Start School Later Arlington Meets with State Legislator

SSL Arlington met with Texas Representative Chris Turner on July 29. His district includes part of the Arlington and Mansfield school districts as well as part of the city of Grand Prairie. His children attended Mansfield ISD. Rep. Turner was well aware of our campaign and most of the adolescent sleep research. He asked thoughtful questions to grasp our efforts to date. He is receptive to introducing legislation next session similar to New Jersey and Maryland. These states have passed bills creating a study of school start times and adolescent sleep. He acknowledged that the evidence if irrefutable, but believes it will be necessary to educate legislators first. Rep.Turner also plans to contact the Texas Education Agency and the Arlington ISD on our behalf. SSL Arlington was encouraged by Representative Turner's interest and will continue to communicate with him.