Advocacy News – April 28, 2022
A few weeks ago, the Michigan Chamber team asked YOU to participate in a survey surrounding proposed policy changes to a pre-Labor Day school start. Currently in Michigan, schools are not allowed to start their school year before Labor Day as there has been significant research indicating that a pre-Labor Day start would negatively impact tourism, and therefore businesses, around the state. Instead, schools and districts are required to seek a waiver from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to start before Labor Day. As previously covered, we asked our Chamber members through a survey how they would feel and foresee an impact by a recently introduced bill. House Bill 4199 sponsored by the Michigan House of Representatives Chair of the Education Committee, Pam Hornberger, seeks to eliminate the prohibition and allow local communities to make the decision on when to begin the school year. Our survey sought collect member perspectives regarding how the bill may affect the trajectory of your business.
From the survey, we have gathered the following information:
Process
- 60% of respondents support the current process, which requires a waiver, as the process helps capture economic benefits such as tourism and travel.
- 38% of respondents oppose current waiver process, as these decisions should be localized, would curb learning loss, and ensure schools have thought through ramifications and components of earlier starts.
Impact:
- 79% indicated the bill, HB 4199, would have a negative impact on the workforce due to an inability to find workers and a loss of customers and summer traffic.
- 13% felt there would be a positive impact on education, and subsequently the workforce talent pool, should the bill be adopted.
- 46% did not foresee any economic or workforce impact.
As the Michigan Chamber has typically opposed legislation similar to House Bill 4199, we wanted to ensure your thoughts and opinions were heard, so we appreciate your participation.
For questions or more information, please contact Leah Robinson at lrobinson@michamber.com.