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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 19, 2021 05:03 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Ed Gainey and Rep. Dan L. Miller |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Fair Pay for Play |
| Despite progress made in other states, Pennsylvania has not yet empowered our college athletes to make sure they are fairly compensated, nor have we strengthened our collegiate system to ensure they remain competitive with a changing environment. Our college athletes remain acutely aware that a work-related injury may end their career and perhaps cost them a scholarship – all while they watch the stage being set for greater economic opportunities for their peers in states across the nation. By re-introducing this legislation, our goal is to capitalize on such nationwide momentum to balance the scales in a multi-billion dollar industry and allow our college athletes to sign endorsement details, earn compensation for their name, image and likeness, and sign licensing contracts that will allow them to earn money. This bill would also ensure athletes can seek out professional representation to manage their contracts and finances. In the words of one of the governors who has supported this effort, “College athletes put everything on the line - their physical health, future career prospects, and years of their lives to compete. Colleges reap billions from these student athletes sacrifices and success but, in the same breath, block them from earning a single dollar. That's a bankrupt model - one that puts institutions ahead of the students they are supposed to serve.” To date, six states have been successful in implementing these crucial changes and many more have introduced them. It is time for Pennsylvania to be on the forefront of such economic fairness. Please support us in standing with our college athletes and making sure our great colleges remain competitive nationally. |
Introduced as HB632