U.S. House Passes Fitness Bill
Apr 23rd, 2010
On Wednesday, by voice vote, the House of Representatives passed HR 1585, the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act.
The measure, co-sponsored by over 100 House members, is sponsored by Representative Ron Kind (D-WI), co-chair of the Congressional Fitness Caucus, with caucus co-chair, Representative Zach Wamp (R-TN) joined by Representatives Jay Inslee (D-WA), Susan Davis (D-CA) and Rush Holt (D-NJ) as original sponsors of the bill.
According to Congressional Quarterly, the bill “would require local and state education agencies to annually report to parents and families information on school health and physical education programs, including the amount of time students spend in required physical education classes and whether a school follows a curriculum that adheres to national guidelines offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”
In response to passage, American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown stated that, “Increased physical activity, along with a healthy diet, is critical in addressing the epidemic and improving the overall health of our children.
Research shows that physically active kids have a greater chance of improving their academic achievement and adopting healthy behaviors.”
And from Penny Lee, Executive Director of the Campaign to End Obesity, “Physical fitness must be made a cornerstone of reversing the obesity epidemic, and the FIT Kids Act does exactly that.” The companion bill, S 634, sponsored by Senator Tom Harkin, awaits consideration in the Senate.
120 Sears Ave., Suite 212 :: Louisville, KY :: 40207
Phone: 1-502-882-0584
info@kyvoicesforhealth.org
©2011 Kentucky Voices For Health. All Rights Reserved.
Funded in part by a grant from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.