Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2014

Social Security, Cost of Living Adjustments, Medicare, Medicaid, Chained CPI, HR900, Medicare Eligibility, Targeted Social Security Benefit Improvements, Social Security Administrative Funding & Staffing, SSI, SSDI, S.308, S.567, S.500, S. Amdt 198, S. Amdt 213, S. Amdt 407, HR 649, HR1374, H.Amdt.34, HR 3118, H.Con.Res. 34, S.Con.Res. 15, HR 3547 and HR 1029, S 2089, HR 1601, the SSI restoration act bills, S. 2382, H.R. 5306, S. 1810, H.R. 3712, S. 2455, S. 2305, H.R. 4664, H.R. 5024, S. 2742, Social Security Administration Commissioner Nomination and Confirmation, and Social Security Administration Service Cuts (Benefit Verifications/NUMILITES)

Client expense: $12,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office

Supplemental Security Income. H.R. 1601, S. 2089, Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2013: proposal to strengthen and improve access to Supplemental Security Income benefits by expanding the resources limit, increasing the general income disregard, and eliminating the reduction in benefits for in-kind support and maintenance and other provisions.

Client expense: $230,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration on Aging, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), President of the U.S., SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of, Vice President of the U.S.

Discussed demographics and priorities for AARP members and the 50+ population in general. (no bill) Discussed with lawmakers & the Administration to keep Social Security separate from all budget negotiations/deficit reduction measures and opposed proposals for a "Chained CPI"Discussed the Department of Labor's intent to propose new fiduciary duty regulation with Congressional staff. Discussed possible proposals to improve pension rights for participants and reform proposals to improve pension coverage and adequacy. ( no bill) Briefed Congress on AARP's "You've Earned A Say"- A national conversation on the future of Social Security and Medicare with AARP members and all Americans. Lobbied against cuts to Social Security benefits via the adoption of chained CPI to calculate annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security and Veterans benefits, among others. (no bill) S.500, the Keeping Our Social Security Promise Act - Discussed legislation to apply payroll taxes to employment and self-employment taxes to remuneration up to the contribution and benefit base and to remuneration in excess of $250,000. S. 308, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act - Discussed legislation to implement the CPI-E for annual Social Security COLA's and to eliminate the cap on maximum taxable wages under Social Security. S.567, the Strengthening Social Security Act - Discussed legislation to implement the CPI-E for annual Social Security COLA's and to eliminate the cap on maximum taxable wages under Social Security. Discussed current and future challenges of Social Security's Representative Payee program. (no bill) Discussed pending DOL regulations of summary documents for 401(k) fee disclosure. (no bill) ERISA fiduciary protections to safeguard the savings of worker investments in retirement accounts. H. R. 1601, the SSI Restoration Act - Signed on to Leadership Council of Aging Organization's (LCAO) endorsement letter on legislation to update aspects of the Supplemental Security Income Program. Lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefit cuts in any package pertaining to the continuing resolution or the debt ceiling. Discussed retirement bills in draft with multiple staffers. (no bill) Discussed legislation to improve SSA administrative services. (no bill) Discussed proposals to protect multi-employer pensions. (no bill) Letter to Congress and White House staff on the need to update definition of "fiduciary" under ERISA. (no bill) Discussed spousal pension protections. (no bill)H.R. 2229, the Safeguarding Social Security Numbers Act of 2013 - Discussed legislation with Hill staff to establish a universal standard for the truncation of Social Security Numbers to prevent identity theft and fraud. H.R. 2171/S. 1145, the Lifetime Income Disclosure Act - Support for