How Does the GOP Platform Affect the Sports Industry?
Date: 8/31/12
SFIA Examines Education, Health Care, China Currency, IP, & Trade
Bill Sells, SFIA’s Vice President of Government Relations, has reviewed the Republican Party’s 40+ page platform and has provided his analysis of what the GOP plans to do if it wins the race for the White House in November.
“While we are pleased the Republican platform makes improved education a priority, we would like to have seen an acknowledgement of the positive impact physical activity has on student academic performance,” said Sells
Medicare/Medicaid:
The Republican platform states that expensive prevention is preferable to more costly treatment later on in life. The GOP uses recent figures from the CDC in Atlanta to back-up its position on the need for healthier lifestyles. “Approximately 80% of healthcare costs are related to lifestyle decisions such as smoking, obesity, and substance abuse. Far greater emphasis has to be put upon personal responsibility for health maintenance,” according to the CDC. Sells concurred on this approach, “SGMA’s PHIT bill is consistent with the platform’s objective of encouraging Americans to do more to improve their personal health.”
Health Care:
“The GOP believes that taking care of one’s health is an individual responsibility,” noted Sells. The GOP platform recognizes that “Chronic diseases, many of them related to lifestyle, drive health care costs, accounting for more than 75% of the nation’s medical spending. To reduce demand, and thereby lower costs, we must foster personal responsibility while increasing preventive services to promote healthy lifestyles.” Sells added, “The sports and fitness industry is fully behind efforts to improve health via increased physical activity and improved nutrition.”
China Currency, IP & Trade:
The Republican platform includes an ominous message on China currency: “A Republican President will insist on full parity in trade with China and stand ready to impose countervailing duties if China fails to amend its currency policies. Commercial discrimination will be met in kind.”
To view the impact that the Democratic Platform may have on the industry click here.