Goodman: Earlier school starting date was intended to help families

Sen. Jack Goodman's bill to require Missouri schools to open later has zipped through the Missouri House this week and appears well on the way to becoming law.
An article in today's Columbia Tribune notes that the law won't require much of a change for Missouri school boards, who simply have to publicize the starting date will be discussed at an open hearing, hold the hearing, then approve an earlier starting date by a majority vote.
What I find fascinating is Goodman's insistence that his reasons for proposing the bill have nothing whatsoever to do with the larger number of Branson tourism special interests who are in his district, and who have donated heavily to his campaign:

Opponents earlier this year questioned Goodman’s motives for sponsoring the bill. His district includes Branson, and Goodman received thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from Branson-area entertainment and development groups during his bid for the Senate in a 2005 special election

This morning, Goodman said he drafted the bill because constituents have expressed concerns that schools start too early.

"Kids aren't able to concentrate because it’s too hot," he said. "In August, schools are closing midday because the heat is too much. Obviously, that’s not productive."

More information about Goodman's Branson support can be found in the Dec. 3, 2006 Turner Report.