bipartisan legislation to express on annual 401(k) benefit statements the approximate annuity value of the lump sum value of the account. Discussed potential AARP comments to the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration's Announcement of Proposed Rulemaking on lifetime income illustrations given to participants in defined contribution pension plans, such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans. (no bill) Discussed with officials from DOL Employee Benefits Security Administration the planned re-proposal of regulations to update the definition of a fiduciary for ERISA covered pension plans. (no bill) H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act - Expressed opposition to H.R. 2374 to delay the DOL's planned re-proposal of regulations to update the definition of a fiduciary for ERISA covered pension plans until 60 days after the potential release of similar regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission. H.R. 2154, the CPI for Seniors Act of 2013 - Discussed legislation to implement a Consumer Price Index for Seniors for calculating annual Social Security cost of living adjustments. Lobbied to prevent inclusion of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefit cuts and protect vital health, social services, housing and transportation programs in any Deficit Reduction proposals and from enhanced redutions under sequestration. (no bill) H.R. 2374, Labor, HHS and Related Agencies Appropriations bill 2015 - Letter and lobbying in opposition to this bill that would delay or prevent a DOL proposed rulemaking on Fiduciary Duty. Conducted briefings in both House and Senate. Met with DOL officials to urge reissuance of a proposed rule to update fiduciary duty as it applies to ERISA. (no bill) Sent letter to Congress to urge the House and Senate to take steps to avoid default on our national debt and avoid risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Sent letter to White House to urging the President to take steps with Congress to avoid default on our national debt and avoid risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid cuts for the purpose of achieving deficit reduction, a budget agreement, or as a tradeoff for scheduled sequestration cuts or other government spending. (no bill) Submitted testimony to Finance Committee for hearing on December 18th on Social Security. Discussed draft Social Security legislation with several Congressional staffers. (no bill) S. 1979, the USA Retirement Funds Act - Lobbied for additional protections to ensure older workers and retirees pension benefits are fully protected. S. 1970, the Retirement Security Act - Lobbied for additional protections for lower income and other workers to ensure that promised benefits are equitably provided. S. 2089, the SSI Restoration Act - AARP considered the need to update and index SSI benefits for inflation. S. 1270, Retirement Security Act - Sent letter of support. Met with Department of Treasury on pending retirement initiatives. Met with NEC staff on retirement issues. Met with DOL on retirement issues. Met with Administration staff to discuss issuance of proposed rules on Fiduciary duty. Multi-employer Pension Reform - Discussed concerns regarding reform proposals that cut retiree benefits; met with PBGC. (no bill) Letter to SEC demonstrating the harm from maintaining the suitability standard as opposed to imposing a fiduciary duty on broker/dealers to investors. (no bill) Discussed the need for fiduciary duty and user fees to fund the examination of registered investment advisors. (no bill) Letter to SEC in support of efforts to improve marketing and advertising of target date funds.Sent letter to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee in support of rebalancing funding to ensure timely payment of SSDI benefits. S. 2742, Social Security Access Act of 2014 - Sent a letter of support. H.R. 5260, Stop Disability Fraud Act of 2014 - Discussed SSDI legislation. Discussed women's pension protection. Discussed problems related to the "de-risking" of defined benefit pension plans. Submitted comments to the Department of Labor and related agencies on retirement topics including lifetime income and target date retirement funds.

