Bipartisan legislation would expand youth sports facilities & support student mental health.
(April 10, 2025) – U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff is introducing bipartisan legislation to build more sports facilities for Georgia kids and families.
This week, Sens. Ossoff and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced the bipartisan Youth Sports Facilities Act to help build and upgrade sports facilities across Georgia, giving kids and families safe spaces to play while also supporting student mental health and boosting economic growth.
The bipartisan legislation would make youth sports facilities eligible for grants through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), giving educational agencies, local governments, and nonprofits more funding opportunities to create and upgrade sports facilities while growing local economies at the same time.
The bipartisan bill would also give preference to rural communities and projects that aim to create new sports facilities in low-income and underserved communities.
“Georgia families deserve modern and safe sports facilities where their kids can play, grow, and thrive,” Sen. Ossoff said. “This bipartisan bill will help Georgia communities expand youth sports facilities, strengthen local economies, and foster mental and physical health for the next generation.”
“Youth sports play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles from an early age while teaching essential life skills like teamwork and discipline. This bill would empower communities to use existing grant resources to improve youth sports facilities for children living in areas of need, encouraging greater youth sports participation across the nation,” said Senator Young.
The companion bill is being introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-MI-02) and Marc Veasey (D-TX-33).
“The Youth Sports Facilities Act is a bipartisan solution designed to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and improve the physical and mental well-being of students across the nation,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or resources necessary to participate and compete. I am proud to champion the Youth Sports Facilities Act because it opens the doors for communities across Michigan and around the country to create new opportunities for children to develop critical skills, enhance local tourism, and foster small business growth.”
“Youth development is about more than academics—it’s about access to safe spaces where kids can play, grow, and thrive,” said Rep. Veasey, Co-chair of the Youth Sports Caucus.“This bill empowers states like Texas to invest in the sports and recreation facilities our communities need. By unlocking EDA funding, the Youth Sports Facilities Act gives underserved areas the tools to build healthier futures and stronger local economies. I’m proud to work with my colleagues to make this long-overdue investment in our kids and neighborhoods.”
The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the YMCA of the USA, the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), and Pop Warner Little Scholars.
“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act. Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events, support local business, hotels and restaurants. Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community,” said Jeffrey Britt, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA.
“Too many children are sidelined by limited access to sports and fitness facilities—denying them the physical, mental, and social benefits that come with playing sports and living healthy, active lifestyles,” said Todd Smith, President & CEO of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). “With the United States set to host a historic decade of global sporting events, we must prioritize youth participation in sports and fitness and ensure all children have the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive. SFIA thanks Senator Ossoff, Senator Young, Congressmen Huizenga, and Congressman Veasey for reintroducing this bill and proudly endorses the Youth Sports Facilities Act as a crucial investment in our communities – one that leverages existing federal resources, without increasing spending, to help cultivate the next generation of healthy, active, socially connected youth.”
“Because we see firsthand the role sports can play in shaping young people and growing communities, Pop Warner fully supports the re-introduction of the Youth Sports Facilities Act. By expanding the Economic Development Assistance grant program to include investments in youth sports facilities, this bill will ensure every community has the resources it needs to create safe and accessible sports environments. We urge you to pass this bill, investing in our children’s futures and in the well-being of our communities,” said Steve Strawbridge, President & CEO, Pop Warner Little Scholars.
Sen. Ossoff continues working to support the health of Georgia’s children.
Last November, Sen. Ossoff delivered over 1.7 million through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to help hire and train more mental health counselors for students in Georgia schools.
Last September, Sen. Ossoff introduced the Fresh Food Act of 2024 to address food insecurity across Georgia by helping attract more grocery stores to Georgia communities with limited access to fresh foods, and to help support Georgia farmers.
In 2024, Sen. Ossoff delivered $1,205,656 in Federal funding through the Children’s Hospital Graduate Medical Education (CHGME) program to help Egleston Children’s Hospital at Emory University train and retain more pediatric physicians.
Click here to read the Youth Sports Facilities Act.
Media Contact:
Bonnie McLaughlin | [email protected]
JOINT PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s Office
###
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.
