POSITION:
The Pennsylvania Tourism & Lodging Association supports legislation requiring Pennsylvania public schools to start classes after Labor Day.
CURRENT LEGISLATION:
On February 6, 2007, Representative Robert Godshall introduced House Bill 258, which was referred to the House Education Committee. The bill was re-referred to the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee on March 19, 2007.
SUMMARY:
A large percent of seasonal employees at tourism attractions are high school students. In today's tight labor market, attractions are finding it more difficult to staff their businesses because of the number of high school students who return to school prior to Labor Day. When schools open prior to Labor Day, revenues are lost not only to attractions, but also to other businesses. The Commonwealth also loses revenue because August is the busiest month for many attractions, which results in high revenue for these businesses and lost revenue for the State. The current staffing difficulties (i.e., over scheduling of full-time staff) also result in poor service and a less-complete experience for guests, which may lead them to not return to the state's attractions. The Commonwealth and tourism businesses spend millions of marketing dollars to attract tourists every summer, yet those businesses are forced to cut off the season early due to a shortage of employees in mid-August. A September school date is pro-family since August is an ideal time for families to experience and enjoy our State's many recreational and outdoor natural and commercial attractions.
On June 25, the House Tourism & Recreational Development Committee approved House Bill 258 by a vote of 25-4. Supporters of the bill tried to convince the House leadership to schedule a vote on the bill. Unfortunately, House leaders decided not to consider House Bill 258 before adjourning for the summer recess. Sponsored by Representative Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery), the measure would require public school districts to begin classes after the Labor Day holiday. Currently, approximately 85% of the 501 public school districts start classes before Labor Day. The Tourism Committee held a public hearing on the bill on May 9 in Harrisburg. Proponents and opponents of the bill participated. John Kiesendahl, Woodloch Pines Resort, testified on behalf of PTLA The House is expected to consider the bill in the fall.
DISCUSSION:
Several states, including Virginia, Michigan and Wisconsin, require school districts to start after Labor Day. In September 2006, the PA Budget and Finance Committee released a study entitled “The Cost to Pennsylvania's Economy Resulting From School Starting Before Labor Day,” which concluded that over $400 million could be added to the state's economy if legislation were enacted to require school districts to begin school after Labor Day.
The Pennsylvania Amusement Parks Association, Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, Pennsylvania Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus, Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association, Pennsylvania Restaurant Association, Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association and the PA Wine Association support the legislation.
12.14.00 - Approved by Board of Directors
03.22.07 - Revised
09.24.07 - Revised
