Bill Would Have State Chip In For Employee Wellness Programs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Employers chipping in for their workers' gym memberships could get state funding under a new bill at the Legislature.

A pair of Minnesota lawmakers wants to reimburse small- and medium-sized businesses $40 monthly for gym memberships they cover for employees. The workers would have to visit a fitness center at least eight times a month to qualify.

Sen. David Senjem wore a tracksuit to his bill's first committee hearing on Wednesday. The Rochester Republican says the program would save the state money in the long run by keeping Minnesotans healthy.

Senjem's bill isn't the only one cropping up this year to encourage exercise. Another senator wants to add two credits of physical education to the state's high school graduation requirements starting in the 2017 school year.