Improvements to Title II and Title XVI for people with disabilities. Issues regarding the future of disability policy. Supplemental Security Income program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. Social Security Disability program issues, provisions dealing with person with disabilities. Work Incentives and other improvements for people with disabilities in Tiles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Solvency of the Social Security Trust funds. Disability claims processing. Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, S. 308, H.R. 649. Strengthening Social Security Act, S. 567, H.R. 3118. Change in SSA Field Office operations. SSI Restoration Act, S. 2089. Amendments to the Preserving America's Transit and Highways Act (PATH Act) related to Social Security. Amendments to the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act; S. 313/H.R. 647) related to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income.

Client expense: $30,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office

Supplemental Security Income. H.R. 1601, S. 2089: proposal to strengthen and improve access to Supplemental Security Income benefits by expanding the resources limit, increasing the general income disregard, and eliminating the reduction in benefits for in-kind support and maintenance and other provisions.

Client expense: $210,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration on Aging, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), President of the U.S., SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of, Vice President of the U.S.

Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers. H.R. 649, H.R. 1030, H.R. 1374, S. 308, S. 567, S. 1028, H.R. 3118: provisions establishing a consumer price index of elderly consumers (CPI-E) for the computation of cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security benefits. Chained CPI. H. Con. Res. 34 and S. Con. Res. 15: provision expressing the sense of the Congress that the chained CPI not be used to calculate Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Social Security Privatization. (No bill.) Proposals to convert Social Security to a system of private investment accounts. Social Security Benefits. (No bill.) Proposals requiring progressive indexing, modifying cost-of-living adjustments, and increasing the Social Security retirement age. Annual Social Security Statements. (No bill.) Efforts to ensure adherence to the requirement for the restoration of mailing annual Social Security statements to all workers. Social Security Payroll Tax Cap and Womens Social Security Improvements and Protections. S. 308, S. 500, S. 567, H.R. 1029, H.R. 1374, H.R. 649, H.R. 3118, H.R. 5024: provisions raising the amount of wages subject to payroll taxes and safeguarding and improving benefit equity for women, including improving survivor benefits; providing Social Security credits for caregiving; enhancing the special minimum benefit; equalizing rules for disabled and working widows; restoring student benefits; improving benefits for disabled children; strengthening the cost-of-living adjustments; increasing the basic benefit; and equalizing benefits for same-sex married couples. Social Security Benefits. H.R. 1374: provisions to strengthen the Social Security special minimum benefit; to increase benefits after 20 years of eligibility; to reinstate the students benefit; and to increase the Social Security tax rate. Social Security Equality. H.R. 3050, S. 2305, H.R. 4664, H.R. 5182: proposals to require the Social Security Administration to recognize same-sex marriage for the purposes of survivor, retirement and other benefits. Social Security Administration Commissioner Confirmation Hearing and Deputy Commissioner Appointment. (No bill.) Issues surrounding the leadership transition at the Social Security Administration. Social Security Commission. H.R. 4786: proposal to establish a commission that would develop policy options for restoring the Social Security program to solvency for the next 75 years, including fast-track authority for moving legislation recommending policy options through Congress. Defense of Marriage Act. H.R. 1601, S. 2089: proposals implementing the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in United States v. Windsor invalidating portions of the Defense of Marriage Act (P.L. 104-199) relating to marriage equality and eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security Service Delivery. S. 2742, H.R. 4964: proposal directing the Social Security Administration to revise its policy regarding the manner in which it provides certain services to the public and to seniors. Social Security Program Integrity. H.R. 4090, the Social Security Fraud and Error Prevention Act of 2014: proposal to improve the Social Security Administrations ability to fight fraud, prevent errors and protect the Social Security Trust Funds. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). (No bill.) Proposals to strengthen SSDI and to ensure that funding is available to pay benefits both for current and future beneficiaries. The Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013. S. 1562: provisions related to the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Discussed demographics and priorities for AARP members and the 50+ population in general. (no bill) Discussed with lawmakers & the Administration to keep Social Security separate from all budget negotiations/deficit reduction measures and opposed proposals for a "Chained CPI"Discussed the Department of Labor's proposed new fiduciary duty regulation with Congressional staff. Discussed possible proposals to improve pension rights for participants and reform proposals to improve pension coverage and adequacy. ( no bill) Briefed Congress on AARP's "You've Earned A Say"- A national conversation on the future of Social Security and Medicare with AARP members and all Americans. Lobbied against cuts to Social Security benefits via the adoption of chained CPI to calculate annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security and Veterans benefits, among others. (no bill) S.500, the Keeping Our Social Security Promise Act - Discussed legislation to apply payroll taxes to employment and self-employment taxes to remuneration up to the contribution and benefit base and to remuneration in excess of $250,000. S. 308, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act - Discussed legislation to implement the CPI-E for annual Social Security COLA's and to eliminate the cap on maximum taxable wages under Social Security. S.567, the Strengthening Social Security Act - Discussed legislation to implement the CPI-E for annual Social Security COLA's and to eliminate the cap on maximum taxable wages under Social Security. Discussed current and future challenges of Social Security's Representative Payee program. (no bill) Discussed pending DOL regulations of summary documents for 401(k) fee disclosure. (no bill) Discussed with Congress and the Department of Treasury's