|
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 | 11426 |
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 | 2009 |
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: Paul Tobin, President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date | 04/20/2009 |
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
See following pages
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (H.R. 1, S.1) including funds for:
$250 stimulus payments to many veterans and most recipients of Social Security Title II and Title XVI benefits;
Social Security administrative costs including costs to handle the surge in applications due to the economic crisis and for a National Computer Center;
COBRA subsidy for workers who have lost their jobs ;
extended and increased unemployment insurance payments and decreases income tax owed on unemployment benefits;
Medicaid: increase in the federal share of Medicaid spending (known as the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage or FMAP); moratoria on certain previously promulgated Medicaid regulations including those affecting reimbursement to public and teaching hospitals(which are the safety net for America's imperfect health care system and which provide emergency response capabilities, trauma care, neonatal intensive care, burn units, and psychiatric emergency care), level of graduate medical education funding available to teaching hospitals in support of training new physicians (at a time when all patientsnot just Medicaid beneficiariesface physician shortages), restrictions on what states may cover as hospital outpatient services, provision of school-based services and rehabilitative services (including services for individuals with mental illnesses or developmental disabilities) and transportation to school for some students with disabilities; the ability of states to use provider taxes to fund healthcare for indigent populations.
making all health care records electronic by 2014
comparative effectiveness research (particularly provisions that the research will focus on medical outcomes and contain the flexibility to take into account variations among different patient populations)
scientific research at the National Institutes of Health and funding to the National Center for Research Resources for construction, renovation, repair and improvement of research facilities and capital research equipment.
IDEA the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act including grants to states and funds for pre-school/early intervention under IDEA
repairing and modernizing public schools and colleges and universities, which may include modifications for accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act and for eliminating exposure to mold, asbestos, mildew and lead based paint, as well as for training funds that may be used to train general education teacher candidates to more effectively teach students with disabilities.
grants to state Vocational Rehabilitation programs and funding for job training for adults and youth (including but not exclusively for people with disabilities).;
affordable, accessible housing including funds to the Public Housing Capital Fund for building repair, modernization and renovation including energy conservation retrofitting ; and funding for full-year renewals of project-based Section 8 rental assistance contracts which will help alleviate a longstanding under-funding problem of housing subsidies on which many people with disabilities and very low incomes depend. HUD for grants and loans to upgrade Section 202 elderly, Section 811 disabled and Section 8 project-based housing to increase energy efficiency. Funding for the Neighborhood Stabilization program for communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed abandoned properties to create more affordable housing. Funding for the National Housing Trust Fund.
$140 million for Centers for Independent Living to help people with disabilities be as independent as possible and remain in their homes and communities.
Appropriations for FY 2009 HR 1105
Budget for FY 2010 HCR 85 and SCR 13
Appropriations for FY 2010 (no bill # yet) including
Labor-Health & Human Services- Education & Related Agencies, including funds committed to comprehensive health care reform and the related goals of reducing costs, improving quality and expanding coverage for all Americans including the 46 million Americans who lack health insurance; increased funds for Social Security Administration Limitation on Administrative Expenses (SSA-LAE) ( For details and recommendations, see 3-24-09 testimony of United Spinal Associations Vice President for Public Policy on behalf of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) at http://waysandmeans.house.gov/hearings.asp?formmode=view&id=7618);
Medicare; Medicaid; State Childrens Health Insurance Program; special education under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA); support of 302b and general health funding; Funds for the core missions and activities of the major federal public health agencies including discretionary budget allocation for NIH, CDC, HRSA, FFSand other public health service agencies, including Biomedical and Behavioral Research: Maintaining a vigorous portfolio of investigator-initiated basic research and pivotal translational and clinical studies to address the myriad health challenges that confront the American people and to develop a stable pool of talented new investigators whose ideas and fresh perspectives are vital to invigorating the research enterprise; Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Improving community-based prevention and early intervention activities that address costly chronic diseases, infectious diseases, including those that are becoming increasingly drug-resistant, strengthening public health capacity and ensuring those with disabilities reach their highest potential in function and health; Access to Safety Net Health Care Services: Assuring access to basic and targeted health care services for the rapidly growing numbers of Americans who lack health insurance as recession-related unemployment increases; Health Professions Education: Assuring that there is a well-trained, diverse health and public health workforce to serve as the foundation for the nations health care system; Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Assuring access to needed mental health and substance abuse services for hundreds of thousands who must wait months for care, including Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; reducing the 15-20 year lag from bench to bedside of promising new treatments; Health Services Research: Building the evidence needed to ensure patients get the right care at the right time, every time; providing decision makers with information that will help control unsustainable costs; Health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives: Reversing current health disparities for this population that now suffers a life expectancy that is four years lower than the general population; Food and Drug Safety: Assuring the nation has a safe food supply and a safe and effective supply of drugs and medical devices. Funds for state Vocational Rehabilitation programs, Centers for Independent Living, and many other programs.