Legislation would help reduce the financial burden associated with various fitness-related purchases and activities
(March 26, 2025) – U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), today reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would encourage physical activity and incentivize healthier living by allowing Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified sports and fitness purchases, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees.
“For some Americans, certain gym or athletic league membership costs can be prohibitive, keeping them from pursuing healthy habits like exercising or participating in other physical activities,” said Thune. “The PHIT Act would reduce some of the cost barriers that Americans face when pursuing healthy lifestyles and make it easier and more affordable for folks to stay active throughout their lives. By giving Americans greater flexibility with their HSAs and FSAs, we can empower people to make healthy choices, get active, and hopefully prevent the onset of costly chronic conditions as we work to make America healthy again.”
“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,” said Kelly. “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.”
“Too many working families are forced to cut back on healthy activities and lifestyles due to the rising costs of sports leagues, gym memberships, local swimming pools, and more,” said Panetta. “The PHIT Act provides a practical solution by allowing families to use pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts to help pay for fitness expenses. By breaking down financial barriers, we can encourage healthier habits, strengthen our communities, and invest in preventive care that lasts a lifetime.”
“The National Football League (NFL) is pleased to support the PHIT Act, which is sensible, bipartisan legislation that makes participation in youth sports and physical activity more accessible and affordable,” said Brendon Plack, senior vice president of public policy and government affairs at the NFL. “Encouraging America’s youth to adopt active lifestyles and healthy habits has been a cornerstone of the league’s commitment to community, and the PHIT Act helps to further advance that important goal.”
“Sports, exercise, and recreation are essential to the physical and mental well-being of Americans of all ages,” said Todd Smith, president and CEO of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). “The PHIT Act is a forward-thinking, bipartisan solution that will make these activities more affordable and accessible, helping to build healthier communities and a stronger future for sports and fitness participation. SFIA thanks and supports Senators Thune and Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for reintroducing this act. As we head into this next decade of once-in-a-generation sporting events taking place in the U.S., we especially look forward to working together to pass the PHIT Act and expand opportunities for all.”
“Preventative health solutions are more important than ever, and physical activity is a proven, cost-effective way to make Americans healthier,” said Liz Clark, president and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. “The PHIT Act is a commonsense solution that will make it easier for individuals and families to invest in their health by making fitness more affordable. We applaud Majority Leader Thune and Sen. Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for their leadership in reintroducing PHIT in the 119th Congress and recognizing the critical role prevention plays in improving public health.”
Qualified expenses do not include: private clubs owned and operated by members or clubs with golf, hunting, sailing, or riding facilities. In the case of sports equipment (other than exercise equipment), reimbursement for a single item cannot exceed $250, and these pre-tax dollars cannot be used for general fitness apparel or footwear.
Media Contact:
Bonnie McLaughlin | [email protected]
JOINT PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Senator John Thune’s Office
###
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.
(January 17, 2024) – The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) announced today that Bill Sells, Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, will retire from SFIA at the end of February 2025. During his distinguished 20-year tenure with SFIA, Sells has been a leading voice on Capitol Hill, championing critical initiatives that have helped shape the sports and fitness industry.
Throughout his career at SFIA, Sells has directed numerous successful legislative campaigns and policy initiatives and has been an avid supporter of the Congressional sports games. Bill led the effort to secure hundreds of millions in tariff relief on sports and fitness products through the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill and the Generalized System of Preferences program. Sells spearheaded SFIA’s annual National Health Through Fitness Day, which led to more than a billion dollars in physical education funding and the House passing the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act in 2018. Sells also represented the industry’s interests on potential disruptions at U.S. ports, rail lines, and the UPS when supply chains were threatened.
“Bill’s dedication to advocating for the sports and fitness industry over the past two decades has been invaluable to SFIA,” stated Todd Smith, President & CEO of SFIA. “We are grateful to Bill for his tireless efforts in promoting youth sports participation, fostering active lifestyles, and driving legislative initiatives for our industry on Capitol Hill. Bill is a true champion.”
