Michigan Hotel Association Hails Increased Public Support for Post Labor Day Schools
MICHIGAN, August 29, 2005. A statewide survey by EPIC/MRA found increased support for legislation (HB 4803) requiring all state schools to open after Labor Day. Voter support increased to 63% statewide, up from 60% in an identical 2004 poll. Total opposition to the legislation was down slightly at 22% this year and 23% in 2004. Support amongst the most affected group of voters, parents of school aged children, increased to 67%, up from 65% in last year's poll.
"These results are no surprise to us. Statewide polls have shown overwhelming support for post Labor Day schools for over 10 years," said Steve Yencich, President/CEO of the Michigan Hotel, Motel & Resort Association. "And, it's clear state legislators want to positively respond to the desires of voters," said Yencich.
HB 4803 was passed by a bipartisan majority (69-40) in the House earlier this summer. The bill is currently before the Senate, where it is supported by Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, and is expected to be taken up when that chamber reconvenes in September.
The legislation is projected to boost overall economic activity, providing a $132 million shot in the arm for the state's economy and is expected to generate $10 million in new tax revenues.
In spite of strong public support, some teacher unions oppose the legislation on the grounds it would undermine local control of school districts. "The fact remains that school districts have great flexibility in complying with HB 4803," said Yencich. "They can extend the length of the school year, collapse half day professional development seminars into full day workshops, hold some of those teacher seminars in late August, or simply add a few minutes to the length of each instructional day."
"Any combination of those options allows school leaders to address the unique needs of their district, and still do what voters overwhelmingly desire," he said. "Local control shouldn't mean ignoring what parents across Michigan want, especially when doing what they want also strengthens Michigan's economy, increases tax revenues and creates more jobs. We respectfully urge the Senate to pass and Governor Granholm to sign this legislation into law," concluded Yencich.
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