UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION for UNITED SPINAL ASSOCIATION
What was lobbied
10 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Transportation TRA
United Spinal participated, as an alternate, in the U.S. Access Board's Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee (RVAAC) April meeting. The RVAAC is developing consensus recommendations for the Access Boards use in updating sections of the guidelines that cover vehicles of fixed guideway systems, including rapid, light, commuter, intercity, and high speed rail. United Spinal submitted comments concerning U.S.DOT proposed rulemaking on Geographic-Based Hiring Preferences in Administering Federal Awards. United Spinal supported USDOTs efforts to allow city and state departments of transportation to set economic and geographic preferences for projects receiving federal funds. In addition, United Spinal urged USDOT to extend the allowance for targeted hiring provisions, including women and people with disabilities. United Spinal recommended language supporting contractor compliance with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Section 503 rule requiring affirmative action policies leading to the employment of people with disabilities. United Spinal participated in an executive roundtable at the USDOT on Connectivity. The roundtable sought to examine equity measures seeking to ensure all people, including mobility device users, are getting where they need to go. United Spinal participated in a conference call with USDOT staff regarding future webinars to support the USDOTs Mayors Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets initiative. Mayors offices (and state and other local officials, and planning organizations) who had signed up to participate in the challenge convened for a day at the USDOT headquarters earlier this year. Participants will receive technical assistance throughout the year. United Spinal supports S.705, the Transportation Alternatives Program Improvement Act. S.705 ensures adequate funding for sidewalk and other pedestrian and biking programs. The bill would allocate funds to local communities, and smaller rural communities, to build accessible networks, and to non-profits for safety education. United Spinal signed on to a letter to all members of Congress in support of adequate funding for transportation alternative programs (TAP), which includes funding for sidewalks and curb ramps. United Spinal signed on to a letter to all members of Congress in support of adequate funding for transportation alternative programs (TAP), which includes funding for sidewalks and curb ramps. United Spinal signed on to a letter to Congress regarding the need for reauthorization for a surface transportation bill. The letter highlighted the need for accessible transportation programs, funding for travel training and technical assistance, accessible taxis and public rights-of-way, and quality paratransit and coordinated transportation. United Spinal attended a conversation with USDOT Secretary Foxx, the DC DOT Director, Iowa DOT Director, and a key VA DOT official. The speakers discussed funding challenges and potential solutions. United Spinal attended a talk and interview with House Transportation & Infrastructure Chairman Shuster on transportation funding. Supports HR 2071, the Safe Streets Act of 2015, sponsored by Rep. Matsui (D-CA-6th). The bill encourages communities to consider safety improvements for all users in transportation project planning. United Spinal also calls on Congress to pass 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 for all in urban, suburban, and rural settings. United Spinal provided guidance to Representative Duckworths staff regarding a bill that would require spaces be provided in airports for mothers to breastfeed. Duckworths staff requested recommended language to ensure the spaces provided would be accessible to all H.R.2530 - the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act of 2015. United Spinal provided a letter of support to Representative Langevins office in support of HR 1448, the Transit Accessibility Innovation Act of 2015. The bill would provide grants to public transit agencies to improve paratransit programs. United Spinal co-signed a letter to the Coast Guard as the Co-Chair of the CCD Transportation Task Force. The letter was addressed to Coast Guard Admiral Zukunft, and ccd key Senate offices on the Coast Guard subcommittee, FEMA, and the White House. The letter raised the concern that the House-passed Coast Guard Reauthorization Act weakens a requirement that survival craft keep a persons entire body out of the water. United spinal co-signed a letter, as Co-Chair of the CCD Transportation Task force, thanking Representative Rick Larsen for adding language to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization. The language urged the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to swiftly promulgate long-awaited regulations on the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) that increase access to accessible air travel for people with disabilities. The letter also raised the hope that rulemaking would increase access to lavatories, for passengers with service animals, and ensure the safety of people with disabilities mobility devices during travel. United Spinal signed on to a Congressional letter organized by Rails-to-Trails in support of funding and maintenance of the Trasnportation Alternatives Program (TAP) under USDOT. TAP provides authorization and funding for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and safety programs around the country. United Spinal participated, as an alternate, in the US Access Board Rail Vehicles Access Advisory Committee (RVAAC) June meeting. The RVAAC is developing consensus recommendations for the Access Boards use in updating sections of the guidelines that cover vehicles of fixed guideway systems, including rapid, light, commuter, intercity, and high speed rail.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| CAROL TYSON | — |
Health Issues HCR
