ANNAPOLIS, MD – On March 13,ย Governor Larry Hogan released the following statement on the passage of Senate Bill 128 through the House of Delegates:

โ€œThis is just politics at its worst. As if it isnโ€™t bad enough that members of the legislature are attempting to reverse our common sense initiative to start school after Labor Day, they are now using heavy-handed tactics to unfairly influence the ballot process and any petition to bring this issue directly to Maryland voters.

“In 2016, after years of public outcry, I took action to return to the tradition of starting school after Labor Day. This is the same action that was recommended by the legislatureโ€™s own commission, supported by the former governor, and favored by more than 70% of the people of Maryland.

“Now this popular idea is being threatened by out-of-touch politicians and special interests. Members of the Maryland Senate should heed the calls of the overwhelming majority of Marylanders – reject this legislation and repudiate this thinly veiled attempt to manipulate the will of our citizens.”