|
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 |
Address2 |
|
City | Kew Gardens |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11415 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
|
5. Senate ID# 12994-12
|
||||||||
|
6. House ID# 334210000
|
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 |
|
11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
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 | 1/20/2023 10:34:33 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
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in a meeting with Department of Health and Human Service General Counsel Sam Bagenstos and colleagues. Topics discussed included how to guard against judicial erosion of disability rights, Medicares in-the-home rule for wheelchairs, Medicare coverage of seat elevation and standing systems for wheelchairs, and accessible medical diagnostic equipment.
United Spinal Association endorsed a Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities letter to the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Health and Human Services in support of proposed rulemaking related to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and provided comments and suggestions.
United Spinal policy staff submitted comments to the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Researchs (NIDILRR) to help develop its Long-Range Plan for 2024-2028.
As a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), United Spinal also signed on to the DRCC comments made on NIDILRRs Plan.
Submitted comments on Section 1557 proposed rule to HHS, Health Equity comments to the White House and to CMS.
Increase funding for Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems.
Met with the Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, to discuss research opportunities in the area of therapy caps and catastrophic exception from rehabilitation lengths of stay for spinal cord injury.
Recommended catheter coding reform.
Met with the Director of the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), Dr. Anjali Forber-Pratt, to discuss research opportunities in the area of therapy caps and catastrophic exception from rehabilitation lengths of stay for spinal cord injury.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), White House Office, 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 |
|
|
|
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
|
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
|
Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
|
|
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
Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program Funding
Wrote letters to both the House and Senate appropriations committees and their subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, Urban Development, and Related Agencies thanking them for their funding and stating that we supported the House Appropriations funding amount of $100 million over the Senates $25 million. Description: CONNECTING AMERICAS ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM ACT (H.R> 2991/S. 684) while passed was not fully funded. This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to carry out an active transportation investment program to provide competitive grants to state, local, and regional government entities, and Indian tribes to construct projects that connect walking and bicycling infrastructure within and between communities, metropolitan regions, or states.
●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 a marketing research plan regarding service between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in a meeting with staff for Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) to discuss reintroduction of the Disability Access to Transportation Act in the 118th Congress.
To ensure safer, more accessible rail travel for people with disabilities and as a member of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force, United Spinal supported a letter the Task Forces Co Chairs sent to Amtraks President & CEO regarding a meeting held on July 21, 2022 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington, D.C. The letter read in part: We appreciated receiving updates on Amtraks latest activities to ensure its services and facilities are accessible. However, our organizations were disappointed that the meeting was less interactive with the Board than anticipated. Additionally, concerns remain that were not addressed. We request a new meeting with the Amtrak Board and leadership to act as a catalyst to spur further conversation.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
|
|
|
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
|
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
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
As a member of the Consortium for Constituents on Disability (CCD) Technology & Telecommunications Task Force: United Spinal Association signed onto comments submitted by the U.S. Access Board on the accessible kiosks ANPRM.
Supported the House and Senate's Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA), the Senate's Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act and the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 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 |
|
|
|
Kent |
Keyser |
|
|
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 participated in a quarterly meeting of the Disability Community Advisory Group with DC HSEMA.
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 |
|
|
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
|
Elizabeth |
Osborn |
|
|
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
HR 3304 CARS for Vets Act - This bill allows service-connected veterans to receive a VA Automobile Grant every ten years for the purchase of a new or used adapted vehicle and expands the definition of medical services to include additional vehicle modifications using the VA Automobile Adaptive Equipment program. United Spinal is urging Members of Congress to cosponsor and pass this legislation because it would help reduce the financial burden for veterans with disabilities who require adapted vehicles.
S 444/HR 1361 AUTO for Veterans Act - This bill allows eligible service-connected veterans to receive a VA Automobile Grant every ten years for the purchase of a new or used adapted vehicle. United Spinal is urging Members of Congress to cosponsor and pass this legislation because it would help reduce the financial burden for veterans with disabilities who require adapted vehicles.