Financial Management Service their efforts regarding the March 2013 move away from paper checks to electronic benefit payments for all Social Security beneficiaries. (no bill) S. Con. Res.8, Sanders Amendment to Senate Budget Resolution - to prevent cuts to Social Security via the adoption of chained CPI to calculate annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security and Veterans benefts, among others. S. Con.Res.8, AARP expressed opposition to the Ayotte amendment (#165) to prohibit the Department of Labor from implementing a proposal to expand the definition of "fiduciary" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to include appraisals of employee stock ownership plans. S. Con.Res. 8, AARP expressed opposition to the Isakson amendment (#571) to prohibit the Department of Labor from updating ERISA fiduciary protections to safeguard the savings of worker investments in retirement accounts. Conducted staff briefings on the importance of DOL and SEC efforts to update the definition of a fiduciary to better protect American investors and H.R. 2374. Letters sent to Hill on the importance of tax incentives for retirement and health plans. (no bill) Letter sent to the President to prioritize the nomination of a new commissioner for the Social Security Administration. (no bill) Submitted comments to the DOL in response to their Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on the issue of lifetime income illustrations in periodic pension benefit statements of defined contributions pension plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans. (no bill) Submitted comments to the Ways and Means Committee in response to their request for comments from the public on chained CPI and other benefit reductions to Social Security. Further delivered 2.4 million petitions in response to these requests. (no bill) Discussed S. 1270, the SAFE Retirement Act. Discussed S. 1351, the INFORM Act. H. R. 1601, the SSI Restoration Act - Signed on to Leadership Council of Aging Organization's (LCAO) endorsement letter on legislation to update aspects of the Supplemental Security Income Program. Lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefit cuts in any package pertaining to the continuing resolution or the debt ceiling. Discussed retirement bills in draft with multiple staffers. (no bill) Sent letter opposing Thune amendment to the Highway bill which would cut benefits under SSDI and UI. (no bill) Discussed legislation to improve SSA administrative services. (no bill) Discussed proposals to protect multi-employer pensions. (no bill)H.R. 2229, the Safeguarding Social Security Numbers Act of 2013 - Discussed legislation with Hill staff to establish a universal standard for the truncation of Social Security Numbers to prevent identity theft and fraud. H.R. 2171/S. 1145, the Lifetime Income Disclosure Act - Support for bipartisan legislation to express on annual 401(k) benefit statements the approximate annuity value of the lump sum value of the account. Discussed potential AARP comments to the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration's Announcement of Proposed Rulemaking on lifetime income illustrations given to participants in defined contribution pension plans, such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans. (no bill) Discussed with officials from DOL Employee Benefits Security Administration the planned re-proposal of regulations to update the definition of a fiduciary for ERISA covered pension plans. (no bill) H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act - Expressed opposition to H.R. 2374 to delay the DOL's planned re-proposal of regulations to update the definition of a fiduciary for ERISA covered pension plans until 60 days after the potential release of similar regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission. H.R. 2154, the CPI for Seniors Act of 2013 - Discussed legislation to implement a Consumer Price Index for Seniors for calculating annual Social Security cost of living adjustments. Lobbied to prevent inclusion of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefit cuts and protect vital health, social services, housing and transportation programs in any Deficit Reduction proposals and from enhanced redutions under sequestration. (no bill) H.R. 2374, Labor, HHS and Related Agencies Appropriations bill 2015 - Letter and lobbying in opposition to this bill that would delay or prevent a DOL proposed rulemaking on Fiduciary Duty. Conducted briefings in both House and Senate. Met with DOL officials to urge reissuance of a proposed rule to update fiduciary duty as it applies to ERISA. (no bill) Letter to Senate urging members not to sign a letter to OMB that would delay or prevent a DOL rulemaking on fiduciary duty. (no bill) Sent letter to Congress to urge the House and Senate to take steps to avoid default on our national debt and avoid risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Sent letter to White House to urging the President to take steps with Congress to avoid default on our national debt and avoid risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Lobbied opposition to H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act, voted on by the House in October 2013. Lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid cuts for the purpose of achieving deficit reduction, a budget agreement, or as a tradeoff for scheduled sequestration cuts or other government spending. (no bill) Letter to OMB in opposition to a letter sent to the Agency by ten Senators urging that any DOL fiduciary duty rule be delayed until 60 days after completion of a related SEC proposal. Submitted testimony to Finance Committee for hearing on December 18th on Social Security. Discussed draft Social Security legislation with several Congressional staffers. (no bill) S. 1979, the USA Retirement Funds Act - Lobbied for additional protections to ensure older workers and retirees pension benefits are fully protected. S. 1970, the Retirement Security Act - Lobbied for additional protections for lower income and other workers to ensure that promised benefits are equitably provided. S. 2089, the SSI Restoration Act - AARP considered the need to update and index SSI benefits for inflation. S. 1270, Retirement Security Act - Sent letter of support. Met with Department of Treasury on pending retirement initiatives. Met with NEC staff on retirement issues. Met with DOL on retirement issues. Met with Administration staff to discuss issuance of proposed rules on Fiduciary duty. Multi-employer Pension Reform - Discussed concerns regarding reform proposals that cut retiree benefits; met with PBGC. (no bill) Letter to SEC demonstrating the harm from maintaining the suitability standard as opposed to imposing a fiduciary duty on broker/dealers to investors. (no bill) Discussed the need for fiduciary duty and user fees to fund the examination of registered investment advisors. (no bill) Letter to SEC in support of efforts to improve marketing and advertising of target date funds.

