School Start Dates Affect Michigan Tourism

For years in Michigan, Labor Day has marked the unofficial end to summer in the state. But, loopholes in a 2006 Michigan law that requires schools to start after the holiday weekend is reportedly having a negative impact on the state's economy. According to WILX.com, the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association is now asking lawmakers to close these loopholes.

The story says that research shows the state generated nearly $20 million in additional tourism revenue when schools were actually required to start classes after Labor Day. In recent years, some districts have chosen to begin prior to the holiday weekend, and supporters of the state's third largest industry want that to change.

WILX reports that more than 100 districts, including all in Jackson County, applied for early start waivers.