ATLANTA — State Representative Matt Dollar (R-Marietta) introduced this week House Bill 1097 – legislation that will prevent schools in Georgia from starting their academic school year before the third full week of August.
“Many families in my district have told me that they have seen their summer vacation time disappear over the last few years,” said Representative Dollar. “My bill not only serves to enhance family togetherness, but will save our school systems substantial money and, also benefit the state’s ailing economy.”
Due to the overwhelming summer heat that tends to peak during the month of August, Georgia schools spend substantial amounts of money keeping buildings cool for students. This typically results in August being the most expensive month for Georgia schools. Also, when high school employees return to school before the third week of August, it forces many Georgia tourist attractions to shut down early, resulting in economic loss for the attractions, their local communities, and the state as a whole.
The passage of House Bill 1097 would only impact Georgia’s public elementary and secondary schools that receive state funding.
HB 1097 has been assigned to the House Committee on Education. A link to the bill can be found by clicking here.
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Representative Matt Dollar represents the citizens of District 45, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2003, and is currently the Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, Reapportionment and Transportation Committees.