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Home >> Public Policy >> Health-through-Fitness InitiativesHealth-through-Fitness InitiativesPromoting Access and Incentives for Americans to Be Active and Healthy Working hand-in-hand with our members to develop a sound position and industry representation, SGMA has successfully worked to:
Click here to view SGMA's Health-through-Fitness Legislative Agendas. Click here to see how the NEW Congress presents opportunities and challenges with SGMA's Health-through-Fitness legislative initiatives. Health-through-Fitness Issues on Capitol Hill Family Sports and Fitness Recently introduced by SGMA and other physical activity proponents, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) initiative would encourage increased physical activity by easing the financial burden of being physically active. If passed, PHIT would expand existing pre-tax accounts to allow for payment of expenses related to physical activity and team sports, including equipment. Click here to read general overview of PHIT. Youth Activity and Quality Physical Education The Carol M. White Physical Education Program (PEP) was designed to jumpstart innovative physical education programs in America's schools. Introduced in 2001 by SGMA and PE4life, PEP had provided over $400 million in physical education funding to schools and community-based organizations to implement and expand quality physical education programs student K-12. PEP results are showing that access to quality P.E. can teach children valuable lifelong Health-through-Fitness and help save lives. Employee Health The Workplace Health Improvement Program (WHIP) would encourage more employees to be physically fit by exempting employer contributions to an employee's health club membership from federal taxes. By enacting WHIP, Congress has the opportunity to create the most conducive environment possible for promoting additional workplace fitness programs at companies, both large and small. Given its relatively low cost to high return on investment, WHIP represents a win-win wellness benefit that will put more money back into Americans' pockets while at the same time promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing national healthcare expenditures. Outdoor Recreation Created by an act of Congress in 1964, the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has paid for the creation, development and maintenance of more than 40,000 parks and recreation areas. LWCF is one of the most important funding vehicles to preserving and expanding access to outdoor recreation areas -- enabling millions of Americans to enjoy physical activity. From casual participant to extreme adventurer, outdoor recreation is a critical catalyst for healthy living for athletes and enthusiasts of all abilities. Sport Opportunities for Women Title IX is designed to provide equal and effective accommodations for both men and women to participate in collegiate sports. The government needs to promote increased physical activity and participation in sports as a way to reverse the trend towards obesity. SGMA advocates a stronger position to actively solicit and engage student interest in athletics. |
