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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 | 2011 |
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 | 01/20/2012 |
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
Urged adoption of amendments to the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act regarding tuition assistance disclosures.
Urged removal of a provision in the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act that would remove Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs jurisdiction over TRICARE.
Urged the Department of Defense to delay implementation of an MOU between DOD and educational institutions regarding DOD's Tuition Assistance Program.
Urged Congress to eliminate the offset of military Survivor Benefit Plan annuitites.
Discussed potential amendment to the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act regarding special needs trusts and military Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.
Discussed a provision in the FY 2012 National Defense Authorization Act to fund programs for wounded warriors.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
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
Urged the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to consider the negative impact of budget reductions on veteran specific and other programs that benefit disabled veterans before enacting cuts.
Supported the Independent Budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) budget recommendations for VA and related agencies serving veterans for FY 2012.
Discussed the potential impact of the budget proposal of House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan on programs for veterans and people with disabilities. Met with key House and offices and staff of the House Budget Committee.
Discussed the potential impact of the deficit reduction proposals of Senator Claire McCaskill on programs that benefit veterans with disabilities.
Supported funding for Alternative Financing Programs (AFPs) for individuals with disabilities to help them pay for adaptive and assistive technologies needed to live independently.
Requested that a minimum of $13.4 billion be included in the President's FY 2013 budget request for the Social Security Administration's administrative funding and that the agency be excluded from any budget freezes or reductions.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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
Discussed the CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2011 (HR 115/S.490). 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 leave any needed Social Security reforms out of the deliberations of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction. Includes the submission of a letter and report to Congress and the Administration detailing the detrimental impact that adopting the chained CPI would have on veterans.
Endorsed the importance of Social Security for veterans and their families through the booklet, "Social Secruity: Serving Those Who Serve Our Nation."
Helped draft and endorse a letter to the Social Security Administration in opposition to interim final rules that would ban claimants from SSA offices for as much as three years for displaying disruptive behavior.
Supported co-sponsorship of H.R. 3613 - Part D Beneficiary Appeals Fairness Act. This legislation allows beneficiaries an exceptions process that would allow specialty drugs to be moved to lower, more affordable and accessible categories for beneficiaries with high cost chronic conditions and disabilities. United Spinal signed onto a letter encouraging cosponsorship of H.R. 3613.
Opposed H.R. 1173, Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011. This legislation repeals the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.
Endorsed comments in response to proposed rule for Changes to the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D) for Contract Year 2013. Comments expressed support for the rule's efforts to improve Part D beneficairy protections and remove poorly performing plans. Areas addressed in the rule are: coverage gap provisions, beneficiary protections, excluding poor performers, program efficiencies and program requirements.
Participated in the development of Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Principles for reforms in the Social Security disability benefit programs, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and disability coverage in the Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance (SSDI). Submitted principles to House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee hearing on the social security disability programs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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
Urged Congress and the Administration to address the treatment of our nation's veterans by some for-profit educational institutions. This includes amending the 90/10 rule.
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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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 VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 (H.R. 674/P.L. 112-56). This legislation includes provisions to increase employment opportunities for veterans and represents a blend of proposals that were included in H.R. 2433 and S. 951.
Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act of 2011 (S.1264). This legislation would require VA to provide voter registration applications and assistance in absentee voting for certain veterans.
Urged Congress and the Administration to address the treatment of our nation's veterans by some for-profit educational institutions. This includes amending the 90/10 rule.
Supported the Veterans Opportunity to Work Act (H.R. 2433). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans receive the training, transition, and placement assistance they need to allow them to gain meaningful employment opportunities.
Supported the Helping Our Homeless Heroes Act (H.R. 2559). This legislation would make improvements to Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs that assist homeless veterans and their families.
Supported the CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2011 (H.R. 2671). This legislation would help to track undiagnosed diseases and facilitate collaboration between physicians, researchers, and government agencies by creating a patient registry to be maintained by the National Institutes of Health.
Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 198). 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. Also discussed Senate companion bill (S. 1838).
Supported HR 2074, as amended. The amended legislation includes H.R. 198 and H.R. 1154.
Supported S. 914, as amended. The amended legislation includes S. 769, S. 411 and S. 957.
Discussed the Hiring Heroes Act of 2011, (S. 951) and the need to ensure that there are platforms for the development of internship opportunities for wounded warriors with private employers.
Supported the Helping our Homeless Veterans Act (S.411/H.R. 1133). This legislation would allow changes to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure that homeless veterans receive more effective case management services.
Supported the Veterans' Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitative Services' Improvements Act of 2011 (S. 957). This legislation would help to ensure that veterans with traumatic brain injuries receive the critical rehabilitation services needed to allow them to maximize their independence.
Supported the Housing, Employment, and Living Programs (HELP) for Veterans Act of 2011 (H.R 117). This legislation includes provisions that would not only reform the VA's Special Home Adaptation grant program to allow veterans who meet the nationally accepted standard of legal blindness to receive assistance with critical home modification, but also increase the amount of grant funding available for this program and the Specially Adapted Housing grant program.
Supported the Andrew Connolly Veterans' Housing Act (H.R. 1671). This legislation would extend until December 31, 2016, the authority of the VA Secretary to provide adaptive housing assistance under the Temporary Residence Adaptation grant program to veterans with dsiabilities who are temporarily residing with family members.
