One step forward, two steps back in Maryland

If you wonder how well and how much states heed messages from Washington, you need look no farther than the nearby state of Maryland for an example.

In a move that was both surprising and brash, Maryland’s Gov. Larry Hogan issued an executive order in August that requires public schools in the state to start classes after Labor Day and wrap up by June 15, effective for the 2017-18 school year. Hogan’s decision effectively limits schools to 180 days of instruction with little wiggle room.

The governor claimed his decision is good for families and the state’s economy. The later start date is supposed to give stressed-out families more “quality time” together over summer (refrain from smirking, please). The state’s economy would benefit because amusement parks and state beach resorts could continue operating through the end of August and the holiday weekend. This is the same argument that’s been used to justify post-Labor Day starts in Michigan and Minnesota. Lawmakers in Rhode Island, Ohio, and Delaware also have introduced similar bills.