Over 100 Members of Congress Now Support the GYMS Act
Posted: April 29, 2021 in IHRSA
IHRSA Advocate
BOSTON, MA – After a year of working tirelessly to demonstrate to Congress the health and fitness industry is in dire need of financial relief, our efforts are paying off. We have reached the impressive milestone of 103 co-sponsors for the Gym Mitigation & Survival (GYMS) Act (H.R. 890). U.S. Reps. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) filed the GYMS Act to bring dire financial assistance to health and fitness clubs, gyms and studios impacted by the pandemic.
Fitness industry professionals have sent over 27,000 messages to Congress. These communications have helped bring 103 co-sponsors from 28 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Guam. The most recent sponsors include U.S. Reps:
- Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM),
- John Katko (R-NY),
- Daniel T. Kildee (D-MI),
- Brian Higgins (D-NY),
- Paul Tonko (D-NY),
- Jimmy Panetta (D-CA),
- Henry Cuellar (D-TX), and
- Jake LaTurner (R-KS).
Public health and wellness are top of mind for the health and fitness industry. IHRSA, The Global Health and Fitness Association, and CGC, the Community Gyms Coalition, joined forces to bring attention to the critical role the fitness industry plays in public health and the lack of aid these facilities have received through the crisis.
While other industries that were forced to close have received industry-specific financial assistance throughout the pandemic, the health and fitness industry has been overlooked. With the effects and financial burden of government-mandated COVID-related shutdowns and restrictions still looming over the fitness industry, the strong and growing support in Congress to provide industry-specific relief is encouraging.
“We are grateful to see so many members of Congress acknowledging the tremendous need to provide relief for America’s gyms and fitness facilities, who through no fault of their own, have been devastated by both COVID-19 and government-mandated shutdowns,” said Brent Darden, IHRSA interim president and CEO. “The fitness industry has always highlighted the importance of well-being and exists specifically to provide a safe space for individuals from all segments of society to be active and enjoy all the benefits associated with leading a healthy lifestyle. Our industry needs financial relief to continue providing the nation with these vital services.”
To learn more about the GYMS Act, visit nationalhealthandfitness.org.
