Our Advocacy Efforts:

Championing Fitness and Wellness

The Michigan Fitness Association places a strong emphasis on advocacy, because it allows us to voice our opinions, concerns, and interests to influence decisions that affect the fitness industry. Advocacy can play a crucial role in ensuring that policies, laws, and regulations are created and implemented in a fair and equitable manner. Overall, advocacy is a powerful tool for promoting social change and improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Michigan Bill Tracker

Take a look at some of our past advocacy efforts:

  • Members of the MFA Board participated in the work groups to create the re-opening protocols during COVID-19.
  • MFA members staged a “Bootcamp at the Capitol” to bring attention to health clubs still being closed.
  • The MFA lobbied for and was successfully added to the definition of an “afflicted business” in SB 85 of 2021. The purpose of the bill was to offset reductions in revenue due to changes in industrial and commercial property exemptions under section 9o of the General Property Tax Act.
  • The MFA lobbied for and was awarded a grant of $8.5 million to promote health and wellness in the state of Michigan. Distribution of the funds to Michigan-based health and wellness businesses is through a sub-grant process. Click here for more information. (https://mfafit.org/enhancement-grant/)
  • The MFA is monitoring and lobbying against any bills that will require online cancellations.
  • The MFA is working with our U.S. senators and congressmen to get support for passing the P.H.I.T. Bill. The Personal Health Investment Today Act. The PHIT Act will allow Americans to use pre-tax dollars – flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs) – to pay for health club memberships, fitness equipment, exercise videos, and youth sports leagues.
  • The MFA is monitoring for any legislation regarding proposed changes to minimum wage, work requirements, or benefits.
  • The MFA is monitoring any proposed changes to captive audience (union organizing) legislation.
  • The MFA is monitoring bills related to data privacy.
  • The MFA is monitoring for any legislation regarding predictive scheduling.

Michigan Legislators Learning the Role of Fitness/Wellness in Healthcare

MFA Board Chair Bryan Rief, vice-chair Alyssa Tushman, and secretary Michael Stack were in Lansing on May 8th advocating for the fitness industry in Michigan. The group, led by MFA lobbyist Jim Ryan had 11 meetings with key lawmakers to discuss issues critical to the industry in the state. Learning from the lessons of the pandemic the MFA is committed to having strong relationships with legislators to ensure we always have a seat at the table to voice the needs of our industry. Click on the video below to learn more about the MFA’s advocacy day.