Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) has signed on as a sponsor of IHRSA's Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act.
H.R. 1818, which was introduced by Representative Pat Toomey (R-PA), would allow for the favorable tax treatment of health club memberships as an employee benefit. Specifically, it would allow employers to deduct the cost of subsidizing or providing health club benefits to their workers. In addition, it would exclude the wellness benefit from being considered additional income of employees. Similar legislation, S. 1491, has been introduced in the Senate by Senator John Cornyn (R-TX).
'We are building bipartisan support,' said Kevin Buckley, IHRSA's Government Relations Manager. 'The more sponsors we get, the more likely it is that the bill will be enacted.'
Use the link below to urge your Members of Congress to support the WHIP Act!
Utah's state legislature this year ordered its Tax Review Commission, made up of citizens and legislators, to look at the conflicts between private and public recreational facilities. On Friday, the TRC took public comment on the issue, the Deseret Morning news reports.
'This is just unfair competition,' said Gary Nielsen, the owner/operator of four Gold's Gyms in the Ogden area. Nielsen, who is also a Plain City councilman, said he pays any number of taxes 'and my tax dollars are then used against me' via subsidies to public recreation facilities.
Senator Lyle Hillyard (R-Logan) said he sees the unfairness when a struggling, or even thriving, private gym flounders when a city, county or school district builds a new recreation center nearby, with much lower membership fees.
The TRC will study the issue further before making any recommendation to the Legislature.
Jack Faris, President CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the largest advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in Washington, DC and all 50 state capitals, will deliver a feature presentation on the power of small business in America at IHRSA's 23rd Annual International Convention Trade Show, to be held from March 22 - 25, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Under the leadership of Faris since 1992, NFIB represents over 600,000 small and independent businesses. NFIB was recently ranked the most influential business organization (and third overall) in 'Washington's Power 25' survey conducted by Fortune magazine.
'NFIB is not only a champion of small and independent business owners, but a recognized leader in advocacy and I am certain that our convention attendees will learn a great deal from Jack,' said John McCarthy, executive director of IHRSA.
Today is the last day to take advantage of the 'early bird' price break. A full, four-day convention registration is only $425 until midnight.
Federal laws prohibits trade associations such as IHRSA from contributing directly to political candidates, but it can legally operate a political action committee (PAC) and encourage voluntary participation. For that reason, IHRSA created IHRSAPAC several years ago.
The law also requires IHRSA to obtain written permission from its members before telling them more about IHRSAPAC and/or soliciting contributions.
Please use the link below to download the IHRSAPAC Solicitation Authorization Form today and return it to IHRSA. Rest assured that this form only gives us permission to tell you and your employees more about IHRSAPAC. It does not obligate you or your employees in any way. Thank you!
Michigan: The House Committee on Health Policy held a hearing yesterday on S. B. 50, which would require AEDs in health clubs. As currently written, the bill provides no legal protection for clubs. The Committee is expected to act on the measure in the coming weeks.
Ohio: Seven Hills councilman David Bentkowski is urging state legislators to ban cell phones with built-in digital cameras from recreation centers, health clubs, and public restrooms as a precaution against illicit photos.