United Spinal Association calls for FDA Oversight and Congressional Hearings on Biologic Medicines Biologic medicines are made from living organisms and are far more complex and difficult to develop than traditional chemical drugs. United Spinal signed onto a Congressional letter to ask for support for the inclusion of $38 million in the FY 2016 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations (LHHS) bill for the Assistive Technology (AT) Act Programs. Funding provided through the AT Act supports programs that assure people with disabilities have access to and acquisition of the assistive technology services they need to live, work, and attend school in their communities. United Spinal wrote a Congressional letter in support of The Enhancing the Stature and Visibility of Medical Rehabilitation Research at the NIH Act (companion bills: S. 800 and H.R. 1631) to improve, coordinate, and enhance medical rehabilitation research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Support HR 292, Advancing Research for Neurological Diseases Act of 2015, which amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to: (1) enhance and expand infrastructure and activities to track the epidemiology of neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease; and (2) incorporate information obtained through those activities into a National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System and requires the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to ensure that the System facilitates further research on neurological diseases. United Spinal signed on to a letter organized by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network to be sent to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The letter urged the FDA to act on the recommendations of the Neurological Devices Panel of the Medical Devices Advisory Committee that the harms of aversive conditioning devices used for contingent electric shock outweigh any potential benefits. The letter signatories called for the FDA to issue a total ban on any aversive conditioning devices used for contingent electric shock, in order to protect the publics right to safe, evidence-based treatment and the inherent human rights and dignity of people with disabilities. United Spinal Association signed onto an ARCH National Respite Network letter for House and Senate funding requests for FY2016 for the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill for respite and other critical family support programs that provide a safety net for family caregivers across the lifespan and provides savings with proven prevention strategies. The letter requests $5.0 million for the Lifespan Respite Care Program, the amount included in the Presidents FY 2016 budget. We are also seeking support for the National Family Caregiver Support Program ($150 million), the Native American Caregiver Support Program ($6.8 million), and for the new Family Support program ($15 million) proposed by the President. United Spinal commended the United States House of Representatives Committee on Energy & Commerce Committee in support of the $10 billion NIH Innovation Fund which was added to a second discussion draft of the 21st Century Cures Act which makes improvements with access to medical devices, and prescription drugs. United Spinal policy staff requested members of Congress on the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to assist with United Spinal taking a leading role with an Administration for Community Living (ACL) federal $19,589,469 multi-year grant that funds a national Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) to provide access to the most comprehensive, high quality information and supports for people of all ages living with paralysis, their family and caregivers. United Spinal supports efforts by the American Academy of Pain Management and signed onto their letter to the Senate Finance Committee in implementing the development of a comprehensive population-level strategy to advance pain research, education, care and prevention, called the National Pain Strategy (NPS).
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| ROSS ANDREW MEGLATHERY New | — |
| CAROL TYSON | — |
Medicare/Medicaid MMM
Supports H.R. 1516/S. 1013 - ENsuring Access to Quality Compex Rehabiliation Technology Act - to ensure Medicare beneficiaries' access to customized wheelchairs. United Spinal advocated distributed a Congressional Dear Colleague letter urging that CRT accessories (specialty controls such as head-rests) are not set at competitive bidding pricing the same as standard wheelchairs due to their highly customized nature for a small population living with significant disabilities. United Spinal highlighted our concern with CRT Accessories, described above and with our concerns with access to durable medical equipment for wheelchair users under the competitive acquisition program. United Spinal signed on to a letter to US Health and Human Services Secretary Burwell and CMS officials regarding a pending case, Davis v. Shah, in the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals - a challenge to New York Medicaid's attempt to limit coverage of compression stockings and orthopedic shoes only to Medicaid recipients with specific diagnoses. Supports the Steve Gleason Act which lifts caps on access to speech-generating devices. (HR 1919, H.R. 629, S, 768, S. 984. United Spinal supported Congressional testimony on behalf of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation Steering Committee highlighting the need to eliminate site-neutral payments under Medicare and also advocated for additional signatories to a Dear Colleague letter stating the same issue. United Spinal supports expanded state participation in Medicaid programs that increase funding for HCBS such as the Community First Choice Option, Money Follows the Person, and the Balancing Incentive Program; and oppose restructuring of Medicaid funding through block grants, State Flexibility Funds, or per capita caps. United Spinal signed on to a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in support of an improved mechanism for the reimbursement of Lemtrada to ensure speedier access to this therapy for individuals with multiple sclerosis. United Spinal signed onto three comment letters to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in support of improved rehab policy, namely: on in-patient rehabilitative facilities and on skilled nursing facilities to allow for improved quality reporting and on acute care hospitals and payment issues to ensure that bundled payments of services does not hinder coverage of episodes of care for individuals with multiple needs. United Spinal signed onto a MapRx letter to urge the Senate Finance Committee to include, in their discussion of chronic care, robust formularies, coverage of the six-protected classes of drugs, strong oversight, and transparency for consumers are among the design principles essential to meet the needs of Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, a process for notice of non-coverage, appeals and exceptions is critical to providing access to needed drug therapies. United Spinal supports S.1253, the Patient Access to Disposable Medical Technology Act of 2015.The legislation amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to cover disposable medical technology in addition to equipment traditionally described as durable medical equipment. This legislation was introduced by Senators Burr (R-NC) and Bennet (D-CO) this spring and is identical to its House counterpart, H.R. 1018, which United Spinal has also supported. United Spinal supports the Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2015, HR 160, introduced by Rep. Eric Paulsen of Minnesota, which repeals the medical device tax on medical device manufacturers and importers. United Spinal signed on to a letter to Congress to convey support for the goals of the final Home and Community Based Settings (HCBS) rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in January 2014. This rule is the first time CMS has defined community for Medicaid-funded HCBS programs. The letter also urges Congress to: protect cuts to funding; support the requested additional $2.8m in CMS funding for HCBS; and defend against policies or changes to the rule that would hinder the goal of providing supports through HCBS so that people with disabilities can live meaningful lives.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| CAROL TYSON | — |
