Dear Community,
Once again, it’s time to act and encourage Congressional support for the Gym Mitigation & Survival Act (also known as the GYMS Act), which would create a grant program to provide economic support to eligible fitness facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In March 2021, Yoga Alliance first shared news about the GYMS Act, a bipartisan bill that would authorize $30 billion for the Small Business Administration (SBA) to disburse grants to eligible fitness businesses, including yoga businesses, to cover expenses such as payroll, rent and mortgage obligations, and utility payments. The GYMS Act is similar to other relief bills enacted for restaurants and shuttered entertainment/arts venues, which were incorporated into previous major COVID-19 relief bills.
U.S. Representatives. Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) authored the GYMS Act and have more than 100 co-sponsors from both political parties in the U.S. House of Representatives. On May 13, Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jerry Moran (R-KS) introduced a companion version of the GYMS Act in the Senate signifying that the bill is gaining momentum.
Yoga Alliance has aligned with the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), Global Health and Fitness Alliance, and Community Gyms Coalition, to bring attention to the critical role the health and fitness industries play in wellness and emphasize the lack of aid these industries have received thus far.
Given the size and scope of the yoga community, together our voices will help urge members of Congress to co-sponsor the bill. Using our automated email tool, you can send customized notes to your state’s federal lawmakers to share your story and ask for their support.
Email Your State Representative Now
We also encourage you to ask your friends, family, and other members in the yoga community to voice their support. Simply forward this email and they can also use our automated email tool to reach out to their members of Congress.
We are here to support you and the work that you do in communities across the nation.
If you have any questions, concerns, and/or feedback please contact us at 1-888-921-9642 (YOGA) or yaadvocacy@yogaalliance.org.
Your Yoga Alliance