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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 |
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 | 2022 |
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. | ||||||||
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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 |
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| Signature | Digitally Signed By: Alexandra Bennewith |
Date | 10/21/2022 10:34:11 AM |
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
United Spinal Association supports HR 3932 / S 2076 The Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Up surging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act.
Signed onto letter to Sen. Schumer and Sen. McConnell asking to extend coverage for telehealth services under Medicare to continue for another 2 years following the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE).
Support increased funding for SCI Model Systems via NIDILRR funding.
Support catheter coding reform
Support Medicare coverage of seat elevation and standing devices in poweer wheelchairs and support regulation to lift the 'in-the-home' restriction on Medicare coverage of wheelchairs.
Support the H.R. 4040, the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act."
Financial Assistance for complex rehab technology wheelchair manufacturers and wheelchair service providers to encourage federal financial assistance to address unsustainable cost increases CRT suppliers have incurred over the past two years to allow them to maintain critical access to CRT and the supporting services for people with disabilities. CRT providers and manufacturers have incurred significant operating challenges and increased expenses over the past two years.
Supports increaed funding for home and community-based services.
To increase health outcomes, safety and accessibility,on August 3, United Spinal, a member of the Steering Committee of the ITEM Coalition, participated in a virtual roundtable discussion on Medicare coverage of seat elevation and standing systems used in power wheelchairs hosted by the National Council on Disability. United Spinal also submitted comments to NCD on the need for Medicare coverage.
On 9.14.22, United Spinal GR Staff presented at and United Spinal, as Steering Committee member of the ITEM Coalition, co-hosted an ITEM Coalition Congressional Briefing on Medicare Coverage of Seat Elevation and Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs. It featured remarks from Members of Congress, wheelchair users advocates and clinicians.
United Spinal, as a member of the ITEM Coalition, advocated for members of Congress to sign on to hosue and Senate Dear Colleague letters to support Medicare Coverage of Seat Elevation and Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs.
Submitted comments to CMS National Coverage Analysis to urge for Medicare coverage of seat elevation in power wheelchairs and to urge for Medicare coverage of standindg devices systems in power wheelchairs.
Submitted comments to HHS to ensure non-discrimination protections for people with disabilities under Section 1557.
Support H.R. 8746 "Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act" or three hour rule bill.
Endorsed a Colaiton to Preserv Rehabilitation comment letter for Calendar Year (CY) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule. This letter focuses on two main provisions in the rule, in line with past CPR comment letters (in particularly our comments on the CY 2021 Proposed Rule).
1.The impact of proposed reimbursement cuts that will potentially impact patient access to care; and
2.The treatment of telehealth as the federal government prepares for the expiration of the public health emergency.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Council on Disability, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
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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
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in a quarterly call with Amtrak along with other representatives from disability organizations.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in a call with Amtrak along with other representatives from disability organizations to discuss updates regarding Amtraks new intercity trainsets.
On July 26th, to increase accessibility and protect and promote the civil rights of people with disabilities, United Spinal attended the U.S. Department of Transportations celebration of Disability Pride Month and the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act at the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
On July 13th, to increase accessibility and protect and promote the civil rights of people with disabilities, United Spinal spoke with a US Department of Transportation, Office of Aviation Consumer Protection, as part of a DOT Consumer Advisory Meeting for updates on: Rule makings, ACAA Advisory Committee, Service Animal Complaints and Mishandled wheelchairs and scooters
Discussed our support for Disability Access to Transportation Act (S. 2038)
To increase accessibility at electric vehicle charging stations, United Spinal submitted comments to the Federal Highway Administrations request, National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program (Docket: FHWA-2022-0008).
In its comments, United Spinal also supported the comments submitted by the Paralyzed Veterans of America. And United Spinal also supported the comments submitted by Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Transportation Task Force.
To increase accessibility for transit, United Spinal supported comments by the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force Co-Chairs submitted in response to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) request for information on transit bus automation research and demonstrations, Docket Number: FTA-2022-0012.
As a member of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, endorsed the response the Task Force submitted to questions posed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding Ford's and General Motors' petitions for exemptions from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for autonomous vehicles (AVs) Docket No. NHTSA- 2022-0067. The responses read in part: We urge NHTSA to make full accessibility for all people with disabilities a primary condition and prerequisite to granting any exemption allowing the operation of autonomous vehicle services.
United Spinal submitted a response to questions posed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in support of General Motors petition for exemptions from the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for autonomous vehicles (Avs) Docket No. NHTSA- 2022-0067.
