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative wheelchairs and accessories. (A competitive bidding program has replaced the use of established fee schedule amounts to determine payments under Medicare for certain durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs.)
Support S. 2425 - Patient Acsess and Medicare Protection Act - A bill to amend titles XVIII and XIX of the Social Security Act to improve payments for complex rehabilitation technology and certain radiation therapy services, to ensure flexibility in applying the hardship exception for meaningful use for the 2015 EHR reporting period for 2017 payment adjustments, and for other purposes.
Discussed with CMS, ACL and GAO concerns as it relates to access to durable medical equipment and accessories under Medicare's competitive acquisition program.
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), Government Accountability Office (GAO)
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 |
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Ross |
Meglathery |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
United Spinal signed onto comments, organized by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, in response to the Administration for Community Living (ACL) proposed guidelines for adult protective services (APS) procedures. The guidelines attempted to make APS programs more effective at pursuing cases of abuse and neglect on aging individuals and people with disabilities. The comments urged ACL to ensure: the individual is the center of the decision-making process; communication supports are provided; caseworkers come from diverse academic backgrounds; state protection & advocacy agencies and developmental disability councils are engaged; conflict of interest cases include cases involving friends, family and associates of staff members; and the ADA is respected.
Discussed issues related to consumer-directed care, chronic illness and assisted suicide issues with ACL as they relate to people with disabilities.
Discussed accessibility options and responsibilities with AMTRAK and Union Station officials.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation
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 |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
Signed onto letter to President Obama urging the notice of proposed rulemaking for revising the Title III regulations of the ADA to be released.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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 DOC
16. Specific lobbying issues
DC Olmstead Working Group
United Spinal participated in a District of Columbia inter-agency and stakeholder meeting to discuss the compilation of the DC Olmstead 2016 and future transition plans. The transition plan lays out the requirements of the District to ensure that residents with disabilities are able to live in the most integrated setting if they choose. The plan provides an overview of the Districts current HCBS, performance measures, and work to be done in key areas, including: housing, access to healthcare, education and transportation. United Spinal provided follow-up comments for the draft plan.
United Spinal met with DDOT staff to discuss adopting accessibility as a priority within the agency. United Spinal shared the WMATA Call to Action, and the DCTC Accessibility Advisory Committee report. Discussion included the need for increased accessible taxis and other demand responsive transportation, accessible bikeshare, and bus stops. DDOT and United Spinal discussed collaborating to establish a working group to advise DDOT including local disability advocates.
United Spinal provided additional comments on the virtual training module for DC taxi drivers. The training focuses on disability etiquette and the legal requirements, both federal and local, for taxi drivers to ensure accessible service.
United Spinal met with the DCTC ADA Coordinator to discuss progress of accessible taxi and Transport DC efforts, as well as challenges to address.
United Spinal organized and facilitated a meeting of the DCTC Accessibility Advisory Committee and annual report subcommittee. The Committee submitted an update of its third annual report. The report was submitted to the Taxi Commission, Mayor and councilmembers. The committee recommends, first and foremost, requiring Uber et al to provide accessible service.
United Spinal testified at a DCTC Public Meeting, supporting fines for both taxis and transportation network companies that discriminate, and expansion of the Transport DC program. United Spinal expressed concern over Transport DC language that stated trips would be based on MetroAccess approved locations, rather than all locations within the District. United Spinal also expressed disappointment and concern regarding proposed changes to rules allowing wheelchair accessible taxis to be on the road longer as an incentive.
United Spinal participated in a Review Panel for the DCTC Transport DC expansion grant. The grant provides funds for DC taxi companies to participate in and provide service for Transport DC.
United Spinal, along with local advocates, met with the DC Council Transportation Committees staff to discuss progress of accessible taxi and Transport DC efforts, as well as challenges to address.
United Spinal presented, along with a local advocate, at a meeting with staff of the National Rehabilitation Hospital. United Spinal presented on local accessible transportation efforts and requested support to increase accessible transportation in the District.
United Spinal met with a representative of Together International to discuss a future campaign to highlight the lack of accessible service provided by Uber.
United Spinal organized and facilitated a meeting of the DCTC Accessibility Advisory Committee and annual report subcommittee. The Committee has submitted an update of its third annual report. The report was submitted to the Taxi Commission, Mayor and councilmembers. The committee recommends, first and foremost, requiring Uber et al to provide accessible service.
United Spinal participated in a meeting of DC Red Top Meter Program Stakeholders. The DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) presented at the meeting on the status of the Red Top Meter parking program, as well as plans to issue proposed rulemaking to implement the program. Meeting participants provided feedback on current plans. United Spinal advocated for a list on the DDOT website of accessible parking garages and reserved van accessible parking spaces.
Action: United Spinal will introduce DDOT staff to the DC Chapter so that local advocates may continue to provide feedback on the program going forward.
Bicycle/Pedestrian (bike/ped) Safety Legislation Testimony
United Spinal testified in support of a DC Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety bill (B21-0335) and a Vision Zero bill (B21-0383) introduced by the DC Mayor. The Safety bill was based on recommendations made by a working group convened by the DC Council Transportation Committee in which United Spinal participated. The working group is comprised of bike/ped safety advocates, DC agencies including the DC police department, and department of motor vehicles, as well as the taxi commission and Uber.
United Spinal supported the Bicycle Safety Act and recommended that: age, race and disability demographic crash data be collected; that DDOT and the police department collect and publish whether vehicles involved are public or used for commercial purposes; the complete streets policy reference the latest US Access Board public rights of way guidelines; safety education in schools reaches students with disabilities; the proposed training program for public and private vehicles for hire remain in the legislation; people with disabilities be included in a Major Crash Review Task Force. United Spinal also expressed concern that law enforcement penalties and high fines may fall disproportionately on people with low incomes, or people of color.
United Spinal testified at a DC Council hearing regarding the Transportation Reorganization Act of 2015. United Spinal had submitted testimony for an earlier draft of the bill in 2014. United Spinal thanked the Council for the inclusion of a multimodal accessibility advisory council and for requiring DDOT to prioritize the transportation access needs of people with disabilities and underserved populations. United Spinal also urged the Council to consider prioritizing the provision of accessible bikeshare,
equity performance reviews, the collection of private vehicle for hire data, and regulation of private vehicles for hire (aka transportation network companies).
United Spinal organized a sign-on letter sent to the DC mayor that expressed concerns regarding rumors of cuts to the accessible taxi program. The letter requested a meeting with the Mayor.
United Spinal organized and facilitated working group meetings of the DCTC Accessibility Advisory Committee. The Committee has submitted an update of its third annual report. The report was submitted to the Taxi Commission, Mayor and councilmembers. The committee recommends, first and foremost, requiring Uber et al. to provide accessible service.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
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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
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
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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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