Bipartisan bill unveiled by Fitzpatrick offers pandemic relief to fitness industry

U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) earlier this month proposed a bipartisan bill to establish a $30 billion Small Business Administration (SBA) grant fund to support eligible fitness businesses across America.

Rep. Fitzpatrick on Feb. 5 cosponsored the Gym Mitigation and Survival (GYMS) Act, H.R. 890, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL) to provide federal assistance to gyms, fitness studios, and fitness facilities impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

“If passed, my bipartisan GYMS Act will create a $30 billion recovery fund, providing grants to affected businesses in the health and fitness industry and the resources they need to survive this crisis,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “There is no question that the hardworking men and women of this industry deserve our help.”

Specifically, H.R. 890 would require that fitness facilities certify economic need, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office, and once found eligible, recipients could use funds for expenses such as payroll, mortgage and rent obligations, utility payments, and worker protection expenditures, among other uses.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the fitness industry across our nation,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “Unlike many other businesses financially impacted by the pandemic, health and fitness clubs did not have the capability to pivot to new revenue streams, and many even failed to qualify for assistance in the first CARES Act.”

At the same time, he added, “it is imperative we allow people the opportunity to maintain and improve their health as the pandemic continues on.” 

The GYMS Act, which received an endorsement from Justin Marcis of Windy City Strength and Conditioning in Chicago, has been referred to the U.S. House Small Business Committee for consideration. “The GYMS Act gives tens of thousands of small business owners like me hope that we will make it through this pandemic so we can continue to keep our communities healthy,” Marcis said. “We are thankful for Rep. Quigley and Rep. Fitzpatrick’s leadership.”