Sells began his Washington career with the Reagan-Bush 1984 Campaign, and then worked for Senators John Heinz, Rudy Boschwitz, and Don Nickles before moving off Capitol Hill to launch his lobbying career, representing the tech and environmental industries prior to joining SFIA in 2004.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to represent the sports and fitness industry in Washington, D.C. I will always cherish the friendships I have made, both within the industry, and in Congress, while at SFIA,” said Bill Sells, SVP of Government & Public Affairs, SFIA. “The success realized during my time was aided by the power of sports, bringing together people with different philosophies and outlooks to work on common-sense solutions to the challenges Americans face. Sports are a uniter, and as a sports leader, SFIA is in a great position for continued success going forward.”
SFIA has been representing the needs of the sports and fitness industry for over 100 years and serves as the leading voice for our industry on Capitol Hill. SFIA advocates for increased sports and fitness participation and advances policies that ensure sports and fitness are accessible to all. SFIA is excited to work with the new Administration and Congress on legislation that promotes active lifestyles.
Media Contact:
Lisa Futterman | [email protected]
# # #
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.
Washington, D.C. (January 9, 2024): Just one week before dockworkers from Maine to Texas were set to resume their strike, the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Commission (USMX) announced a deal on a new master contract. The contract will now be voted on by ILA members and once the contract is ratified, the details will be made public.
The ILA initially went on strike in October as contract talks stalled. The two sides agreed on a 62 percent wage increase for dockworkers and the ILA returned to work after just three days. Contract talks continued on the outstanding issues with a deadline of January 15 to resolve them or the strike would resume. In November, the ILA walked out of talks over automation at the ports threatening union jobs. The ILA and the USMX commissioned separate studies on the impact of automation on jobs; the ILA’s report found lost jobs and the USMX’s report found no negative impact on the workforce. USMX argued that limited automation was needed to improve efficiency and keep U.S. ports globally competitive.
In anticipation of a strike, shipping lines announced policies on laden and empty containers and surcharges to cover costs incurred due to the strike. Shipping companies did not implement any new policies in advance of a potential strike.
After meeting with ILA leaders in Florida, President-elect Trump publicly came out on the side of the ILA and the protection of U.S. jobs. The USMX worked to reach a deal prior to Mr. Trump returning to the White House. Ultimately, the two sides reached an agreement on automation at the ports. The ILA gave President Trump credit for securing a new contract and avoiding a strike. With labor peace at East and West Coast Ports for the next four years, a new rail labor contract, and a UPS agreement, the future looks brighter for domestic supply chains.
For more information, please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government & Public Affairs, at [email protected].
Washington, D.C. (December 13, 2024): With a change in the White House and a new Administration in 2025, manufacturers have requested the EPA re-visit regulations for per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. The outgoing Administration implemented costly new PFAS rules that manufacturers deemed too costly and prohibitive.
Manufacturers pay nearly $350 billion in regulatory compliance costs annually, nearly 12 percent of manufacturers’ share of U.S. GDP. Smaller manufacturers are hardest hit as compliance costs can reach $50,000 per employee annually.
Senator Shelly Morre Capito (R-WV) and Congressman James Comer (R-KY), Chairs of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee and House Oversight & Accountability Committees respectively, have questioned the scientific basis for some of EPA’s decision-making on PFAS. Industry groups suggested considering PFAS chemicals individually rather than regulating them as a class of chemicals. The broad approach increases the risk of low-risk chemicals being forced out of the manufacturing process with no viable alternatives to replace them.
For more information, please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government & Public Affairs, at [email protected].
Washington, D.C. (December 6, 2024): The International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) shut down ports from Maine to Texas in October and the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) pressed for a quick resolution. SFIA was thrilled when the strike was suspended after just three days.
After receiving a significant wage increase in October, port workers returned to work while contract talks continued. Unfortunately, the ILA walked away from the negotiating table for a second time in recent weeks over a dispute on the use of automation at ports. The ILA is firm on its “no automation” position and threatening to shut down commerce flowing through East and Gulf Coast ports.
Despite the ILA and U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents the ports, engaging in contract talks, the threat of a repeat strike on January 15 looms due to the breakdown in negotiations. SFIA joined more than 251 business organizations in a letter to the parties pushing for the resumption of contract talks and pressing for a new deal before the strike ‘suspension’ expires next month.
