The bi-partisan Health and Fitness Recovery Act now has 22 sponsors from 12 states and D.C, according to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)*.
The bill’s most recent sponsors include U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Dwight Evans (D-PA), all of whom signed on in mid-December.
U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) filed the Health & Fitness Recovery Act to address the fitness industry’s need for economic relief brought on by the impact of the coronavirus. Since October, 20 additional Congress members have signed on as co-sponsors to support the fitness industry and the bill’s inclusion in any future COVID-19 relief package.
“The Health and Fitness Recovery Act creates a $30 billion fund to provide grants to businesses in the health and fitness industry that have been adversely impacted by the pandemic,” said Helen Durkin, IHRSA’s executive vice president of public policy. “Some of these businesses are barely holding it together, and IHRSA projects that one in four could permanently close by year’s end. We’re hopeful that with additional outreach, more Congress members who understand the vital benefits that health and fitness clubs play in mental, physical, and social health and overall well-being will sign on in support of the bill.”
*IHRSA is urging fitness industry participants to visit this page for more information regarding the Health and Fitness Recovery Act, including the list of cosponsors, and send its pre-written letter asking Congress to support the relief package.
