Some lawmakers want to allow schools to start the year before Labor Day
TRAVERSE CITY --
An effort is underway in Lansing to get students across the state to go back to school before Labor Day. If a reversal in the policy passes, some area lawmakers are worried the tourism industry would take a financial hit. It all stems from a Michigan House Bill. It’s aimed at reforming education, but the line proposing Michigan schools start before Labor Day has some local lawmakers crying foul.
Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Doug Luciani says "Traverse City is typically busy it's the last weekend hotels and restaurants make their summer seasonal rate."
Michigan Senator Jason Allen believes the last week of summer vacation is at risk. “I think it’s a very poor idea. We know the post labor day school starting has been a benefit to northern Michigan and its families.”
State Representative Kevin Elsenheimer says "it would be a huge loss for northern Michigan it would mean jobs it would mean tourism dollars."
So why do it? Proponents of the bill say it is tied into the Obama Administrations plan to give $400 million dollars to five different states for education reform. For states to apply they must meet certain requirements like increasing charter schools and providing more education for teachers. Changing the start date to schools is not part of those requirements, but is part of this bill.
Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer says “in a climate where we are trying to do everything we can to find jobs in Michigan why would the house democrats do something that has the results of losing jobs."
Doug Luciani says "the shame of it is the attention should be on the students. The opportunity for innovation within our schools."
Meanwhile lawmakers 7&4 spoke with tell me they promise to do what they can to keep the bill from passing. Rep. Kevin Elsenheimer says "this is the basis of northern Michigan economy we got to protect it if somebody decides to challenge it we've got to be ready to fight."
