Grumwave

Studies show that a longer school year is better for children, particularly low-income children. But this isn’t really about what kids need in order to learn. It’s not even about lost state revenues. It’s about power and influence and money. Virginia Commonwealth University notes that since 2001, Kings Dominion has given legislators and other state officials “more than $226,000 in campaign contributions. During that time, Kings Dominion also has given members of the General Assembly almost $25,000 in theme-park tickets. Anheuser-Busch, the beer brewer based in St. Louis, operates Busch Gardens and Water Country USA in Williamsburg. Since 2001, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than $1 million to state-level politicians in Virginia. The company also has given legislators almost $13,000 in tickets to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.” That’s right, state legislators are getting free tickets for their families at state theme parks in order to preserve other families’ right to spend more money at state theme parks.

Why Do Virginia Theme Parks Determine the State’s Academic Calendar? - Slate (via nickdouglas)

(via nickdouglas)

Source: Slate