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Dear Ask America Supporters,
Can you believe that it's just shy of three years that you have been routinely receiving these FIT Kid Campaign Updates?! You have been right there with Richard to celebrate each and every extraordinary high point and, more importantly, you have never failed to rally in to action, every single time all seemed to be on the brink of disaster. More than once....you moved the mountain and saved the ship. Thank you.
So it is today that we come to you, cautiously optimistic, but energized, with the news that we are entering what may very well be home stretch for the FIT Kids legacy!!!
DRUM ROLL PLEASE...........The FIT Kids Bill, version 2009 (HR 1585), was officially dropped and entered in to the schedule of the 111th Congress by Congressman Ron Kind on Wednesday, March 18th, just minutes after Rep Kind called Richard to brief him on what was about to happen.
Senator Tom Harkin has likewise dropped a now identical version of the bill in the SENATE, (S 634) a very helpful step, eliminating the need to merge the bills after they should pass in each respective chamber.
A summary of the conjoined bill will be sent to you soon.
CONGRATULATIONS ASK AMERICA! YOU DID IT! FIT Kids has survived.
CONGRESSMAN KIND told Richard that he, Rep Wamp, and Senator Harkin are very hopeful that this may be our year!....but that "time is of the essence". In fact, it is entirely possible that there will be a FULL HOUSE FLOOR DEBATE on the "little bill that could" in the not so far away future.
Richard is gearing up to hit the pavement and the airways to ask the American public for their help, once more, in this latest push toward the Finish Line.
Here's where you come in.......to seal the deal.
THOSE LETTERS....YOUR LETTERS, you have faithfully written each and every time RICHARD asked......MEAN EVERYTHING......EVERYTHING!
THEY ARE COUNTED and RECORDED, and have propelled FIT Kids to where it is today.
Now, because we are essentially "starting fresh" in this session of Congress....once again, using the NEW BILL NUMBERS, RICHARD is humbly and with utmost appreciation, asking you to go to the WRITE CONGRESS PAGE on his WEB-SITE, write your letters, and make YOUR VOICE HEARD.
Please join together and send the message to Congress loud and clear: Children of today ..and tomorrow...deserve the chance to be fit, healthy and ready to learn.
Write Congress
Because some Congressional Freshman have never seen our bill, and....the extremely busy late returning members may need a gentle reminder, it really is very necessary to write again. Thank you very very much in advance.
We are extremely happy to report that some very influential friends have joined us on the long list of loyal FIT Kid supporters.
On THURSDAY March 19th, FIT Kids received a pledge of support from NFL owners and players, and on FRIDAY, March 20th, FIT Kids received a very special nod of approval from the NEA, the National Education Association:
"NEA believes that physical activity and exercise are essential for good health and must be encouraged during students’ developmental years. We also believe that a comprehensive program of physical education should be provided in all schools. Children’s health has a direct impact on their ability to learn and succeed in school. In fact, evidence suggests that healthy, physically-fit children learn more effectively and are more successful academically."
"(FIT Kids) would help address this problem by promoting physical education and activity in school programs, and supporting professional development for faculty and staff to promote children’s healthy lifestyles and physical activity. We thank you for your commitment to helping our nation’s children develop and maintain healthy lifestyles and look forward to working with you on these very important issues."
With such growing momentum of support, it is imperative to aim toward "the BIG finish", and as such Richard has absolutely no intention of slowing down or taking anything for granted. Here's a clip from his recent appearance on ABC's NIGHTLINE, with the very wonderful PS1 in New York City in case you missed it:
Richard Simmons, Still Steppin'
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6944097
There is just no way to thank all of you for all you have done. This is truly a successful grass roots effort that has talked the talk and walked the walk. We wish it were possible to thank all of you in person.
People like Bree N., a military spouse, taking it upon herself to start a Booster Program in her school to fund PE and activities.
And, teacher Michelle H. of Tesago Elementary, who has taken it upon herself to have her kids exercise each morning, in between their desks, to Richard's DVDs.
And teacher Johnathon H. of Mount Saint Joseph Academy who told us: "Currently I teach high school Biology, but I started my career as a PE teacher. I can attest that institutionalized daily exercise improves bodies and minds. When I taught middle school science and math, I learned that my students attention and behavior improved on the days they had gym. As a result, I moved quizzes and tests to these "gym days." For many of my students, their scores immediately improved."
Our President, an ardent supporter of physical fitness, would be so pleased with what our "little" movement has achieved thus far.......and....you never know....he may just hear about that first hand. Richard isn't giving up in his quest to speak to our new Commander and Chief, who we have been told, "loves Richard." Maybe when things "quiet down," he'll have that chance. After all....anything is possible.
Just look what you have done....for our kids, and kids for many generations to come.
As always, thank you, thank you,
Ask America
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