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Tell Us What You Think: Should the State Allow Schools to Start Prior to Labor Day?

Advocacy News – April 14, 2022

Should schools be able to start prior to the Labor Day holiday? The House Education Chair thinks so. Representative Pam Hornberger is pushing legislation to repeal the provision in state law that prohibits the school year from starting before Labor Day without a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education. House Bill 4199 would effectively remove the prohibition on beginning the school year before Labor Day and localizing these decisions. This bill is currently on the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives for a vote, before moving to the Senate.

Although the intent of the legislation, which is aimed at boosting student achievement and reducing the “summer slide,” is good, the Michigan Chamber traditionally has been opposed to this legislation because of the impact it could have on travel and tourism, especially in northern Michigan.

Tell us what you think!  Please complete this brief, two-question survey to share your thoughts on this proposal. Here are some facts to consider:

  • Bolsters Travel and Tourism Industry – Research shows Michigan’s post-Labor Day school start law has produced its desired intent. In fact, a 2016 study commissioned by the Anderson Economic Group found room sales for Michigan hotels increased by roughly 40,000 room nights in 2007 due to the post-Labor Day school start law and brought in revenues $4.5 million and $5.2 million. The study also shows that the mandate increased tourism spending by at least $20 million in 2007.
  • Ensures Travel and Tourism and Seasonal Businesses Have the Staffing They Need – Without student workers to carry them through Labor Day, many hotels, golf courses, campgrounds, restaurants, marinas, etc. will be unable to keep their doors open or forced to operate during limited hours. The need for student staff will be especially critical this year with the ongoing workforce shortage.
  • Other Ways to Get to the Same Intent – Although schools have said they want this change to improve student performance and address the “summer slide,” this can be achieved without cutting into the July and August calendars, which represent the top two highest revenue months for Michigan tourism business owners. Schools can easily achieve these outcomes today (and without this legislation!) simply by pushing their calendars deeper into June or adopting a year-round school calendar.
  • Many Schools Already Opt-Out – As of now, schools and school districts have the opportunity to opt-out of a a post-Labor Day school start. Click here to see the number of schools that currently opt-out.

For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.

Advocacy News – April 14, 2022

Should schools be able to start prior to the Labor Day holiday? The House Education Chair thinks so. Representative Pam Hornberger is pushing legislation to repeal the provision in state law that prohibits the school year from starting before Labor Day without a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education. House Bill 4199 would effectively remove the prohibition on beginning the school year before Labor Day and localizing these decisions. This bill is currently on the floor of the Michigan House of Representatives for a vote, before moving to the Senate.

Although the intent of the legislation, which is aimed at boosting student achievement and reducing the “summer slide,” is good, the Michigan Chamber traditionally has been opposed to this legislation because of the impact it could have on travel and tourism, especially in northern Michigan.

Tell us what you think!  Please complete this brief, two-question survey to share your thoughts on this proposal. Here are some facts to consider:

  • Bolsters Travel and Tourism Industry – Research shows Michigan’s post-Labor Day school start law has produced its desired intent. In fact, a 2016 study commissioned by the Anderson Economic Group found room sales for Michigan hotels increased by roughly 40,000 room nights in 2007 due to the post-Labor Day school start law and brought in revenues $4.5 million and $5.2 million. The study also shows that the mandate increased tourism spending by at least $20 million in 2007.
  • Ensures Travel and Tourism and Seasonal Businesses Have the Staffing They Need – Without student workers to carry them through Labor Day, many hotels, golf courses, campgrounds, restaurants, marinas, etc. will be unable to keep their doors open or forced to operate during limited hours. The need for student staff will be especially critical this year with the ongoing workforce shortage.
  • Other Ways to Get to the Same Intent – Although schools have said they want this change to improve student performance and address the “summer slide,” this can be achieved without cutting into the July and August calendars, which represent the top two highest revenue months for Michigan tourism business owners. Schools can easily achieve these outcomes today (and without this legislation!) simply by pushing their calendars deeper into June or adopting a year-round school calendar.
  • Many Schools Already Opt-Out – As of now, schools and school districts have the opportunity to opt-out of a a post-Labor Day school start. Click here to see the number of schools that currently opt-out.

For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.