Defense DEF
Discussed the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act HR 1735, FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Bill, Space Available Transportation Disabled Vets legislation Supported HR 1735 FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Bill amendment #1556, The Servicemember Student Loan Affordability Act of 2015 Supported House efforts to increase DoD and VA support for Joint Centers of Excellence.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ROSS ANDREW MEGLATHERY New | — |
Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV
United Spinal signed on to comments organized by the CCD Rights Task force and submitted to the Co-Chairs of the Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing. The comments urged the Task Force to give full consideration to the ways in which law enforcement officers interact with individuals with physical and mental disabilities, and the need for improved awareness and training. United Spinal Association signed onto a letter drafted by the Consortium of Citizens with Disabilities asking Democratic Whip of the United States House of Representatives, Rep. Steny Hoyer, to weigh in with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission regarding its April 20, 2015 proposed rule to amend its ADA regulations which takes away important workplace rights that Congress enacted to protect people with disabilities. The letter shared concerns that the EEOCs Proposed Rule narrows the protections of the ADA-specifically, its limits on employers ability to subject employees to medical inquiries and examinations unrelated to their jobs.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| CAROL TYSON | — |
Veterans VET
Discussed the change in the 40 mile rule with Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Discussed how to address transportation difficulties experienced by veterans needing to travel to VA healthcare appointments. Discussed draft legislation that would improve benefits and services for veterans and their families. Discussed how to transform VAs vocational rehabilitation program into a 21st century vocational rehabilitation program. Discussed proposed legislation to provide a presumption of service connection for mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. Discussed proposed legislation regarding telework for certain VA employees. Supported House efforts to increase DOD and VA support for Joint Centers of Excellence. Discussed reforming the VAs claims process to ensure that it is veteran-centered. 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. 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. Wrote a letter of support for HR 2894 CARE For All Veterans Act Wrote a letter in support of HR 2360, the Career-Ready Student Veterans Act
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ROSS ANDREW MEGLATHERY New | — |
Housing HOU
United Spinal signed on to testimony submitted by the CCD Transportation and Housing Task Forces, as well as several other disability organizations. The testimony urged the Senate appropriations committee to maintain funding for Department of Transportation (DOT) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs impacting people with disabilities in the FY 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (T-HUD) appropriations bill
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| CAROL TYSON | — |
Education EDU
Signed onto a Coalition Letter for Sign On Opposing Legislation to Repeal Gainful Employment and Incentive Compensation Rule. Signed on to a letter to Secretary of Education Duncan requesting a discharge of student loans based on Corinthian College going out of business and leaving its veteran students saddled with debt and no degree. Signed on to support HR 2360, the Career-ready Student Veterans Act. Provided support to Senator Blumenthals Bill to restore Post-9/11 education benefits for veterans at closed schools. Released a press statement in support of Military and Veterans Education Protection Act of 2015, legislation introduced by Senators Carper, Durbin and Blumenthal that proposes to close the 90-10 Loophole in veteran education benefits.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ROSS ANDREW MEGLATHERY New | — |
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR
United Spinal submitted a proposal to the Department of Labor on ways to improve recruitment of people with disabilities into the federal government contractor rolls. Discused 503 regs.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
| CAROL TYSON | — |
Communications/Broadcasting/Radio/TV COM
United Spinal is working with the FCC on highlighting and encouraging broadband enabled health solutions for people with disabilities by introducing partnerships with companies in the consumer electronics space and working with the FCCs Connect to Health Task Force. The FCC is planning technology expos for people with disabilities this Fall. United Spinal has been working closely with Verizon and other IT companies to expand access for people with disabilities to consumer electronics, software applications and communications devices. United Spinal is looking at ways to improve upon the Telecommunications Act of 1996. So many technology changes have occurred since then. United Spinal continues to highlight with Congressional offices the need to look at a new policy framework which encourages investment and innovation; promotes competition, and protects consumers. Regarding consumer access to devices and content, a light regulatory approach would be beneficial being mindful that there continue to be multiple communication platforms with different software and application versions for use by individuals who are blind, deaf and live with manual dexterity limitations. United Spinal continues to advocate against restrictions on access to telemedicine for our members and the broader disability community.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH | — |
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.