Submitted complaint letter to DOT regarding mishandling/injurying (including damage to his wheelchair) and dropping of United Spinal's President and CEO (a wheelchair user) on two recent flights.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, U.S. SENATE, Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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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 advocacy and policy staff, as a co-chair of the CCD Rights Task Force, met with Department of Justice officials regarding disability community priorities.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with House offices to urge support for passage of the ABLE Age Adjustment Act (H.R. 1219) as part of a larger package of retirement-focused legislation.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff, as a co-chair of the CCD Rights Task Force, co-signed a letter to Susan Rice, Director of the Domestic Policy Council, urging that the Administration take steps to achieve digital accessibility in federal agencies as required by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff, as a co-chair of the CCD Rights Task Force, co-signed a letter to the Senate Aging Committee thanking them for holding a hearing on digital accessibility under Section 508.
On July 26th, to increase accessibility and protect and promote the civil rights of people with disabilities, United Spinal attended the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus Celebration of the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act including a discussion about accessible transportation and the next generation of caucus leadership.
To increase accessibility, United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations signed on to a Statement for the Written Record as Members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) which was submitted to the Special Committee on Aging United States Senate for its Hearing "Accessible Federal Technology for People with Disabilities, Older Americans, and Veterans held on July 28, 2022. The hearing addressed the critical issue of ensuring that federal agencies are held accountable for achieving digital accessibility under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.
To increase accessibility, United Spinal, as a member of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Technology & Telecommunications and Rights Task Forces, endorsed a letter sent to the Director of the White House Domestic Policy Councils Director in support of the Administrations efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the federal workforce.
Throughout July, to increase accessibility and protect and promote the civil rights of people with disabilities, United Spinal participated in the White House Office of Public Engagement, Disabled Stakeholder Calls for Disability Pride Month which addressed critical issues of the disability community.
To increase accessibility and protect and promote the civil rights of people with disabilities,
United Spinal attended the U.S. Department of Transportations celebration of Disability Pride Month and the 32nd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act held on July 28th.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Justice - Dept of (DOJ), U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, U.S. SENATE, Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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 DOC
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff discussed accessibility concerns in a quarterly meeting of the Disability Community Advisory Group with the District of Columbia Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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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
United Spinal/VetsFirst supports the AUTO for Veterans Act - S. 444/H.R. 1361, CARS for Vets Act/H.R. 3304 and the S. 910 SAFE Banking Act.
Attended a VSO Roundtable with Speaker Pelosi to discuss United PSinal/VetsFirst priorities on mental health, adaptive transportation and caregiving.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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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 AVI
16. Specific lobbying issues
To advocate for equitable and inclusive accessibility in air travel for people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, United Spinal public policy staff met with congressional staff in support of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act H.R. 1696/S. 642.
United Spinal policy staff provided feedback to Senate office on disability related provisions that may be considered in the next Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.
United Spinal policy staff participated in the 20th Annual Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Coalition meeting.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
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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
As a member of the Consortium of Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force United Spinal supports comments submitted by the Co-Chairs of the Task Force on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Cardiovascular Disorders (Docket No. SSA-2019-0013).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Social Security Administration (SSA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
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 LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal supports H.R.2373/S.3238 - Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act.
United Spinal submitted comments as Co-Chair of the Consortium of Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) to the RFI from Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers on employment landscape for people with disabilities. Also endorsed CCD wide comments.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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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 submitted a letter to CMS on behalf of United Spinal's Access and Care Coalition for the need to reform catheter coding.
Following up on a request to United Spinal's Access and Care Coalition made to the Amerian Urological Association (AUA) in June, the AUA sent a letter to CMS supporting our position on the need for coding reform and requesting that they work with United Spinal's Access and Care Coalition.
Met with CMS in August to discuss the need for catheter coding reform.
United Spinal participated in a CMS contractor roundtable discussion regarding dual-eligibles and physical access issues for people with disabilities along with NIDILIRR Director, Anjali Forber-Pratt.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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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
VetsFirst/United Spinal supports H.R. 5758/S. 302 COMFORT - this bill would allow Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs) with an active state license to provide counseling services to servicemembers.
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 |
Betsy |
Osborn |
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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 DIS
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal supports:
HR 4938/S 2658 REAADI - this bill, sponsored by Rep. Langevin in the House and Sen. Casey in the Senate, seeks to ensure that individuals with disabilities are prepared for natural disasters. Met with House staff to urge cosponsorship and seek advice on how to advance the legislation in the 117th Congress.
HR 4937/S 2646 DRMA - this bill, sponsored by Rep. Panetta in the House and Sen. Casey in the Senate, seeks to allow individuals receiving Medicaid to continue to be covered if they are forced to evacuate their home state due to a natural disaster.
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 |
Betsy |
Osborn |
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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 increaed funding for the Section 811 housing program.
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff, as a co-chair of the CCD Rights Task Force, co-signed a letter to the Department of Education responding to the Departments request for recommendations on how to improve current Section 504 regulations.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Education - Dept of
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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 TEC
16. Specific lobbying issues
Assisted the White House regarding dissemination of the new Affordable Connectivity Program.
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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
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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
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:
| Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
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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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CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
| Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |