Latest news with #Kepple
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Senate vote awaited on PHIT Act for easier fitness access
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With the House passing the reconciliation bill overnight on Wednesday, one act in this bill could soon be a reality for Americans. The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act would allow people to use money from their health savings accounts on physical health, but is currently waiting on a vote from the Senate 'Currently, physical activity is not listed as a preventive health measure, and that's what the PHIT Act is working to achieve,' said Mike Goscinski, VP of Government Affairs for the Health and Fitness Association. Health savings accounts are tax-based accounts for medical payments through workplaces. If passed through the Senate, gym memberships would be more accessible through this act, along with bringing down cost barriers for youth sports. 'If you have your child enrolled in soccer, softball, baseball, any of the programs that many Americans take advantage of and love,' Goscinski said, 'you'll be able to preplan those expenses at no additional cost through federal taxes.' Livingston County Boys & Girls Club opens center in Fairbury Carrie Kepple, owner of Styles Studios Fitness and former chairwoman of the Health and Fitness Association, believes this will drive up the percentage of active Americans by 10%. 'It would be helping with more people, live healthier lives, better mental health, better physical health, reducing chronic diseases, and just giving Americans more access,' Kepple said. The PHIT Act last passed the House in 2018, but didn't pass the Senate due to an adjournment. However, Kepple believes this could be the time it goes through. 'This is the biggest shot we've ever had, and it would be monumental for Americans and access to health and fitness and getting more people moving,' she said. Individuals will be allowed to set aside up to $1,000 for these expenses, and up to $2,000 for families. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sharon focusing on education in 2025-2029 fair housing plan
SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) — The City of Sharon is looking for feedback on its new proposal for its 2025-2029 Fair Housing Plan. The new proposal is designed to act as a planning tool, providing the city with the necessary framework to strategically 'affirmatively further fair housing' over the next five years. Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Manager Suzanne Kepple said the new plan is not much different from the 2020-2024 plan and one of the number-one goals is improving public education on fair housing. 'There's an issue of awareness of fair housing laws locally, at the state level and federally,' Kepple said. 'What could actually be a fair housing complaint and what resources are available to them.' Other goals include: Promote and enforce rehabilitation of rental housing to become decent, safe, and sound housing Promote and encourage neighborhood investment and revitalization with programs and community participation Modify housing units and public accommodations to accommodate persons with disabilities to be decent, safe, and sound as well as affordable Promote and encourage renters to buy a home instead of continuing to rent Grow the staff in the Community and Economic Development, Code, and Fire Departments 'Older individuals, as they age, you want them to age in place or age in their home, so if they need like a chair lift or a ramp, our program and other programs can do that,' Kepple said. 'They can stay in their home, and they don't have to go to a nursing home or assisted living facility.' The city is an entitlement community under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), allocating funding for various projects such as street paving, roof, heating, and cooling repairs, and demolishing vacant and unsafe homes. 'We have two programs: a roof repair program which includes like downspouts, gutters and soffit,' Kepple said. 'And then minor repairs, so if your furnace, breaks down or a front porch repair.' Kepple said in the last five to six years, the city has torn down over 400 properties, turning some lots into community gardens and art installations — something they hope to grow in this proposal. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the city council chambers at the Sharon Municipal Building. The complete plan can be viewed below. To speak at the meeting or request accommodations, call 724-983-3231. 2025-2029-Fair-Housing-Plan_1742313068Download Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
