Tireless public-policy advocate

Gym Mitigation and Survival Act of 2021 (GYMS Act of 2021) U.S. HR 890

The GYMS Act was introduced in response to the severe impact of COVID-19 related closures on health and fitness facilities, studios and the exercise professionals and health coaches they employ. To date, most of Congress's previous economic relief packages have provided limited relief to the fitness sector.

The GYMS Act would create a $30 billion fund to provide grants to affected businesses in the health and fitness industry. Initial grants would be capped at 45% of the facility's 2019 revenue, or $20 million, whichever is less. Severely impacted health and fitness businesses, with revenues of only 33% or less in the most recent quarter as compared to 2019, are eligible for a supplemental grant, of up to 25% of their initial grant. The aggregate amount of grants to an eligible business and its affiliates is $25 million.

Eligible expenses which the grant will cover include but are not limited to:

• payroll costs
• rent or mortgage payments, including interest
• utilities
• interest on debt accrued before February 15, 2020
• worker protection expenditures

ACE Position: Supports

Current Status: Referred to the House Committee on Small Business

Bill Resources

• House Language from the current 117th Congress

Personal Health Investment Today Act (PHIT) U.S. S 844

PHIT would allow use of pre-tax medical accounts such as Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts to be utilized for most forms of physical activity and safety equipment used while engaging in sports or other physical activity. It would enable those who could use the help of a well-qualified exercise professional more options to pay for such services. Examples of acceptable expenses include personal trainers, group exercise classes, gym memberships, youth and adult sports leagues, dance classes, exercise equipment, and much more. We expect that PHIT will be re-introduced early in the 117th Congress.

ACE Position: Supports

Current Status: Introduced in the Senate on March 18, 2021

Bill Resources

• Senate Language from the current 117th Congress
• House Language from the Last Congress

Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act

The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act would make certain career training and credentialing expenses be treated as a qualified higher education expense for the purposes of 529 accounts. Included expenses would consist of fees required to obtain or maintain a recognized credential including certificate or certification programs accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). ACE's four primary certification programs are accredited by the NCCA including, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach and Certified Medical Exercise Specialist.

ACE Position: Supports

Current Status: Introduced in the Senate on March 23, 2021

Bill Resources

• Senate Language from the current 117th Congress

Provide for the Publication by the Secretary of Health and Human Services of Physical Activity Recommendations for Americans (Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans) U.S. HR 2094

Require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish a report entitled, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans for the general public every 10 years based on the most current evidence-based scientific and medical knowledge, highlighting the best practices and continuing issues in physical activity across the diverse populations of our nation.

ACE Position: Supports

Current Status: Introduced to the House as US HR 2094 on March 19, 2021. Passed US Senate without amendment by Voice Vote on July 30, 2021.

Bill Resources

• Bill information

WA S.B 5292: Concerning the Use of Parks and Recreation Spaces, Trails, and facilities in the design of parks Rx pilot program

WA S.B. 5292 would establish a "Parks Rx" pilot program in Washington state through which parks and recreation officials, health care providers, public and community health advocates, and insurance company representatives can work collaboratively to design a program that will incentivize residents, particularly those from communities experiencing inequities or without ready access to physical fitness facilities, to regularly use public parks and recreation sites, facilities and programs to enable better physical and mental health outcomes, decrease visits to hospitals and clinics, and lower overall insurance costs.

ACE Position: Supports

Current Status: Referred to Health Care and Wellness Committee

Bill Resources

• WA Senate Bill 5292 language