Rep. John Proos says that, under a key measure before the House Education Committee, Michigan schools will be allowed to begin fall classes before Labor Day, a move that would devastate southwest Michigan communities that rely on the extended holiday vacation visitors to wrap up the summer tourism season.

House Bill 5623 includes a provision to allow school districts to begin instruction prior to Labor Day, nullifying the post-Labor Day school start law the Legislature enacted in 2005 to encourage tourism opportunities within our state. It is estimated that this small change brought millions of additional tourism dollars to Michigan.

“I’m disappointed with the short sightedness of this legislation,” said Proos, R-St. Joseph. “Two of Michigan’s top industries – tourism and agriculture – benefited from moving the start day after Labor Day, and undoing that progress would harm our economy.”

The bill has been proposed to assist Michigan qualify for the federal Race to the Top (RTTT) funding by the Jan. 1 deadline. Among eligibility requirements for the program’s school reforms are state policy changes for teacher certification, measuring student academic performance and establishing charter schools.

“I support real Race to the Top reforms that will help Michigan schools operate more efficiently and garner federal education funding, and will continue working to give all Michigan schools the opportunities they need for success,” Proos said.

Source:  News release from Michigan House Republicans

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