Bill Overview
Title: Military Fitness Incentive Tuition Act
Description: This bill requires the military departments to pay a monthly allowance for a gym membership to members of the Armed Forces who reside more than 10 miles from a military installation. The amount of the allowance must be determined based on the average cost of a gym membership in the military housing area in which a member resides.
Sponsors: Rep. Kelly, Trent [R-MS-1]
Target Audience
Population: Members of the Armed Forces living more than 10 miles from a military installation
Estimated Size: 180000
- The primary group impacted will be members of the Armed Forces.
- The affected individuals are those who live more than 10 miles from a military installation.
- The incentive is for members needing financial assistance for gym memberships for fitness purposes.
- The benefit is to ensure these members have access to fitness facilities similar to those available on a military base.
- Globally, the number of military personnel, including reserves, is over 20 million.
Reasoning
- The population primarily impacted by this policy includes active and reserve military members residing more than 10 miles from a military installation.
- To assess the impact, it is important to account for variance in gym membership costs across different military housing areas.
- Given the budgetary limit, the policy may initially target around 180,000 personnel based on military distribution and proximity constraints.
- Not all military personnel will take advantage of the stipend, due to personal choice or existing fitness routines.
- Cost-effectiveness of the policy depends on achieving a balance between coverage and fitness benefits for those impacted.
- The policy aims to improve overall health and fitness, potentially translating to better physical and mental wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Active Duty Military - Infantry (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a good idea because not everyone lives on base.
- Gym access is crucial, especially for fitness professionals like us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
National Guard - Administrative Staff (Columbus, Ohio)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This act will help me financially, as gyms aren't cheap.
- It's beneficial for morale and maintaining fitness standards.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Reserve - Logistics (Houston, Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I don't need a gym regularly, already have another fitness routine.
- Not sure if this policy adds much to my situation.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Active Duty Military - Intelligence Analyst (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any additional support towards fitness is welcome.
- I hope it's easily accessible, simplicity is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Reserves - Infantry (Burlington, Vermont)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm indifferent as I have my setup at home.
- Nice to have, but I'm not sure I'll use it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Active Duty Military - Medical Support (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having choices is always better.
- Helps me remain committed to my fitness goals.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Active Duty Military - Aviation (San Diego, California)
Age: 28 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I prefer running outside, but it's nice to have a gym option in bad weather.
- The initiative is good for those who want it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Retired - Advisor, Reserves (Miami, Florida)
Age: 51 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might take it occasionally, but I doubt it'll change much for me.
- Younger folks might benefit more from this.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Active Duty Military - Communications (Austin, Texas)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Good alternative, but will it work for studios too?
- I might switch depending on terms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
National Guard - Cybersecurity (Albany, New York)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy supports a healthier lifestyle, which is a win for everyone.
- Having a gym access where I live could save time and hassle.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $108000000 (Low: $97200000, High: $118800000)
Year 2: $110160000 (Low: $99144000, High: $121176000)
Year 3: $112363200 (Low: $101356800, High: $123599520)
Year 5: $116957728 (Low: $105181680, High: $129408400)
Year 10: $129546185 (Low: $116591567, High: $143036804)
Year 100: $341985898 (Low: $307787308, High: $376184486)
Key Considerations
- The estimate assumes gym memberships are primarily utilized by active-duty members and some reserves.
- The program's effectiveness in improving military fitness and readiness.
- Ensuring administrative efficiency in managing allowance disbursements.