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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 | 2014 |
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: Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations |
Date | 07/16/2014 |
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 Suicide Prevention Research Innovation Act (S. 2035).
Supported the Mental Health First Aid Act of 2013 (S. 153).
Discussed with Senate HELP Committee Staff omnibus legislation that includes durable medical equipment, accessible technology, housing, accessible housing and recreation provisions.
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
Supported the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act (H.R. 3422) which would provide tax credits for first time veteran homebuyers and for housing adaptations.
Supported Senate efforts to extend and expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to incentivize business hiring of people with disabilities and veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Advocated for Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013 (ABLE Act) adjusts the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts to assist people with disabilities save private funds to pay for education, housing, transportation,
employment support and other personal support expenses.
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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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code DEF
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4435/S. 2410).
Supported S. 1659, the POST Act. This legislation would allow for-profit schools to receive no more than 85% of their revenues from federal sources and include DoD Tuition Assistance and G.I. Bill funds in the 85% calculation.
Supported the Caring for Military Children with Developmental Disabilities Act of 2014 (H.R. 4630/S.2333). This legislation would improve access to behavioral health services, including applied behavior analysis, for TRICARE beneficiaries with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Supported H.R. 164 which would permit former members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft.
Supported the Rehabilitative Therapy Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act (H.R. 1705).
Discussed the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 967).
Supported the Disabled Military Child Protection Act (H.R. 2249/S. 1076).
Supported House efforts to increase DoD and VA support for Joint Centers of Excellence.
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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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
Supported The Independent Budget for the VA budget recommendations for VA and related agencies serving veterans for FY 2015.
Support community integration for people with disabilities - House Appropriations Committee's Report on the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill.
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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
Supported the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act (H.R. 288/S. 325). 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).
Opposed eligibility restrictions surrounding social security benefits for people with disabilities and suggested improvements in the disability determinations process.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Social Security Administration (SSA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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 VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the Guarantee Housing for Terminally Ill Veterans Act (H.R. 4674).
Discussed the Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2009).
Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act (S. 2145).
Discussed the Veterans Appeals Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2296).
Discussed S. 2316, which would require the VAs Inspector General to submit a report on wait times for veterans seeking medical care from VA and to prohibit closure of VA medical facilities.
Discussed S. 2362, which would prohibit the payment of performance awards in fiscal year 2015 to Veterans Health Administration employees.
Discussed the Increasing Medical Oversight in the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2014 (S. 2401).
Discussed the Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014 (H.R. 4810).
Discussed the Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (S. 2182).
Supported H.R. 4971, the Ask Veterans Act. This legislation would solicit veterans opinions regarding their experiences with VA health care.
Supported S. 1659, the POST Act. This legislation would allow for-profit schools to receive no more than 85% of their revenues from federal sources and include DoD Tuition Assistance and G.I. Bill funds in the 85% calculation.
Supported S. 2115, the American Cures Act. This legislation would create a biomedical trust fund to sustain federal investment in four leading federal agencies and programs dedicated to mental health and prosthetic research for veterans.
Supported the Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2243/H.R. 4892). This legislation would increase access to caregiver benefits and make other critical changes needed to ensure improved services for significantly disabled veterans and servicemembers and their caregivers.
Supported the Disabled Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act (H.R. 4247). This legislation would increase preference in federal hiring for veterans who have disability ratings of 70 percent or greater from VA.
Supported the Express Appeals Act (H.R. 4616). This legislation would provide veterans with the opportunity to have their appeals of claims for disability compensation benefits reviewed using an expedited review process.
Supported the Serving Americas Veterans Effectively Act (SAVE Act). This legislation would promote greater awareness of the health care needs of our nations veterans by requiring health care providers who participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ask about a patients veteran status.
Supported the Veterans Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 (S. 2450). This legislation represents an important step toward ensuring that veterans have timely access to health care and that VA employees who gamed the system for scheduling care will be held accountable. S. 2450 was inserted into H.R. 3230 (Veterans Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014) as an amendment in the nature of a substitute.
Signed on to a letter to the Chair and Ranking Members of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees regarding key points that we want to see in a VA health care reform bill. We want to make sure that any compromise includes the following: a focus on access to treatment for all veterans waiting for care, VA responsibility for care coordination, fully funded expanded care, protection and preservation of the VA health care system, and an open and transparent process for making reforms.
Discussed H.R. 4037, the Improving Veterans Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Act of 2014.
Supported S. 1950/S. 1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military and Retirement Pay Restoration Act.
Also supported Amendment 2755 to add advance appropriations for additional VA accounts to S. 1982.
Supported H.R. 2527 which expands access to counseling and treatment for sexual trauma that occurred while a service member was on inactive duty for training status.
Supported H.R. 2974 which expands beneficiary travel for veterans seeking treatment or care for military sexual assault at a specialized outpatient or residential facility.
Supported H.R. 3958, the Healing our Heroes Act. This legislation would prevent veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from being forced to prematurely end their rehabilitation due to the expiration of the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with TBI. In addition, we supported H.R. 4276 which would also extend the authorization of the program.