Veterans Affairs funds for the level for VA medical care as championed by the Independent Budget (a detailed budget developed annually by several veterans organizations) including funds to research and treat mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury; assurance that the VA will not bill private health insurers for treatment of health problems related to military service; VA health care funding reform including advanced appropriations and mandatory funding; one unified lifetime electronic health record for members of our armed services that will contain their administrative and medical information; increased funding for VA homeless veterans programs; funds for Medical and Prosthetic Research Program and to bring VA research facilities into the 21st century;
Transportation-Housing-Urban Development & Related Agencies funds for affordable, accessible housing including funds for public housing, Section 8, 202 elderly, Section 811, and National Housing Trust Fund; funds for accessible transportation including for Amtrac and the New Freedom initiative.
Defense: funds to conduct multiple sclerosis (MS) research under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) of the Department of Defense (DoD).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), 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 |
Peggy (Margaret v.) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
|
Other without 20% time |
Others without 20% time |
|
|
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 IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated that any substantial increase in mandatory use of e-Verify (for employers to verify legal status of employees) be enacted only if sufficient funds are allocated for Social Security Administration to handle the resulting substantial increase in administrative tasks.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
|
|
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
Increased funding for Social Security administrative expenses (SSA-LAE), for National Computer Center, for $250 stimulus payment to Title II and Title XVI beneficiaries -- to enable SSA to reduce the tragic backlogs at all stages of the disability determination process. Contact with both House and Senate and with covered executive branch officials of SSA to discuss a number of policy positions including privacy rights and other issues continued
in processing of disability applications (including SSA proposal for expedited record review); necessity for increased program integrity activities; electronic disability folders; expanding internet access for those representing claimants for disability benefits; use of video hearings; increased time for hearing notice; new screening initiatives including Quick Disability Determinations and Compassionate Allowances; improved development of evidence earlier in the application and appeals processes; because it helps claimants to be well represented in the complex appeals and hearing process -- increasing and indexing the fee cap for representatives (HR 1093) and extending or making permanent the demonstrations for (i) voluntary Title II attorney fee withholding and direct payment procedures to Title XVI and (ii) allowing non-attorney representatives to qualify for fee withholding and direct payment provided that they meet certain requirements; evaluation of the effectiveness of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (TWWIIA) and extension of expired/expiring provisions; and the necessity for better processing of reported earnings and prompt adjustment of monthly benefits in order to minimize the serious problems caused to beneficiaries by overpayments.
Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) to create a national insurance program to be financed by payroll deductions to provide services to assist people with activities of daily living to stay in their homes and communities if they become disabled. People would not be required to impoverish themselves in order to qualify for benefits; S 697/H.R. 1721.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
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 MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis Act (S. 22/H.R 146, and HR 307) which became law in March 2009 The act authorizes the Secretary of Health and Human Services to direct research on paralysis. It would also authorize up to $25 million per year through 2011.Stem Cell Research Improvement Act of 2009 allows for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research (HR 873 and S. 487). We also support President Obama's Executive Order allowing such research.
Advocated for Biomedical and Behavioral Research: Maintaining a vigorous portfolio of investigator-initiated basic research and pivotal translational and clinical studies to address the myriad health challenges that confront the American people and to develop a stable pool of talented new investigators whose ideas and fresh perspectives are vital to invigorating the research enterprise; Disease Prevention and Health Promotion: Improving community-based prevention and early intervention activities that address costly chronic diseases, infectious diseases, including those that are becoming increasingly drug-resistant, strengthening public health capacity and ensuring those with disabilities reach their highest potential in function and health; Access to Safety Net Health Care Services: Assuring access to basic and targeted health care services for the rapidly growing numbers of Americans who lack health insurance as recession-related unemployment increases; Health Professions Education: Assuring that there is a well-trained, diverse health and public health workforce to serve as the foundation for the nations health care system; Mental Health and Substance Abuse: Assuring access to needed mental health and substance abuse services for hundreds of thousands who must wait months for care, including Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan; reducing the 15-20 year lag from bench to bedside of promising new treatments; Health Services Research: Building the evidence needed to ensure patients get the right care at the right time, every time; providing decision makers with information that will help control unsustainable costs; Health care for American Indians and Alaska Natives: Reversing current health disparities for this population that now suffers a life expectancy that is four years lower than the general population; Food and Drug Safety: Assuring the nation has a safe food supply and a safe and effective supply of drugs and medical devices.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
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
Comprehensive health care reform and the related goals of reducing costs, improving quality and expanding health care coverage for all Americans (including those who lack health insurance) including: providing for home and community-based services/long-term services and supports for people with disabilities and chronic conditions; comparative effectiveness research and use of information; prevention and wellness (including accessible medical equipment); health coverage that adequately meets the needs of people cont
with disabilities and chronic conditions including having durable medical equipment that meets their individual needs, enables them to be as independent as possibile, to live in their homes and participate in the community, and to be employed without fear of losing the health care/services and supports they need. Comprehensive health care reform is also expected to make changes in Medicare, Medicaid and the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). S 4 is the placeholder bill in the Senate. No House bill yet.
