ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot is planning to launch a petition drive to persuade lawmakers to delay the opening of public schools until after Labor Day.
The Washington Post reports that Franchot is planning an event Thursday on the Ocean City boardwalk to kick off a "Let Summer Be Summer" campaign.
Franchot's aim is to collect 10,000 signatures before Maryland lawmakers reconvene in January.
Franchot, a Democrat, says starting schools after Labor Day would be good for the state's economy and allow families to spend more time together. In May, a state task force voted 11 to 4 in favor of requiring the state's 24 school system to push back their start date into September.
