Bipartisan STRONG Kids Act Targets Sports Betting Taxes for Youth Programs

The bill, championed by Representatives Mike Carey, a Republican from Ohio, and Nanette Diaz Barragán, a Democrat from California, would create a competitive grant program managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. By leveraging existing tax streams rather than imposing new costs on taxpayers, the proposal intends to bolster the infrastructure of local nonprofits, Little Leagues, and parks and recreation departments that have struggled to maintain affordable programming.

Under the proposed framework, national organizations could secure grants up to $5 million, while state and regional entities would be eligible for up to $2.5 million. These funds are earmarked for reducing participation fees, enhancing safety protocols, and expanding adaptive sports opportunities. The initiative has garnered backing from a diverse coalition including the YMCA, the National Recreation and Park Association, and industry players like Under Armour and TeamSnap. For the FundPlay Foundation, which has spent years advocating for state-level funding, this federal push represents a significant expansion of their efforts to ensure that income levels do not dictate a child’s ability to participate in sports.