FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Alli Schulman
aschulman@sfia.org
301.495.6321

SILVER SPRING, MD (Dec. 12, 2019) - On Dec. 5, Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) became the 100th cosponsor of the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. The bill, which allows Americans to use HSAs and FSAs to pay for activity-related expenses, has garnered strong bipartisan support in the House (44D-43R) and Senate (5D-8R) since it was introduced in March 2019. Congressmen Ron Kind (D-WI) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) serve as the lead sponsors of the PHIT Act in the House and Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) are leading the effort in the Senate.

Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-LA)

Rep. Cedric Richmond is an advocate for healthy, active lifestyles, always leading by example. As a father and star pitcher of the Congressional Baseball team, the MVP is intent on making activity more affordable for individuals and families across the nation.

"It is very fitting to have Rep. Cedric Richmond as the 100th congressional cosponsor of the PHIT act," said Bill Sells, Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs at the SFIA. "His leadership both on the field and in congress speak to the positive impact sports have had on his life. His support of the PHIT act will create increased opportunities for future generations to enjoy the benefits of active lifestyles."

Promoting active lifestyles is increasingly important as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new study last week, "Prevalence of Prediabetes Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the United States, 2005-2016," warning Americans that prediabetes is on the rise. The report stated that 18 percent of teenagers and 24 percent of young adults had prediabetes, putting them at risk for developing Type II diabetes and other chronic conditions.

"The prevalence of prediabetes in adolescents and young adults reinforces the critical need for effective public health strategies that promote healthy eating habits, physical activity, and stress management," said CDC Director, Robert Redfield. With over a quarter of the population reportedly inactive, it is increasingly important that the government passes legislation that assists our nation in taking a big step forward in improving physical health and overall healthcare spending.

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 "); background-size: 1px 1px; background-position: 0px calc(1em + 1px);">www.sfia.org.

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