NFL, NHL, NBA, & MLB support Rep. Kelly's "PHIT Act"

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This week, the National Football League (NFL), the National Hockey League (NHL), and National Basketball Association (NBA) publicly announced their support of the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, a bill introduced by U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Ron Kind (D-WI) that helps families cover costs of youth sports fees, encourages healthier living, and participation in youth sports.

"As a former college football player and youth football coach myself, I've seen young Americans greatly improve their lives because they were able to join a team and play sports," Rep. Kelly said. "This bill gives kids, especially those in underserved or low-income communities, a real chance to play the sport of their choice. This isn't just about athletics: it's about gaining critical team-building and character-building traits that stay with kids for the rest of their lives. I thank the National Football League for supporting our efforts."

“Staying active is the best preventative medicine, and it’s especially important for kids and teens as they build healthy habits,” said Rep. Ron Kind. “As a former college football player, I thank the National Football League for supporting the PHIT Act. For many families, cost can be a barrier to participating in physical activities and youth sports. The PHIT Act is a commonsense way to invest in a healthy future for our children by making it more affordable for families to ensure physical activity is a regular part of their lives.”

“Healthy lifestyles with exercise for adults and youth sports for kids have become a foundational part of our communities.  Unfortunately, with inflation and budget cuts, local gyms and youth leagues are having to charge more making physical exercise and activities less accessible for working families,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta, (D-CA), a co-sponsor of the bill.  “The PHIT Act would provide financial incentives so that more kids can stay active through youth sports leagues and more parents and adults can stay fit at local fitness facilities.  I’m proud of this bipartisan legislation and thrilled that our nation’s professional sports leagues are part of the team effort to promote the PHIT Act and perpetuate healthy communities."

"Reps. Kind, Kelly and Panetta deserve great credit for supporting youth sports. We thank them for their stalwart leadership to pass the PHIT Act, making sports more affordable for every American family and helping promote healthy lifestyles,” said Tom Cove, President of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.

The NFL, NHL, and NBA each publicly supported the PHIT Act in a series of tweets on Wednesday. This follows a letter to Congressional leadership signed by commissioners of the NFL, NBA, NHL, and Major League Baseball (MLB) earlier this year supporting Rep. Kelly's and Rep. Kind's bill.
 

BACKGROUND

• This bill allows a medical care tax deduction for up to $1,000 ($2,000 for a joint return or a head of household) of qualified sports and fitness expenses per year.
• The bill defines qualified sports and fitness expenses as amounts paid exclusively for participating in a physical activity, including (1) fitness facility memberships, (2) physical exercise or activity programs, or (3) equipment for a physical exercise or activity program.
• Currently, over 96 million Americans have access to health benefit accounts. Yet, the accounts do not recognize exercise as a form of preventative health care.
• Medical experts agree that financial barriers such as school “pay-to-play” costs, fitness center dues, outdoor recreation fees and other expenses, serve as a hinderance to physical activity. The PHIT Act removes these barriers by allowing a portion of such funds to be used for qualified physical activity expenses – a much needed update to encouraging and improving mental and physical health.