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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 | 2017 |
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 | 7/20/2017 4:51:36 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
Discussed options for United Spinal to be a potential grantee of the agencys Paralysis Resource Center. The PRC provides comprehensive information for people living with spinal cord injury, paralysis and mobility-related disabilities and their families. Resources include information and referral by phone and email in multiple languages including English and Spanish; a peer and family support mentoring program; a military and veterans program; multicultural outreach services; free lending library; quality of life grants; and a national website. The grant components and requirements may differ in upcoming grant announcements.
United Spinal signed onto a letter facilitated by The National Health Council (NHC) and the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) and submitted to Members of Congress. The letter, in part, reads, "The chronic and rare disease and disability patient communities rely on FDA to ensure that innovative, safe, and effective treatments reach those in need. We thank Congress for moving forward with these critical funding mechanisms, [FDA user fess] and look forward to their swift and unimpeded passage."
United Spinal helped draft a Congressional statement on the issue of biopharmaceuticals to ensure consumer protections. United Spinal also submitted questions to the Congress for the nomination hearing for FDA Commissioner nominee and provided report language to the Agriculture Committee on sufficient funding needs for appropriations.
United Spinal participated in this multi-coalition Hill Day, (CPR/ITEM/HAB) on June 27 to highlight to Congress the importance of rehabilitation and habilitation benefits to be included in any health reform legislation.
United Spinal signed onto a letter, led by NMSS, on the need for improved patient engagement at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
United Spinal supports robust assistive technology funding for the Assistive Technology Act Programs; protecting Medicaid funds; supporting CRT (exempting CRT power and manual chairs and components from Medicares competitive bidding program - HR 1361/S. 486); the Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2017, H.R. 2050 and support of Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act, H.R. 2465/S.1132 - protection of speech-generating devices under Medicare.
United Spinal signed on to multiple letters to Congress in opposition to Republican efforts to reform the ACA regarding limiting pre-existing conditions, removing essential health benefits and cut Medicaid. Opposes HR. 1628, AHCA, opposes BCRA.
United Spinal sent a letter to Congress joining over 80 other groups voicing our opposition to H.R. 1215 the Protecting Access to Care Act of 2017. This bill would limit the legal rights of injured patients and families of those killed by negligent health care. The bills sweeping scope covers not only cases involving medical malpractice, but also cases involving unsafe drugs and nursing home abuse and neglect.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), 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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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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 CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Signed onto letter to Congress, and engaged in multiple Hill visits, opposing the ADA Education and Reform Act H.R. 620 which would create significant obstacles for people with disabilities to enforce their rights under Title III of the ADA. Title III (public accommodations) was intended to balance the interests of small businesses along with the accessibility concerns of people with disabilities. Title III does not require any action with respect to existing buildings that would cause an undue burden on businesses or that is not readily achievable.
Supports S. 910/H.R. 2472 - Disability Integration Act
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 |
Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
United Spinal signed onto a letter to Congress, facilitated by the National Federation of the Blind, to ensure that any Congressional request for an increase to the minimum wage, include people with disabilities, as well.
United Spinal and the US Department of Labor, the Office of Disability Employment Policys (ODEP) are discussing partnering opportunities with the State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED) program.
As a member of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), United Spinal continues to participate in dialogue with agencies, members of Congress and administration officials about the development of the Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) government wide rehabilitation research plan. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Public Law 113-128) requires the ICDR to develop a comprehensive government wide strategic plan for disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research.
United Spinal signed onto a letter, facilitated by the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities, addressed to Secretary Acosta, OMB Director Mulvaney and ccd to Chair Lipnic of the EEOC, voicing our opposition to the proposed budget transfer of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) from DOL to the EEOC.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Labor - Dept of (DOL), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
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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Kent |
Keyser |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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 VA Accountability Legislation to Enable VA Leaders to Manage Workforce Issues Effectively to Improve Healthcare Access for Veterans - HR 1259
Enhance Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Program (VRE)
United Spinal wrote a letter to the VA urging for improved implementation of the Veterans Mobility Safety Act with uniform standards.
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 |
Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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 INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal, along with other organizations, signed onto a letter to the leadership of the Senate Committee on Finance and the House Ways and Means Committee concerning a second article in a Washington Post series on the Social Security disability programs-titled Generations, Disabled (June 4, 2017 print edition)- paints a misleading and inaccurate picture of these essential programs.
Requested Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees to call for a hearing to address the Social Security Backlog. There are more than 1.1 million Americans with disabilities waiting for a Social Security Disability Insurance hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Nationwide, the average wait is 578 days and growing, and occurs after a 120- to 365-day wait through the previous two levels of the disability process. Then, after their hearing, claimants often wait an estimated 75 days on average for a decision to be handed down and for monthly benefit payments to begin.
