Panel OKs pre-Labor Day school openings

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - A House of Delegates committee has given its overwhelming endorsement to a proposal to repeal a Virginia law that compels schools in tourist areas to open after Labor Day to accommodate hotels and vacation resorts.

Del. Bob Tata's bill, backed by Gov. Bob McDonnell, cleared the House Education Committee on a 16-4 vote Monday despite opposition by major corporate theme parks, the state Chamber of Commerce and trade groups for hotels and retailers.

If the bill wins House passage as expected, it sets up a showdown in the Senate Education and Health Committee, which narrowly killed an identical bill last week.

Supporters say schools need to start earlier to give pupils more time to prepare for national standardized tests given each May. Many schools meet until mid- to late June.