Medical Device Safety Act (S. 540/H.R. 1346) would prevent state preemption regarding liability for safety of medical devices
H.R. 868 Direct Support Professionals (HR 868, no Senate bill yet) would secure federal funding to help states address issues regarding direct workforce professionals who provide services.
Requested introduction of the Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Act. No bill yet.
See also Medicare/Medicaid
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS),
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
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
Reauthorization of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program (SCHIP); H.R. 2/S. 275. Ending the Medicare Disability Waiting Period Act of 2009 to phase out the 24-month waiting period for Medicare for disabled individuals who become eligible for Title II Social Security benefits for Medicare benefits, to eliminate the waiting period for individuals with life-threatening conditions; S. 700/H.R. 1708. continued
Community Choice Act to reverse the institutional bias in Medicaid and allow people with disabilities to stay in their homes and communities rather than be forced into institutions to receive needed services; S. 683/H.R. 1670.
Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act (CLASS Act) to create a national insurance program to be financed by payroll deductions to provide services to assist people with activities of daily living to stay in their homes and communities if they become disabled. People would not be required to impoverish themselves in order to qualify for benefits; S 697/H.R. 1721.
S. 434 - to improve the State plan amendment option for providing home and community-based services under the Medicaid program. No House bill yet.
Empowered at Home Act - to amend the Medicaid program to improve the home and community-based services (HCBS) option to encourage more states to provide the services to eligible people. The bill builds on the state option created by the Medicare Modernization Act whereby states were able to have HCBS as part of a state plan rather than as a Medicaid waiver program; S. 434.
Requested introduction of legislation to reverse misguided Medicare regulations that pay for wheelchairs only as needed in the home, rather than as needed to be independent, to be employed and to participate in the community. No bill yet.
Requested introduction of legislation to allow in-home care under Medicare for beneficiaries who need it, rather than just for those who do not leave their homes except in very limited circumstances. No bill yet.
Requested introduction of the Prosthetic and Orthotic Parity Act. No bill yet.
In letter to administration and CMS on Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage outlined concerns about protected drug classes, comparative effectiveness, and off label use of prescriptions.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret V.) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
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
Requested reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. No bill yet.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
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 LAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
Requested introduction of the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act (LLEHCPA) to grant agencies the authority to investigate and prosecute federal crimes based on the victims disability, whether real or perceived, and would authorize funding to states to help with the prosecution of Hate Crimes. No bill yet.
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 |
Peggy (Margaret) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
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
Compensation Owed for Mental Health Based on Activities in Theater Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Act of 2009 -- the COMBAT PTSD Act; H.R. 952.
Requested introduction of legislation to increase coverage in support of VAs Veterans Mortgage Life Insurance Program; no bill yet. continued
Appropriations for Veterans Affairs funds for the level for VA medical care as championed by the Independent Budget (a detailed budget developed annually by several veterans organizations) including funds to research and treat mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury; assurance that the VA will not bill private health insurers for treatment of health problems related to military service; VA health care funding reform including advanced appropriations and mandatory funding; one unified lifetime electronic health record for members of our armed services that will contain their administrative and medical information; increased funding for VA homeless veterans programs; funds for Medical and Prosthetic Research Program and to bring VA research facilities into the 21st century.
In addition, advocated for:
-Immediate increased cooperation and coordination between the DoD and the VA in order to facilitate the soldier-to-civilian transition process, disabled service member health care planning, increased research concerning post-deployment mental health challenges and TBI.
-Maintenance of critical Veterans Health Administration infrastructure, construction
of new VA medical facilities, as opposed to building structures for other entities and
leasing them back thereby endangering the capacity to treat future generations of veterans.
-Reformation of the VA claims adjudication process to improve the timeliness and accuracy of claims decisions, reduce delays caused by unnecessarily burdensome procedures, poor adjudicator training and a lack of accountability.
-Increased cooporation and coordination between the VA and the Department of Labor to work on the issues of veterans employment, training and business 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 |
Peggy (Margaret) |
Hathaway |
|
|
|
Andrew |
Morris |
|
|
|
Others w less than 20% time |
Others w less than 20% time |
|
|
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 |