HR 2916/S 1467 VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act - This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to conduct clinical trials of the effects of medical-grade cannabis on the health outcomes of covered veterans diagnosed with chronic pain and those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Covered veterans are those who are enrolled in the VA health system.
Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) -- United Spinal sent a targeted action alert urging members of to submit comments on proposed changes to the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). United Spinal supports changes to CHAMPVA that would allow audio-only telehealth and increased access to mental health services.
RIN 2900-AP89, Change in Rates VA Pays for Special Modes of Transportation - This proposed rule would cut the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement rate for emergency air medical services.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations (MilCon-VA) - This bill provides appropri8ations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies.
Workforce Innovations Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) - WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market. DVOP provides intensive services to help veterans obtain placement in competitive employment.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
|
|
Elizabeth |
Osborn |
|
|
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
United Spinal policy staff, along with numerous other disability organizations, participated in a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) - Disability Advocates Meeting. Policy staff raised concerns about whether DOT had adequate staffing and resources to more effectively and expeditiously respond to passengers with disabilities air travel complaints. Currently, complaints administered by the DOTs Office of Aviation Consumer Protection are averaging a response timeframe of over a year.
To ensure safer, more accessible air travel for people with disabilities, United Spinal in response to the Federal Aviation Administrations request for comments on minimum seat dimensions necessary for safety of air passengers, (Emergency Evacuation) submitted comments to Docket No. FAA-2022-1001.
United Spinal, as members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation and Emergency Management Task Forces, United Spinal supported comments the Task Force Co-Chairs submitted. United Spinal also supported comments made by Paralyzed Veterans of America on Docket No. FAA-2022-1001.
To ensure safer, more accessible air travel for people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, United Spinal submitted written testimony for the hearing record of the House Committee On Transportation And Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation: Accessible air travel: addressing challenges for passengers with disabilities, held on November 17, 2022. United Spinals comments addressed the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration next year and our longstanding priority that the provisions of H.R.1696 - Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2021 (ACAAA) be
included in the reauthorization.
To ensure safer, more accessible air travel by people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, United Spinal submitted comments in response to a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on airline ticket refunds and airline consumer protections, DOT-OST-2022-0089.
Co-sponsor and pass S. 642/H.R. 1696, the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (ACAA) of 2021.
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 |
|
|
|
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
|
|
|
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
|
Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
|
|
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
To increase basic access to and to strengthen customer service with the Social Security Administration for people with disabilities, United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, as members of the Consortium for Constituents on Disability (CCD) Social Security Task Force signed, onto a letter to the House Appropriations Committee leadership requesting an increase in administrative funding for the the agency.
United Spinal also supported a letter signed by multiple members of Congress to the House Appropriations Committee leadership requesting an increase in administrative funding for the agency.
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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
|
|
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
Met with U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy, along with numerous other disability organizations, to discuss employment challenges for the disabled workforce.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Vice P |
|
|
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
|
Elizabeth |
Osborn |
|
|
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 Association urged members of Congress and CMS for Medicare Coverage of Seat Elevation and Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs.
Lift in-the-home restriction on Medicare coverage.
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 |
|
|
|
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
|
Kent |
Keyser |
|
|
|
Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
|
|
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
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Defense Appropriations - This bill funds agencies and programs in the Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community, including the Services, Central Intelligence Agency, and the National Security Agency.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations (MilCon-VA) - This bill provides appropri8ations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and related agencies.
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 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
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 advocacy and policy staff endorsed a CCD letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee urging Congress to provide policy solutions to prevent the forced removal and institutionalization of people with disabilities due to failures in the social safety net.
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
|
|
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
Address |
|
||||||
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
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
|
|
||||||||
1 |
|
3 |
|
||||||
2 |
|
4 |
|
ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
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) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
% |
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 |
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) |