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FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ALERT!
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED! Please call or write your Senators and Representative and urge them to
cosponsor H.R. 1634/S. 772, the Workforce Health Improvement Program (WHIP) Act.
Background
Organizations are increasingly interested in promoting healthy living programs for their workforces
as one strategy for addressing rising health care costs. Employees that engage in fitness programs
and activities are generally more productive, have lower incidences of workplace injuries, lower
health care costs, and are healthier overall. The WHIP Act would enable employers to help their
employees focus on healthier habits and fitness, resulting in a healthier lifestyle and fewer
health-related expenses.
Legislation
H.R. 1634/S. 772 would enable an employer to deduct the cost of subsidizing or providing off-site
fitness center benefits for their employees. Under current law, businesses are permitted to deduct
the cost of on-site workout facilities, but not the cost of fitness center benefits. The WHIP Act
would provide parity to employers who subsidize or provide off-site fitness center benefits for
their employees.
In addition, the WHIP Act would exclude this wellness benefit from being considered taxable
income for employees. Under current law, employees who receive the off-site fitness center
subsidy are required to pay income tax on the benefit. More often than not, if employees
have to pay taxes on a benefit offered by their employer, employees will choose not to participate
in the benefit. To encourage employees to participate in this benefit offering, H.R. 1634/ S.
772 would ensure that the wellness benefit from off-site fitness facilities is not taxed as
income for employees.
Action Needed
Write or call to your legislators today! This is your opportunity to impact the legislative
process at the federal level. To write your elected official, follow these steps:
- Log onto SHRM Online by clicking here.
- Sign in using your member number and last name.
- Click on "Governmental Affairs," then go to "HRVoice" on the left side of your screen.
- Choose "Write your elected officials."
- Click on "Urge Your Legislators to Cosponsor the WHIP Act" under the heading "Take Immediate Action on these Hot Issues."
LETTER WRITING
In January 2006, through HRVoice, SHRM members sent 306 federal and state communications.
Top states for overall letter writing:
- Maryland (121)
- Wisconsin (29)
- Florida (25)
As you can see, North Carolina is not in the top 3 as we usually are. Please follow the
instructions above and help us get back on the list by writing your legislator.
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