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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 | 2013 |
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 | 04/19/2013 |
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
Advocate against Medicaid cuts and in support of home and community-based services.
Support and promote HR 942 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013. This legislation creates a separate benefit for complex rehab technoogy under Medicare for individuals with significant disabilities and functional limitations.
Raised our concerns with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Government Accountability Office, the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate regarding CMS' competitive acquisition program for DMEPOS. Under this program, providers are too far from the homes of beneficiaries and consumers have difficulty funding suppliers to repair their wheelchairs.
Support/advocate for nomination of Marilyn Tavenner as CMS Administrator.
Support the Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2013 (HR 713/S 367). The bill would repeal the arbitrary Medicare Part B outpatient therapy caps now affecting an estimated 640,000 Medicare beneficiaries being denied access to needed services.
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
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Government Accountability Office (GAO), 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
Advocating against Chained Consumer Price Index which would change the Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) to a lower index for beneficiaries resulting in lower COLAs for beneficiaries.
HR 8 - American Taxpayer Relief Act - advocated to have consumer representation on the Commission on Long-Term Care
(Sec 643, HR 8), namely Paul J. Tobin, President and CEO of United Spinal Association.
Supported the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act (H.R. 288/S. 325). 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]).
Supported an amendment to the Senates FY 2014 Budget Resolution that would prohibit using the chained CPI to determine the COLA for veterans and Social Security benefits.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, 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 |
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 LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support nomination of Chai R. Feldblum for a second term on the Equal Employment Commission.
Oppose HR 803 - Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act since the legislation does not adequately address the chronically low labor force participation rate of people with disabilities.
Support the nomination of Tom Perez to be Secretary of Labor.
Support the reappointment of Kathy Martinez to her current position within the Department of Labor as Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy.
Discussed efforts to ensure that disabled veterans have information regarding disability rights and protections in seeking employment and education opportunities.
Discussed and supported elimination of subminimum wage for people with disabilities that is authorized by section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
White House Office, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
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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 HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocate for Congress to continue its investment in innovative medical research at the National Institutes of Health that can help prevent, treat and cure diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
Advocate for Congress to preserve funding for multiple sclerosis research funding in the Congressionally Directed Medical
Research Programs.
Promote the support of the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus and the Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week Resolution each year.
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 |
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 CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Promote the support of the Congressional Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus.
Discussed with DOJ Civil Rights Division a multitude of issues related to the ability of people with disabilities to fully integrate into their communities, including access to voting.
Opposed the ADA Compliance for Customer Entry to Stores and Services (ACCESS) Act (H.R. 994).
Opposed the Pool Safety and Accessibility for Everyone (Pool SAFE) Act (H.R. 203).
Opposed the ADA Notification Act (H.R. 777).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Justice - Dept of (DOJ),
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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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 HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
We support Congress' continued investment in innovative medical research at the National Institutes of Health that can help prevent, treat and cure diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
We support the preservation of funding for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs for novel multiple sclerosis
research.
We urge Congress to continue to pay attention to multiple sclerosis-related issues with the Congressional Multiple Sclerosis Caucus and continue to recognize Multiple Sclerosis Awarenees Week every March.
Support an adequately resources Food and Drug Administration through Congressional approproiations regarding the availability of drugs and devices for individuals living with multiple sclerosis and other 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 |
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 TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act which would provide tax credits for first time veteran homebuyers and for housing adaptations.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 FIR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the need to ensure that efforts to address mental health needs as part of gun control do not create barriers for or discriminate against people with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
White House Office, 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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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 DEF
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported H.R. 164 which would permit former members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported The Independent Budget for the VA budget recommendations for VA and related agencies serving veterans for FY 2014.
Supported an amendment to the Senates FY 2014 Budget Resolution that would prohibit using the chained CPI to determine the COLA for veterans and Social Security benefits.
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 VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the Servicemembers Choice in Transition Act of 2013 (H.R. 631) and recommended an amendment that would ensure inclusion of information about disability related protections for disabled veterans seeking employment and/or education opportunities.
Discussed reforming the VAs claims process to ensure that it is veteran-centered.
Urged VA to expedite housing adaptations available for disabled veterans with ALS and other terminal illnesses under chapter 21 of title 38, USC.
Supported the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013 (H.R. 958). This legislation includes greater assistance through VA for veterans who have infertility issues related to their military service.
Discussed with advocates a legislative proposal to expand the approved uses of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Discussed access to VA mental health services with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration.
Discussed the VetSuccess Enhancement Act (H.R. 844). This legislation would extend from 12 to 17 years the authorized period for an eligible veteran to receive vocational training and rehabilitation from VA.
Discussed H.R. 894 which would reform VAs fiduciary program.
Discussed the Reducing Barriers to Veterans Benefits Act (H.R. 369).
Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act that would direct the VA Secretary to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in VA health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address.
Discussed the long-term care benefits available to birth children of Korean and Vietnam conflict veterans who have spina bifida.
Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 183). 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.
Supported the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act (H.R. 288/S. 325). 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 provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VAs benefits claims processing backlog.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA), 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 |
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 Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2013 (Haven Act) (H.R. 385). This legislation will leverage the ability of nonprofits to assist disabled and low-income veterans with needed housing adaptations and home repairs.
Discussed the Homes for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 384/H.R. 386).
Discussed 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.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD)
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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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 TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed potential modifications to the Air Carriers Access Act to allow a private right of action.
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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:
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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:
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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 |