What IHRSA Expects To Happen
It is hard to say whether Congress will address a fourth COVID-19 relief bill prior to the November election. It is difficult to envision Congress heading into the November election without having taken some additional action, but we cannot rule out that possibility.
If a COVID-19 relief bill is to be put together prior to the election, the timeline for this happening appears to have shifted to September as the most likely time, and perhaps the last real chance at seeing a bill come together.
What IHRSA Is Doing
While it is enormously frustrating to see the broader national political dynamics get in the way of Congress addressing the numerous challenges confronting our nation, it does not considerably alter our short-term lobbying efforts.
We must proceed with our lobbying efforts—and we are. Until we have reason to do otherwise, we will operate under the assumption that there will be a relief bill in September. Therefore, we must do all we can to ensure we are well-positioned in that event.
4 Areas Where IHRSA Is Focusing
1. PR and Media Coverage
We continue to push our message to Washington D.C. media, sharing the latest research and information on how the fitness industry is hurting. In addition, we are expanding our outreach to include coverage in districts of key Senate members.
If you have relationships with any media in these regions with Senate leaders or with those senators, email us. These relationships could be pivotal in our lobbying efforts.
Our PR messaging to both D.C. and consumer media is picking up steam, but we need your help in getting our messaging out to more media.
2. Direct Lobbying Outreach to Key Congressional Committee Members
In addition to the 36 grassroots campaigns across the U.S. that we’ve launched since the start of this pandemic, my staff is reaching out to key congressional committee members. We spent many hours in meetings, calling offices, sending letters, and emailing with elected officials’ staffers.
Right now, there are three committees we are focusing our communications on:
- Small Business Committee (Senate and House)
- Senate Finance Committee
- House Ways & Means Committee
If your senators or congressperson is a member of these committees, your outreach efforts could be especially helpful.