The USMX points out that union members already operate cranes using semi-automated technology to identify high-priority containers and expedite the movement of containers at ports. USMX says the U.S. needs to keep up with technology for supply chain resilience, increased efficiency and capacity, and worker safety. A study commissioned by USMX showed semi-automation created more union jobs, while a similar study commissioned by ILA found semi-automation cost union jobs.
For more information on the East Coast Port Labor Strike please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government & Public Affairs [email protected].
Washington, D.C. (December 2, 2024): As we enter the final days of this Congress, SFIA has pushed for the re-authorization of the popular Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) tariff relief program during the upcoming lame duck session. GSP offers duty-free entry of products made in nearly 120 countries with developing economies. U.S. companies have paid an estimated $4 billion in tariffs since GSP lapsed on January 1, 2021, and SFIA is committed to seeking tariff relief to keep costs down. Despite broad bi-partisan support in Congress, the GSP has still not been renewed.
The cost increase is not limited to imports of consumer goods, as many domestic manufacturers rely on inputs from China to make products. The increased cost of inputs adversely impacts domestic manufacturers’ competitiveness on the global stage and harms job creation in the U.S. manufacturing industry.
Prior to GSP lapsing, companies were moving sourcing away from China to GSP-eligible countries to diversify supply chains and reduce tariff exposure. When GSP lapsed, U.S. investments in developing countries waned and China stepped in, investing in new ports and other infrastructure, threatening U.S. leadership on trade and overseas development.
With the new Administration and Congress starting January 2025, the letter stresses the urgency of acting now on GSP tariff relief.
For more information on GSP, please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government & Public Affairs, at [email protected].
WASHINGTON, DC (November 22, 2024) – With the support of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) and partner organizations across youth sports, Congressman Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Marc Veasey (D-TX) introduced the Youth Sports Facilities Act (YSFA) H.R.10221 in Congress yesterday. The YSFA would open a new funding source for youth sports facilities and recreational spaces using Economic Development Assistance (EDA) grants. EDAs are currently not eligible to be used for investments in youth sports infrastructure projects which is why the YSFA is so critical, as it would provide the financial support needed for communities currently lacking in facilities to receive the funding needed to develop new sports and recreation projects.
“The Youth Sports Facilities Act is a bipartisan solution designed to bring communities together, create economic opportunity, and improve the physical and mental well-being of students across the nation,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “For too long, an area code has determined whether students could have access to facilities or the resources necessary to participate and compete. I am proud to champion the Youth Sports Facilities Act because it opens the door for communities across Michigan and around the country to create new opportunities for children to develop critical skills, enhance local tourism, and foster small business growth.”
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the accessibility challenges that many Americans face when it comes to participating in sports and recreational activities. Not being able to participate in these types of activities leads to the worsening of both mental and physical health in the U.S. SFIA is committed to working with stakeholders to address the barriers limiting youth sports participation and has led the effort on the YSFA legislation, securing bi-partisan support in Congress.
“The access barrier to sports participation keeps youth off the playing field – denying them the opportunity to realize the mental and physical health benefits of activity and limiting the development of the social skills essential to a child’s growth,” says Todd Smith, President & CEO, SFIA. “SFIA fully endorses the Youth Sports Facilities Act to give communities the resources needed for investments in youth sports facilities which will lower the current access barrier to participation.”
The YSFA will allow for more kids to be active and healthy, while also providing participants with important leadership, team building, and social skills. Youth sports organizations are united in their support for YSFA and appreciate the leadership of Congressman Huizenga and Congressman Veasey on this legislation.
“As the leading nonprofit provider of youth sports programs, YMCA of the USA supports the Youth Sports Facilities Act. Youth sports facilities often lead to growth in local economies as families attend sporting events and support local businesses, hotels, and restaurants”, says Jeffrey Britt, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA. “Youth sports programs create a space for families and the community to belong, improve health outcomes, and strengthen the fabric of the economy and the community.”
In 2024, almost half a billion dollars in EDA grants were used to pay for small business loans, workforce training, and infrastructure projects – but no funding went to the development of youth sports facilities, which can spur additional investments in a community. New youth sports and recreational facilities can lead to additional investments in surrounding businesses such as convenience stores, restaurants, fueling stations, and grocery stores, as well as the construction of new hotels and housing communities.
