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Bill would let MI schools start before Labor Day

MT. PLEASANT, MI (MPRN)--   A new bill in the state house would allow school districts to start the school year before Labor Day. 

Since 2005 school districts have been required to start after Labor Day, unless they get a waiver from the state.

Republican State Representative Steve Johnson introduced the legislation. He says, especially with the growing number of snow days districts have had to take, it makes sense to allow schools to decide when they should start the year.

“So instead of Lansing trying to dictate to every school district what their calendar should be I believe, and many others do as well, that we should leave that up to each individual school district,” he says.

Officials with the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association oppose the measure. They say starting school before Labor Day would hurt Michigan tourism.

A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Education said they are in support of the change.