Supported H.R. 4234, the Ensuring Veterans Resiliency Act. This legislation would encourage psychiatrists to dedicate their careers to serving our veterans by authorizing a select number of full-time hires to be offered loan repayment incentives commensurate with other federal entities.
Discussed the 21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act (S. 2091). This legislation would seek to improve the VA claims process.
Supported H.R. 4150, the Veterans Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2014.
Supported H.R. 4151, the Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014.
Supported H.R. 2018, the Honor Those Who Served Act of 2013.
Discussed H.R. 2119, the Veterans Access to Speedy Review Act.
Supported H.R. 2529, the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act.
Supported H.R. 3671 which would furnish a medallion to signify the veteran status of a deceased individual.
Supported H.R. 4095/S. 2258, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014.
Supported H.R. 4102 which would allow the estates of deceased veterans to receive accrued benefits.
Supported H.R. 4141 which would allow enhanced-use leases for excess property of the National Cemetery Administration.
Discussed H.R. 3876, the Burial with Dignity for Heroes Act of 2014.
Discussed S. 1584 which would provide replacement automobiles for certain disabled veterans and servicemembers.
Supported S. 2311/H.R. 3508 which would clarify qualifications of hearing aid specialist of the VHA.
Discussed with VAs Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service standards for installation of adaptive auto equipment paid for by VA.
Discussed legislation to provide a presumption of service connection for mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma.
Discussed legislation regarding telework for certain VA employees.
Discussed H.R. 2088 which would direct VA to carry out a pilot program to establish claims adjudication centers of excellence.
Supported the Support our Services to Veterans Caregivers (SOS Veterans Caregivers) Act (H.R. 3672).
Supported the Protecting Those Who Protected Us Act of 2013 (S. 1564).
Discussed H.R. 2726 which would authorize VA to enter into contracts and agreements for the transfer of veterans to non-VA medical foster homes for certain veterans who are unable to live independently.
Supported the Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act (H.R. 1980/H.R. 4191).
Supported House efforts to increase DOD and VA support for Joint Centers of Excellence.
Supported the Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act of 2013 (H.R. 2797).
Supported the Veterans Independent Living Enhancement Act (H.R. 3330).
Discussed the Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2013, as amended (S. 944).
Discussed the Access to Appropriate Immunizations for Veterans Act of 2013 (S. 1165).
Discussed the Improving the Lives of Children with Spina Bifida Act (S. 832).
Supported the American Heroes COLA Act (H.R. 570).
Supported the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 602).
Supported the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 (H.R. 671).
Supported the Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act (H.R. 679).
Supported the VA Claims, Operations, and Records Efficiency Act (H.R. 1729).
Discussed the Ending VA Claims Disability Backlog and Accountability Act (H.R. 2138).
Supported the World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act (H.R. 1288).
Supported the Blue Water Navy Ship Accountability Act (H.R. 1494).
Discussed the VA Claims Efficiency Through Information Act (H.R. 1623).
Supported the Pay As You Rate Act (H.R. 2086).
Supported H.R. 1809 which would require VA to provide notice of average times for processing claims and percentage of claims approved.
Supported the Prioritizing Urgent Claims for Veterans Act (H.R. 2382).
Supported the Disabled Veterans Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act (H.R. 2423).
Supported the Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 (H.R. 813/S. 932).
Discussed the Veterans Pension Protection Act (H.R. 2341).
Opposed the Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 733).
Supported the Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act (S. 522).
Supported the Veterans Affairs Research Transparency Act (S. 877).
Supported legislation authorizing VA to transport individuals to and from VA facilities in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, and care (H.R. 1702/S. 455).
Supported the Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2013 (H.R. 3383/S. 851).
Supported (H.R. 1284/S. 633) which would provide coverage under the beneficiary travel program of VA of certain disabled veterans for travel in connection with certain special disabilities rehabilitation.
Supported H.R. 1405 which would require VA to include an appeals form in any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit.
Discussed H.R. 2189 which would establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims.
Supported the Servicemembers Choice in Transition Act of 2013 (H.R. 631/S. 889) and recommended an amendment that would ensure inclusion of information about disability related protections for disabled veterans seeking employment and/or education opportunities. This provision is now part of H.R. 357.
Discussed reforming the VAs claims process to ensure that it is veteran-centered.
Supported the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013 (S. 131/H.R. 958). This legislation includes greater assistance through VA for veterans who have infertility issues related to their military service.
Discussed with advocates a legislative proposal to expand the approved uses of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Discussed access to VA mental health services with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration.
Discussed the VetSuccess Enhancement Act (H.R. 844). This legislation would extend from 12 to 17 years the authorized period for an eligible veteran to receive vocational training and rehabilitation from VA.
Discussed H.R. 894 which would reform VAs fiduciary program.
Discussed the Reducing Barriers to Veterans Benefits Act (H.R. 369).
Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 183). 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.
Supported the CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act (H.R. 288/S. 325). 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 VA home and community-based services for veterans with disabilities.
Urged Congress to provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VAs benefits claims processing backlog.