“A great many children are denied the benefits of sports and exercise due to the shortage of athletic facilities,” says Jon Executive Director, Pop Warner Little Scholars. “In other cases, too many participants practice on limited areas which is unsafe as teams overlap. The Youth Sports Facilities Act will provide for more facilities being available for our children, our most precious commodity. As childhood obesity numbers rise, it is our duty to get kids off their sofas and enjoy getting healthy exercise.”
“Youth sports are a vital part of America’s fabric and a significant part of the work done by local parks and recreation departments,” says, Kyle Simpson, Director of Government Affairs, National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA). “On behalf of our 60,000 members, the NRPA is proud to endorse the Youth Sports Facilities Act. This critical legislation will expand access to high-quality youth sports programs nationwide.”
With strong Congressional leadership behind the Youth Sports Facilities Act (YSFA), today’s introduction of the legislation is an important step in getting more resources for youth sports facility development in communities that lack them. SFIA will continue to build support for the YSFA and work with stakeholders to move the YSFA through the legislative process for increased investments in youth sports and recreation facilities to get more kids active.
For more information or questions regarding the YSFA, please contact Bill Sells, SVP, Government Relations & Public Affairs, at [email protected].
# # #
ABOUT SFIA: The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the leading global trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products and fitness industry. SFIA seeks to promote sports and fitness participation, as well as industry vitality through research, thought leadership, public affairs, industry affairs, and member services. For more information, please visit sfia.org.
Washington, D.C. (November 13, 2024): After less than a week of renewed negotiations on a new labor contract for dockworkers at East and Gulf Coast Ports, the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) has walked away from the bargaining table on November 13 over the use of automation at the ports. The ILA suspended their strike last month after receiving a 62 percent pay raise for dockworkers; the strike pause will lapse on January 15, 2025. The Unions have not started accepting increased wages because that would require signing a no-strike clause.
The U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the Ports, issued a press release committing to negotiations to resolve the remaining issues for a Master Contract. The USMX views technology as key to improving efficiency at the ports for increased capacity, supply chain resilience, and enhanced worker safety. The USMX does not plan to use technology to replace union jobs. The ILA is firm in its position that technology is a threat to union jobs and issued a statement calling on the USMX to “alter its unwinnable strategy and resume negotiations.”
The strike suspension will end five days before Donald Trump is sworn as President and ILA President Harold Dagget says Trump “promised to support the ILA in its opposition to automated terminals.” Union members are firmly behind the fight on automation, setting up the potential for a resumption of a labor strike at East Coast Ports in January.
SFIA will continue to press for resolution of the outstanding contract issues, and government intervention if needed, to avoid an unnecessary disruption in supply chains.
For more information, please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government & Public Affairs, at [email protected].
Washington, D.C. (October 4, 2024): Following an October 2 letter to President Biden, signed by SFIA and 300 organizations requesting the Administration engage in the East Coast Port labor contract talks, the International Longshoreman’s Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) agreed to a 62 percent wage increase for dockworkers and suspended the strike on October 3. The ports will need time to get back up to speed as they deal with the backlog from the strike, but supply chains are safe now.
The strike ‘suspension’ expires on January 15, providing a temporary reprieve during the Holiday season. The two sides will continue to negotiate on outstanding issues including benefits, sharing container royalties, and automation at the ports. Automation at the ports is likely to be the most contentious issue as the ILA seeks to protect union jobs threatened by new technology. SFIA will continue to press for resolution of the outstanding issues prior to January 15 to avoid any disruption in U.S. supply chains.
The ILA was seeking a 77 percent pay increase and USMX was offering a 50 percent increase. Secretary of Labor Su, Secretary of Transportation Buttigieg, and National Economic Council Director Brainard worked with the parties to come to an agreement to end the strike. SFIA commends the Administration for engaging the ILA and USMX to find common ground to keep the ports open and U.S. supply chains operating at full capacity.
For more information, please contact Bill Sells, SFIA SVP for Government & Public Affairs, at [email protected].