An amendment proposed to HB 5623 and slated to be voted on by the House Education Committee would allow school to start before Labor Day.
Michigan Lodging and Tourism President Steve Yencich warns that you not be fooled if your Representative tells you things such as the following — pulled directly from a Representative’s email sent to many in the industry.
“I am not sure if you are aware, but there is a provision that prohibits school session on the Friday before Labor Day, still allowing for a long weekend, and hopefully no drop in tourism. It doesn’t require schools to start before Labor Day, but does give the option, while prohibiting them from having classes the Friday before the Labor Day Holiday.”
Because HB 5623 eliminates the current statewide mandates that all state schools open after Labor Day, this bill kills Michigan’s Post Labor Day School law. There go August tourists and a full month of Michigan’s short three-month season. That’s the bottom line.
Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association is again on top of its game, attending and testifying at hearings and getting the word out to grassroots tourism.
You are urgently asked to call your State Representative’s office today and tomorrow and to follow up with multiple emails.
Tell your Representative that:
1. You stridently oppose any and all attempts to reverse PLDS.
2, Tell them to vote against the amendment or, if it includes the amendment, against HB 5623.
Tell your Representative that you OPPOSE HB 5623 because it reverses Michigan’s PLDS law. Eliminating the requirement to open state schools after Labor Day will:
1. Severely damage Michigan tourism and impact your business.
2. Increase statewide unemployment levels.
3. Further depress state tax revenues.
4. Further hurt Michigan’s economy.
Ask your Representative how he or she will vote on HB 5623 and make it clear you will be watching the issue closely.