UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION for UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION
No amount is shown when the filer reports less than $5,000 for the period, which the form does not ask them to state.
What was lobbied
13 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
Support H.R.1874/S. 817, ABLE Age Adjustment Act
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| JASEY CARDENAS | — |
Aviation/Airlines/Airports AVI
Support of HR 5004 - Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2018 and S. 1318, ACAAA of 2017.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Disaster Planning/Emergencies DIS
Supported, advocated on READI for Disasters Act, S. 3679.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| JASEY CARDENAS | — |
Railroads RRR
Discussed accessibility concerns for people with disabilities with AMTRAK on railcars.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| JASEY CARDENAS | — |
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV
Discussed potential legislation around Postal Accessibility and Inclusion Act - to be introduced in the 116th Congress.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| JASEY CARDENAS | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Insurance INS
Supported the Social Security Disability Protection Act - S. 3741
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Transportation TRA
Discussed accessibility concerns for people with disabilities with U.S. Access Board on autonomous vehicles. United Spinal submitted comments to DOT on AV 3.0 and submitted comments as part of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities. Submitted Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee nominated names to DOT.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Health Issues HCR
Accessible Exercise Equipment United Spinal helped introduce legislation of Senator Tammy Duckworth, S. 3729 - Exercise and Fitness For All Act that would authorize the Access Board to issue guidelines specifying the number and types of accessible exercise equipment required. It also provides for a tax credit for a small business purchasing accessible exercise equipment. United Spinal Association discussed with NIH and CDC the work related to appropriating $5 million per year for 4 years for the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System in 2018 appropriations. Communicated with NIH the importance of focusing on the need for better outcomes data on rehab for the SCI community. United Spinal became an official non-Federal partner along with others for NIH's SCI 2020 Conference. United Spinal provided feedback on challenges and opportunities regarding improved communication and focused priorities with NIDILRR. United Spinal presented at the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Project Directors Meeting on the need for better rehab research outcomes for the SCI/D community.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| JASEY CARDENAS | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Veterans VET
Discussed potential legislation around National Trauma Care System Act - establishing a national trauma care system act to integrate existing civilian-military systems and promote research and support. Support FCC protection of low-income consumers' access to telephone service - "Promoting Broadband Internet Access Service for Veterans - support of the Lifeline program. Advocated on VA MISSION Act. Advocated on Disabled Veterans Life Insurance act, HR. 4146.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DANIELLE APPLEGATE New | — |
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| BETHANY KEIRANS | — |
Medicare/Medicaid MMM
Supports H.R. 750 The Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology (CRT) Act. Supports S. 486 Protecting Beneficiary Access to Complex Rehab Technology Act of 2017 Supports H.R. 3730 (To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the non-application of Medicare competitive acquisition rates to complex rehabilitative manual wheelchairs and accessories) was introduced by Representatives Lee Zeldin (R-NY) and John Larson (D-CT) to stop CMS from using Competitive Bid pricing for accessories used with CRT manual wheelchairs. Discussed with CMS, the issue of power wheelchair standing and seat elevation devices and the need for appropriate coverage under Medicare. Discussed with CMS, the need for excluding ostomy and urology supplies from CMS' competitive bidding program. Sent letter to CMS re: the National Coverage Decision on Blood Pressure Monitoring to account for the specific needs of the SCI population. Sent letter to CMS on appropriate coding for powered orthotic and prosthetic devices for the SCI/D population. Spoke with CMS on the issue of catheter-associated UTIs and to ask CMS to look at the policy around removing indwelling catheters from individuals with SCI in a hospital setting. Removing catheters from SCI individuals is a very complex decision. Supported HR 7217 - the IMPROVE Act. Supported additional telehealth benefits in Medicare Advantage as United Spinal, and as a member of the Coalition, PCHAlliance. And provided comments to CMS on digital health and need the innovation to CMMI as part of PCHAlliance. Continued to provide comments on appropriate access to assistive technology and medical devices, as part of the ITEM Coalition on behalf of the SCI community and on appropriate rehabilitation as part of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| JASEY CARDENAS | — |
| BETHANY KEIRANS | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Immigration IMM
Submitted comments in the form of concerns to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service - opposing the public charge rule for persons with disabilities.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
Education EDU
Discussed with OSERS Every Student Succeeds Act including digital and information communication technology and virtual instruction.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR
Attended an event at DOL to talk with DOL on employment and people with disabilities. Talked with DOL on the importance of autonomous vehicles for people with disabilities. Support Sen. Casey's Disability Employment Incentive Act/S. 3260.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| TIMOTHY KENT KEYSER | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.