Supported legislation establishing an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights (H.R. 805). This legislation directs the VA Secretary to ensure that an Injured and Amputee Veterans Bill of Rights is printed on signage in accessible formats and displayed prominently and conspicuously in each VA and prosthetics and orthotics clinic. It also requires VA emplyees who work at such clinics, as well as patient advocates of veterans who receive care there, to receive training on the Bill of Rights and directs the Secretary to conduct outreach to inform veterans about it.
Supported the Veterans Equal treatment for Service Dogs Act (VETS Dogs Act) (H.R. 1154/S. 769). The VETS Dogs Act states that the VA Secretary may not prohibit the use of service dogs in VA facilities or on VA property.
Discussed the CHAMPVA Children's Protection Act of 2011 (H.R. 115/S. 490). 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 increase Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits and to eliminate the offset of milittary Survivor Benefit Plan annuities.
Urged Congress to provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VA's benefits claims processing backlog.
Urged VA to accept the authority granted to them by states through the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to serve as a voter registration agency.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
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 MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed possible solutions for improving access to Medicaid for military families who have children with disabilities.
Urged issuance of a final rule clarifying that Medicaid's Home and Community Based Services must not be delivered on the grounds of an institution, in a housing complex designed expressly around an individual's diagnosis or disability, or in a setting that has the
characteristics of an institution.
United Spinal Association is in ongoing discussions with the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on the development of a separate benefit for complex rehab technology to enable people with certain conditions within the disability community to access the appropriate equipment for their needs.
Signed onto a letter expressing concerns with proposals to cut Medicare funding for rehabilitation hospitals as part of deficit reduction strategies.
Wrote a letter to CMS and key members of Congress urging for a delay in a CMS widespread three-year demonstration project for power mobility devices in seven demonstration states; California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, new York, North Carolina and Texas. The project is scheduled to be implemented January 1, 2012. Also supported letter opposing CMS' power mobility device demonstration project.
Participated in discussions on Medicare, disabilities and senior issues with CMS.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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
Participated in discussions regarding the staff discussion draft of the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization.
Supported Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of 2011, (H.R. 3086). This legislation would phase out over three years the
outmoded special wage certificates available under Section 14 c of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 that allows sub-minimum wages to be paid to individuals with disabilities and encourages segregated work settings.
Participated in the development of a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives on the issue of Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Reauthorization.
Supported reappointment of Stuart Ishimaru to another five-year term at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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 Helping our Homeless Veterans Act (S. 411/HR 1133). This legislation would allow changes to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the US Department of Veterans Affairs Supported Housing (HUD-VASH) program to ensure that homeless veterans receive more effective case management services.
Discussed legislative proposal to provide funding for adaptive housing for veterans.
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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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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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
Discussed the critical importance of entitlement programs to the United Spinal community and the potential impacts of deficit reduction actions. Discussed disability and health policy.
Provided comments to HHS on the essential health benefits bulletin released by Department of Health and Human Services' CMS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight highlighting concerns with small business product coverage as well as habilitative and rehabilitiative services.
Supported Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (HR 3266). This legislation, enacted in 2006, provides competitive grants to states to establish or enhance statewide Lifespan Respite systems that maximize existing resources and help ensure that quality respite is available and accessible to all family caregivers.
Discussed Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction potential recommendations, concerns about Medicaid reductions and the potential impact on beneficiaries as well as the issue of unemployment among people with disabilities which is more than double the national average.
Endorsed letter expressing concerns that any cuts to Medicare Part D prescription drug program would have significant negative impacts on beneficiary access, treatment affordability and health outcomes.
Joined letter in support of greater clarification regarding the development of the Essential Health Benefits (EHB) package under the Affordable Care Act (ACA, P.L. 111-148). The letter stated that EHB must be comprehensive; the EHB package must adopt strong federal standards; the Secretary must define medical necessity; services covered as part of EHB must have a foundation in both evidence-based medicine and best practice standards; the Secretary should carefully balance considerations of affordability and comprehensiveness; the design of EHB must comply with nondiscrimination standards; the Secretary should develop consistent standards for the calculation of actuarial value; the Secretary must define a clear and transparent process for updating the services covered as EHB; and, the Secretary must develop a process for dealing with state mandates.
Joined letter requesting that Department of Health and Human Services make publicly available the three largest national Federal Employee Health Benefits Program plan options by enrollment and, for each state, the three largest plans by enrollment in the small-group market, the three largest state employee health benefit plans by enrollment and the largest insured commercial non-Medicaid Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) operating in the state.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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
Participated in drafting and supporting the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, H.R. 4323/S. 1872. This legislation establishes a new subsection (f), ABLE Account within Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code and provides a tax-advantaged savings instrument available to individuals with disabilities and their families.
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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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 GOV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Opposed the Regulatory Accountability Act (RAA) (H.R. 3010/S. 1606) and the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011 ( HR 10/S. 299). RAA adds years to an existing four to eight year rulemaking process with the addition of
60 new analytical requirements. The REINS Act requires Congressional approval of all major rules within 70 days. Both pieces of
legislation slows the government's ability to take action on emerging public health threats and opportunities.
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 |
Joseph |
Isaacs |
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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.
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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
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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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