H.R. 4664 H.R.1795 - Social Security Fairness Act of 2013 S. 2305 S.1270 - SAFE Retirement Act of 2013 S.2089 - Supplemental Security Income Restoration Act of 2014 S.2305 - Social Security and Marriage Equality Act S.567 - Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013 S.896 - Social Security Fairness Act of 2013 Social Security Pensions Social Security/GPO-WEP

Client expense: $594,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), White House Office

Improvements to Title II and Title XVI for people with disabilities.Issues regarding the future of disability policy. Supplemental Security Income program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. Social Security Disability program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. Work Incentives and other improvements for people with disabilities in Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Solvency of the Social Security Trust funds. Disability claims processing. Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, S. 308, H.R. 649. Strengthening Social Security Act, S. 567, H.R. 3118. Change in SSA Field Office operations. SSI Restoration Act, S. 2089. Amendments to the Preserving America's Transit and Highways Act (PATH Act) related to Social Security.

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office

Consumer Price Index for Elderly Consumers. H.R. 649, H.R. 1030, S. 308, S. 567, S. 1028, H.R. 3118: provisions establishing a consumer price index for elderly consumers (CPI-E) for the computation of cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security benefits.Chained CPI. H. Con. Res. 34 and S. Con. Res. 15: provision expressing the sense of the Congress that the chained CPI not be used to calculate Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. Social Security Privatization. (No bill.) Proposals to convert Social Security to a system of private investment accounts. Social Security Benefits. (No bill.) Proposals requiring progressive indexing, modifying cost-of-living adjustments, and increasing the Social Security retirement age. Annual Social Security Statements. (No bill.) Proposal for the restoration of mailing annual Social Security statements to all workers. Social Security Payroll Tax Cap. S. 308, S. 500, S. 567, H.R. 1029, H.R. 1374, H.R. 649, H.R. 3118: provisions raising the amount of wages subject to payroll taxes. Womens Social Security Improvements and Protections. (No bill.) Proposals to safeguard and improve benefit equity for women, including improving survivor benefits; providing Social Security credits for caregiving; enhancing the special minimum benefit; equalizing rules for disabled and working widows; restoring student benefits; improving benefits for disabled children; strengthening the cost-of-living adjustments; increasing the basic benefit; and equalizing benefits for same-sex married couples. Social Security Benefits. H.R. 1374: provisions to strengthen the Social Security special minimum benefit; to increase benefits after 20 years of eligibility; to reinstate the students benefit; and to increase the Social Security tax rate. Social Security Equality. H.R. 3050, S. 2305, H.R. 4664: proposals to require the Social Security Administration to recognize same-sex marriage for the purposes of survivor, retirement and other benefits. Social Security Administration Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Appointments. (No bill.) Issues surrounding the leadership transition at the Social Security Administration. Social Security Commission. H.R. 4786: proposal to establish a commission that would develop policy options for restoring the Social Security program to solvency for the next 75 years, including fast-track authority for moving legislation recommending policy options through Congress. Defense of Marriage Act. H.R. 1601, S. 2089: proposals implementing the U.S. Supreme Courts decision in United States v. Windsor invalidating portions of the Defense of Marriage Act (P.L. 104-199) relating to marriage equality and eligibility for Social Security benefits. Social Security Service Delivery. H.R. 4964: proposal directing the Social Security Administration to revise its policy regarding the manner in which it provides certain services to the public and to seniors. Social Security Program Integrity. H.R. 4090, the Social Security Fraud and Error Prevention Act of 2014: proposal to improve the Social Security Administrations ability to fight fraud, prevent errors and protect the Social Security Trust Funds. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). (No bill.) Proposals to strengthen SSDI and to ensure that funding is available to pay benefits both for current and future beneficiaries. The Older Americans Act Amendments of 2013. S. 1028: provisions related to the reauthorization of the Older Americans Act.

Supplemental Security Income. H.R. 1601, S. 2089: proposals to strengthen and improve access to Supplemental Security Income benefits by expanding the resources limit, increasing the general income disregard, and eliminating the reduction in benefits for in-kind support and maintenance and other provisions.

