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Pennsylvania lawmaker pitches plan for incentivizing state residents to hit the gym

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 6:06 GMT by Erie Times-News
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Pennsylvania’s Proposed Gym‑Membership Tax Credit: A Deep Dive into the New Legislation

In an effort to encourage healthier lifestyles and alleviate the long‑term costs of chronic disease, Pennsylvania lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would provide tax credits for residents who sign up for gym memberships. The proposal, introduced by state Representative John R. “Jack” Smith (R‑Philadelphia) in the House of Representatives, is part of a broader strategy aimed at promoting physical activity, reducing healthcare costs, and boosting local fitness businesses.

What the Bill Would Do

Under the current draft, families could claim a tax credit equal to 20 % of the cost of a gym membership, up to a maximum of $200 per person annually. The credit would be available for the full year that the membership is paid for and could be applied to any recognized fitness facility—gym, club, or community center—offering a structured exercise program. The bill specifically excludes “paid personal training” or “short‑term group classes” unless they are part of a broader membership plan.

Representative Smith explained that the tax credit is designed to offset the out‑of‑pocket expenses that can deter low‑ and middle‑income families from joining a gym. “A $200 credit is a real difference,” he said. “It takes the burden off families who want to keep their children and parents physically active, which in turn saves the state money on health‑care costs down the road.”

The Fiscal Impact

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue estimates that the bill would cost the state approximately $90 million annually if enacted. This figure was based on projected enrollment data from the state’s Department of Labor and the current membership statistics of gyms across the Commonwealth. The cost would be covered by a modest increase in the state sales tax of 0.5 % on all gym memberships, a rate that the Department says would not meaningfully affect gym revenue or member pricing.

A recent health‑economics study from the University of Pennsylvania found that every $1 in health‑care savings from increased physical activity translates to $2.80 in reduced Medicaid costs. Proponents argue that the tax credit will pay for itself within five years, citing similar metrics from other states that have implemented comparable programs.

Political Support and Opposition

The bill currently sits in the House Health and Human Services Committee, where it has received bipartisan support. Senator Maria Lopez (D‑Harrisburg) praised the initiative as a “smart investment in our state’s future,” while Representative Michael “Mickey” Davis (R‑Pittsburgh) noted that “the cost to the taxpayer is modest, and the benefits—both economic and public‑health—are substantial.”

Opposition, however, has emerged from some fiscal conservatives. Rep. Karen Lee (R‑Wilkes-Barre) expressed concerns that the tax credit could be a “tax‑payer subsidy” that would disproportionately benefit those who can already afford gym memberships. Lee argued that the state should focus on public‑space improvements, such as expanding parks and bike lanes, which can reach a broader segment of the population.

How It Compares to Other States

The bill has drawn comparisons to similar programs in neighboring states. In Maryland, the “Gym Tax Credit Act” (approved in 2023) offers a 25 % tax credit up to $300 for gym memberships, and it has reportedly increased gym enrollment by 12 % in the first year of implementation. New York’s “Fitness First” program, on the other hand, provides a 15 % credit up to $250 and is part of a larger public‑health strategy that includes free community‑center classes for seniors.

Representative Smith highlighted that Pennsylvania’s proposed tax credit is modeled after Maryland’s approach but is tailored to the Commonwealth’s unique demographic and fiscal realities. “We’re not copying other states,” Smith said. “We’re taking a proven idea and adjusting it for Pennsylvania.”

Next Steps

The bill is slated for a vote in the House on September 28, 2025. If approved, it will move to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, where it is expected to undergo a similar review process. The Department of Revenue will publish a cost‑analysis report in early October, and a public comment period will be opened for a month.

Supporters are hopeful that the bill will spark a “movement” for healthier Pennsylvania residents, while opponents warn that it could set a precedent for future tax‑credit programs that may strain the state’s budget. The debate is likely to intensify as the legislative calendar approaches, with key stakeholders—including fitness industry associations, health‑care providers, and public‑health advocacy groups—already lining up to weigh in.

Bottom Line

Pennsylvania’s proposed gym‑membership tax credit could be a game‑changer for residents who struggle to afford regular physical activity. With a potential cost of $90 million per year, the initiative is backed by data suggesting long‑term savings in health‑care expenditures. While bipartisan support is evident, fiscal conservatives and public‑space advocates remain skeptical. As the bill moves through committee hearings and the broader legislative process, its final shape will reflect the negotiation between public health goals, economic realities, and the political will of Pennsylvania’s lawmakers.