Press Release
Smith co-sponsors bipartisan bill to help struggling health & fitness industryHealth and fitness centers trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic that has devastated their industry could qualify for federal grants under HR 8485, the Health and Fitness Recovery Act of 2020, a new bill cosponsored by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ). “The wellness and fitness industry has been especially hard hit by the global pandemic caused by COVID-19,” Smith said. “Gyms and fitness facilities were ordered to shut down completely in March when stay-at-home orders began, and have only recently been able to reopen in New Jersey upon meeting strict criteria regarding air circulation and ventilation, frequent sanitization of all surfaces and equipment, and temperature and health checks for staff and clients. If these health and fitness businesses are forced to permanently close, their workers lose their jobs and the clients they serve will find it more difficult to maintain their physical, as well as mental, health—something that’s so important to overall wellness. Both need to be paramount concerns as we continue to battle the ongoing public health emergency.” PHOTO: Rep. Smith and Kevin McHugh, Chief Operating Officer of the Atlantic Club in Wall Township, discuss the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the health and fitness center.
The bill, introduced this month by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mike Quigley (D-IL), is a top priority for the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA). The Health and Fitness Recovery Act of 2020 would create a $30 billion recovery fund for gyms and health clubs, many of which are small businesses with an average of seven workers in an industry estimated to have employed over 700,000 in 2019. While some health clubs were able to qualify for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), many will face closure or bankruptcy unless Congress either authorizes a second round of PPP loans or passes HR 8485. Recipients of these grants—which are capped at an actual business loss up to 10 percent of previous year’s revenue—would be able to use the funds on payroll, rent or mortgage payment, personal protective equipment (PPE), or upgrades to their facility to comply with new requirements from the state or locality. Smith visited The Atlantic Club in Wall in September and saw firsthand the upgrades and lengthy efforts club owners and management have made to keep their staff and members. As of today, the bill had five bipartisan cosponsors with more expected to be added. ### |