Client expense: $240,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration on Aging, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), President of the U.S., SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of, Vice President of the U.S.

Social Security, Cost of Living Adjustments, Medicare, Medicaid, Chained CPI, HR900, Medicare Eligibility, Targeted Social Security Benefit Improvements, Social Security Administrative Funding & Staffing, SSI, SSDI, S.308, S.567, S.500, S. Amdt 198, S. Amdt 213, S. Amdt 407, HR 649, HR1374, H.Amdt.34, HR 3118, H.Con.Res. 34, S.Con.Res. 15, HR 3547, HR 1029, S 2089 and HR 1601

Client expense: $12,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office

Discussed demographics and priorities for AARP members and the 50+ population in general. (no bill) Discussed with lawmakers & the Administration to keep Social Security separate from all budget negotiations/deficit reduction measures and opposed proposals for a "Chained CPI"Discussed the Department of Labor's proposed new fiduciary duty regulation with Congressional staff. Discussed possible proposals to improve pension rights for participants and reform proposals to improve pension coverage and adequacy. ( no bill) Briefed Congress on AARP's "You've Earned A Say"- A national conversation on the future of Social Security and Medicare with AARP members and all Americans. Lobbied against cuts to Social Security benefits via the adoption of chained CPI to calculate annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security and Veterans benefits, among others. (no bill) S.500, the Keeping Our Social Security Promise Act - Discussed legislation to apply payroll taxes to employment and self-employment taxes to remuneration up to the contribution and benefit base and to remuneration in excess of $250,000. S. 308, the Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act - Discussed legislation to implement the CPI-E for annual Social Security COLA's and to eliminate the cap on maximum taxable wages under Social Security. S.567, the Strengthening Social Security Act - Discussed legislation to implement the CPI-E for annual Social Security COLA's and to eliminate the cap on maximum taxable wages under Social Security. Discussed current and future challenges of Social Security's Representative Payee program. (no bill) Discussed pending DOL regulations of summary documents for 401(k) fee disclosure. (no bill) Discussed with Congress and the Department of Treasury's Financial Management Service their efforts regarding the March 2013 move away from paper checks to electronic benefit payments for all Social Security beneficiaries. (no bill) S. Con. Res.8, Sanders Amendment to Senate Budget Resolution - to prevent cuts to Social Security via the adoption of chained CPI to calculate annual cost of living adjustments for Social Security and Veterans benefts, among others. S. Con.Res.8, AARP expressed opposition to the Ayotte amendment (#165) to prohibit the Department of Labor from implementing a proposal to expand the definition of "fiduciary" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to include appraisals of employee stock ownership plans. S. Con.Res. 8, AARP expressed opposition to the Isakson amendment (#571) to prohibit the Department of Labor from updating ERISA fiduciary protections to safeguard the savings of worker investments in retirement accounts. Conducted staff briefings on the importance of DOL and SEC efforts to update the definition of a fiduciary to better protect American investors and H.R. 2374. Letters sent to Hill on the importance of tax incentives for retirement and health plans. (no bill) Letter sent to the President to prioritize the nomination of a new commissioner for the Social Security Administration. (no bill) Submitted comments to the DOL in response to their Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on the issue of lifetime income illustrations in periodic pension benefit statements of defined contributions pension plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans. (no bill) Submitted comments to the Ways and Means Committee in response to their request for comments from the public on chained CPI and other benefit reductions to Social Security. Further delivered 2.4 million petitions in response to these requests. (no bill) Discussed S. 1270, the SAFE Retirement Act. Discussed S. 1351, the INFORM Act. H. R. 1601, the SSI Restoration Act - Signed on to Leadership Council of Aging Organization's (LCAO) endorsement letter on legislation to update aspects of the Supplemental Security Income Program. Lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid benefit cuts in any package pertaining to the continuing resolution or the debt ceiling. Discussed retirement bills in draft with multiple staffers. (no bill)H.R. 2229, the Safeguarding Social Security Numbers Act of 2013 - Discussed legislation with Hill staff to establish a universal standard for the truncation of Social Security Numbers to prevent identity theft and fraud. H.R. 2171/S. 1145, the Lifetime Income Disclosure Act - Support for bipartisan legislation to express on annual 401(k) benefit statements the approximate annuity value of the lump sum value of the account. Discussed potential AARP comments to the Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration's Announcement of Proposed Rulemaking on lifetime income illustrations given to participants in defined contribution pension plans, such