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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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 supports extending accessibility rights in the proposed legislation:
Bill 22-92, "Short Term Rental Regulation and Affordable Housing Protection Act of 2017. The legislation aims to regulate companies like Airbnb.
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 |
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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 AVI
16. Specific lobbying issues
Meetings with Members of Congress and their staffs continue to discuss the Groups draft legislation for extending rights to the disability community in a long term Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill.
United Spinal signed onto a letter to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
Chairman, Rep. Bill Shuster in support of disability protections contained in recently introduced legislation extending Federal Aviation Administration programs. The House 21st Century AIRR Act, H.R. 4441,included three sections focused on aviation consumers with disabilities. The Senate's version of the FAA Reauthorization included some disability specific sections.
United Spinal supports Air Carriers Access Amendments Act, S.1318.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Transportation - Dept of (DOT), 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 |
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
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
United Spinal signed onto an Appropriations Funding FY 2018 letter for the Lifespan Respite Care Program and the National Family Caregiver Support Program. The funding request was for $5.0 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program and $158 million for the National Family Caregiver Support Program.
United Spinal, along with other disability organizations, signed onto Disability Rehabilitation Research Consortium (DRRC) comments on FY 2018 Appropriations to the leadership of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies recommending that the FY 2018 Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies appropriation bill provide necessary and sufficient funding for the various federal agencies supporting and conducting disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research to address the current and future needs for individuals with disabilities and society. We also recommend that the report accompanying the bill include language recognizing the critical importance of disability, independent living, and rehabilitation research.
United Spinal submitted report language to include in the FY 2018 House Appropriations bill. Language was included in the FY 2017 Agriculture Appropriations that reports directing FDA to increase its efforts on education for patients surrounding biosimilars.
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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Kent |
Keyser |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
H.R. 750 The Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) Act will create a separate category for CRT within the Medicare DME benefit.
H.R. 1361/S486 - provides a permanent exemption from Medicare's competitive acquisition program for complex power and manual components and wheelchairs.
As a member of the MapRx Coalition, United Spinal signed onto a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, regarding ensuring safeguards in Medicare Part D regarding specialty tiers, protected pharmacy classes and out-of-pocket costs for beneficiaries.
United Spinal wrote a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) urging for separate coding options for titanium materials (makes for lighter wheelchairs/easier maneuverability) for wheelchairs if it is the beneficiarys choice. CMS issued a recent policy determination not allowing wheelchair providers to bill the beneficiary for titanium.
United Spinal policy staff convened a meeting with senior personnel at CMS, along with PVA, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and ITEM Coalition to discuss expanded access to CRT under Medicare; the seat elevation feature (which is not covered by Medicare), and titanium wheelchairs. Met with other personnel at CMS to discuss future delays of the competitive bidding program. United Spinal submitted a letter to CMS urging for discrete coding for hydrophilic (lubricated) catheters.
United Spinal opposes any provision that expands the Medicaid Secondary Payer statute to allow for the Agency to collect funds from a judgment or settlement beyond what was provided for medical care is unfair and harmful to Medicaid beneficiaries and has submitted a letter to House and Senate.
United Spinal supports S. 253/H.R. 807 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act, which would protect Medicare beneficiaries from arbitrary limits on outpatient physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology services that are often needed to recover from debilitating illnesses, such as stroke, or support the effective management of conditions including SCI, multiple sclerosis and arthritis.
Sent letter of support for the HR 2465/S 1132 Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act of 2017 to revise the Steve Gleason Act of 2015 (114th Congress S. 984). United Spinal signed onto a similar letter, facilitated by the Center for Medicare Advocacy. The Steve Gleason Enduring Voices Act will remove the sunset date, currently identified in law as October 1, 2018. We seek this revision to prevent extremely vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries from ever again having to relinquish their only means of communication. By revising the Steve Gleason Act of 2015 to remove the sunset date, beneficiaries with ALS, MS, Parkinsons disease, paralysis, cerebral palsy and other debilitating conditions will be assured that Medicare coverage for speech generating devices (SGD) and related accessories will continue to be available.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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 signed onto a letter the CCD Technology Task Force coordinated with the CCD Education Task Force to provide input to the U.S. Department of Education on how the IDEA.ed.gov website can be updated to better support children with disabilities and their families, teachers, administrators, advocates, and other stakeholders.
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 |
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
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
As part of the State Departments International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), leaders from the Nigerian disability community met with United Spinal Association and AAPD to learn more regarding the progress the United States has made in advancing the lives and rights of individuals with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
State - Dept of (DOS)
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 |
Jasey |
Cardenas |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
As part of the State Departments International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), leaders from the Nigerian disability community met with United Spinal Association and AAPD to learn more regarding the progress the United States has made in advancing the lives and rights of individuals with disabilities.
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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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)
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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
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
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