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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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.
Advocated for Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013 which creates a separate benefit under Medicare for customized wheelchairs and equipment. (HR 942/S. 948).
Discussed legislative options for improved access to wheelchair repair, capped rental equipment and speech-generating devices.
Advocated for Access to Inpatient Rehabilitation Therapy Act of 2014(H. R. 4755) which includes recreational therapy among the therapy modalities that constitute an intensive rehabilitation therapy program in an inpatient rehabilitation hospital or unit.
Discussed suggested improvements for collecting data on patients within the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act) which addresses data collectin procedures on rehabilitiation treatments and therapies under Medicare.
Discussed personal injury settlements under Medicare affecting individuals with disabilities.
Advocated for improved access for consumers to telemedicine and advocated for the lifting of restrictions of reimbursement for telemedicine at Accountable Care Organizations.
Discussed strategies to improve information sharing for ACA navigators for the purpose of helping them enroll people with disabilities into the right health care plans.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Defense - Dept of (DOD), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), 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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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
Urge the Department of Labors Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training Service to swiftly implement Section 521 of the National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 113-66).
Discussed federal contractor regulations (503) related to the hiring of people with disabilities.
Discussed strategies around the hiring and retention of people with disabilities in the federal government.
Advocated in support of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act which implements competitive integrated employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Advocated in support of extending the effective date of compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestice Service for another 18 months.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Labor - Dept of (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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 MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported S. 2115, the American Cures Act. This legislation would create a biomedical trust fund to sustain federal investment in four leading federal agencies and programs dedicated to mental health and prosthetic research for veterans.
Supported the CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2013 (H.R. 1591).
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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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 Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2013 (Haven Act) (H.R. 385/H.R. 3743/S. 1387). This legislation will leverage the ability of nonprofits to assist disabled and low-income veterans with needed housing adaptations and home repairs.
Discussed the Homes for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 384/H.R. 386).
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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the Transportation for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 2362).
Support HR 3978, New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act (NOBPIFA), sponsored by Rep. Albio Sires (D-NJ 8th). The bill includes funding for achieving compliance with the ADA, improving public transit, biking and pedestrian infrastructure.
Support HR 3494/S 1708, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act, sponsored by Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR 3rd) and Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC 6th), and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH). The bills would require the DOT to set a non-motorized safety performance measure.
Advocated for passage of a long-term surface transportation bill with adequate funding measures. Any bill should incentivize solutions to ensuring an accessible, affordable, reliable and safe transportation system in urban, suburban, and rural settings. Support public transit, funding for Section 5310, pilot programs that measure connectivity, including usability of sidewalks, TIGER and FAST grants that can support sidewalk and curb cut maintenance.
Suupport biking and pedestrian programs and accessible pathways in MAP-21 reauthorization.
Requested funding for progams that support people with disabilities' access to transportation.
Discussed improving regulations for out-of-water survival craft included in the Coast Guard reauthorization bill.
Discussed dedicated paratransit funding options and the creation of an incentive program to improve paratransit and transit operations for people with disabilities.
Discussed establishing a transportation careers workforce development progam at the DOT to create pathways into quality operations, repair, maintenance, and construction jobs for disadvantaged workers including people with disabilities; foster investments in underserved communities in public transportation, bicycle and pedestrian projects (including ADA compliance) through DOT TIGER and TIFIA grants; and leverage DOT and related agency data collection, performance measures, and collaboration to ensure transportation projects benefit all by requiring DOT to prepare a quadrennial report of non-discrimination.
United Spinal signed on to a letter to the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works in support of financing for transit-oriented development (TOD). The EPWs bill included a proposal that would 1) recognize TOD as an eligible category in the TIFIA grant program and (2) lower the project cost threshold from $50million to $10million for TOD-projects. The provision passed and remains in the EPW bill.
United Spinal signed on to a letter to Senate and House Transportation Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies (T-HUD) subcommittee leadership. The letter urges leadership to maintain funding for Department of Transportation programs impacting people with disabilities in the FY 2015 T-HUD appropriations bill.
United Spinal has recommended that US DOT ensure that a non-motorized measure would include people who use motorized and non-motorized wheelchairs as part of the Highway Safety Performance Management proposed rules.
Supported legislation allowing states and cities to require local residents be hired for highway and public transportation projects. Local residents could include people with disabilities. H. R. 3620 - Local Hire Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Transportation - Dept of (DOT),
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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 EDU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the drafting of a rule on gainful employment for for-profit colleges and universities that accept federal funds with staff from the White House, Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Education.
Opposed the Academic Freedom Through Regulatory Relief Act (H.R. 2637).
Supported S. 1659, the POST Act. This legislation would allow for-profit schools to receive no more than 85% of their revenues from federal sources and include DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) and G.I. Bill funds in the 85% calculation.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, Education - Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB)
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 HOM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed legislative recommendations around communications for people with disabilities before, during and after emergencies.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
Address | |
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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
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1 |
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3 |
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2 |
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4 |
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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:
Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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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
1 | 3 | 5 |
2 | 4 | 6 |