Exercise Illinois

A Proposal to Improve the Quality of Life for Illinois Residents

Preface This idea is the outgrowth of the Edx course BE101x Behavioural Economics, taught by the distinguished Professor Dilip Soman (and his fine staff) at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management. Introduction According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Illinois ranked 24th out of 50 states in the rate of obesity. Fully 62% of Illinois adults are overweight and 28% of those are obese. Furthermore 21% of Illinois children (aged 0 to 17) are obese. A 2008 CDC survey found that 24.4 percent of U.S. adults do not engage in any physical exercise. The beltline continues to expand year over year. The Proposal It is time to incentivize Illinois residents to get off the couch and get active through exercise. By way of reducing their Illinois base income and consequently impact the amount of taxes they pay, for engaging in any type of Physical activity or exercise. They may deduct from the base income on their Illinois Income Tax Form up to $2,500 for individuals and $7,500 for families for participating in any type of fitness, sports, indoor or outdoor activity. This amount can be for equipment, registration fees, and clothing, right down to a pair of walking shoes.

The Program A consortium of organizations that make good health and fitness their principle mission could administer the program. They could come from the independent sector and/or the education sector. Sanctioned by Illinois government, but operated independently from the denizens in Springfield and Chicago.

Who Qualifies for the Incentive? Any Illinois resident or family that signs up for Exercise Illinois and provides simple information such as name, address, cell phone or home phone, email address and makes a goal for better fitness. Such a goal might be I will walk three times a week. Or I will join a floor hockey league this winter. Something simple yet achievable, but more importantly, fun. The objective is to be more active enabling one to live a more fuller, healthier life. Filing the Form out at Tax Time Any Illinois resident that does sign up with Exercise Illinois may file Form PE as an attachment to their Illinois Income Tax form, subtracting their overall physical fitness expenses from their base income that appears in Step 3 of their Illinois Tax Return. It is important for any participants to collect and record all of their expenses for exercise and fitness activities. This might include whatever outlays they may have had for their children as well. Exercise Illinois might provide a handy pouch for this purpose.

Participation Participation in the program would not only provide the tax-based incentive, but participants could get gentle monthly reminders to keep
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their exercise goals on target through text messages and / or email blasts. Conclusion Exercise Illinois could be a program that nudges people toward what they intuitively know what is best for them; a healthier lifestyle through physical activity and exercise.

Cover Photo: The iconic John Hancock building in downtown Chicago seen from Oak Street Beach, a great place to engage in physical exercise. Concluding Photo: The Centre in downtown Elgin, Illinois. Another great place to exercise and engage in physical activity.