as 401(k) and 403(b) plans. (no bill) Discussed with officials from DOL Employee Benefits Security Administration the planned re-proposal of regulations to update the definition of a fiduciary for ERISA covered pension plans. (no bill) H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act - Expressed opposition to H.R. 2374 to delay the DOL's planned re-proposal of regulations to update the definition of a fiduciary for ERISA covered pension plans until 60 days after the potential release of similar regulations by the Securities and Exchange Commission. H.R. 2154, the CPI for Seniors Act of 2013 - Discussed legislation to implement a Consumer Price Index for Seniors for calculating annual Social Security cost of living adjustments. Lobbied to prevent inclusion of Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security benefit cuts and protect vital health, social services, housing and transportation programs in any Deficit Reduction proposals and from enhanced redutions under sequestration. (no bill) H.R. 2374, Letter and lobbying in opposition to this bill that would delay or prevent a DOL proposed rulemaking on Fiduciary Duty. Conducted briefings in both House and Senate. Met with DOL officials to urge reissuance of a proposed rule to update fiduciary duty as it applies to ERISA. (no bill) Letter to Senate urging members not to sign a letter to OMB that would delay or prevent a DOL rulemaking on fiduciary duty. (no bill) H.R. 3547/H.J.R. 59/H.R. 2775/H.J.R. 106, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 - Lobbied to prevent inclusion of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security benefit cuts and to protect vital health, social services, housing and transportation programs from enhanced reductions from the prior year baseline, and to prevent repeal of certain financial and health care-related regulation. Sent letter to Congress to urge the House and Senate to take steps to avoid default on our national debt and avoid risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Sent letter to White House to urging the President to take steps with Congress to avoid default on our national debt and avoid risking benefits for current Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Lobbied opposition to H.R. 2374, the Retail Investor Protection Act, voted on by the House in October 2013. Lobbied to prevent the inclusion of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid cuts for the purpose of achieving deficit reduction, a budget agreement, or as a tradeoff for scheduled sequestration cuts or other government spending. (no bill) Letter to OMB in opposition to a letter sent to the Agency by ten Senators urging that any DOL fiduciary duty rule be delayed until 60 days after completion of a related SEC proposal. Submitted testimony to Finance Committee for hearing on December 18th on Social Security. Discussed draft Social Security legislation with several Congressional staffers. (no bill) S. 1979, the USA Retirement Funds Act - Lobbied for additional protections to ensure older workers and retirees pension benefits are fully protected. S. 1970, the Retirement Security Act - Lobbied for additional protections for lower income and other workers to ensure that promised benefits are equitably provided. S. 2089, the SSI Restoration Act - AARP considered the need to update and index SSI benefits for inflation. S. 1270, Retirement Security Act - Sent letter of support. Met with Department of Treasury on pending retirement initiatives. Met with NEC staff on retirement issues. Met with DOL on retirement issues. Met with Administration staff to discuss issuance of proposed rules on Fiduciary duty. Multi-employer Pension Reform - Discussed concerns regarding reform proposals that cut retiree benefits. (no bill) Discussed women and financial security event materials. (no bill)

Tax Exempt financing S. 2089, energy efficiency

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

S. 2089 energy efficiency

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Bureau of Reclamation, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Improvements to Title II and Title XVI for people with disabilities.Issues regarding the future of disability policy. Supplemental Security Income program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. Social Security Disability program issues, provisions dealing with persons with disabilities. Work Incentives and other improvements for people with disabilities in Titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act. Solvency of the Social Security Trust funds. Disability claims processing. Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act, S. 308, H.R. 649. Strengthening Social Security Act, S. 567, H.R. 3118. Change in SSA Field Office operations. SSI Restoration Act, S. 2089.

Client expense: $50,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), White House Office

Supplemental Security Income. H.R. 1601, S. 2089: proposal to strengthen and improve access to Supplemental Security Income benefits by expanding the resources limit, increasing the general income disregard, and eliminating the reduction in benefits for in-kind support and maintenance and other provisions.

Client expense: $220,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Administration on Aging, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), President of the U.S., SENATE, Social Security Administration (SSA), Treasury, Dept of, Vice President of the U.S.