Rubio Only Wants to Spring Forward, Not Fall Back

After springing forward last weekend,Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) wants to make sure the country doesn’t fall back. On Thursday, the Senator introduced the Sunshine Protection Act, legislation that would make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country. He says making DST permanent for the nation would benefit the economy, including the elimination of a substantial economic decline that comes every November when clocks move back. He cites a study by JP Morgan Chase, which found that there is a drop in economic activity of 2.2% – 4.9% when clocks move back. Rubio also says it will reduce childhood obesity, according to studies which found that children have more hours of physical activity during DST. Rubio adds there will be fewer car crashes involving pedestrians, thanks to the extra daylight. Lastly, he cites a positive impact on wildlife conservation. A collaboration of 16 experts who studied DST’s impact on wildlife across the United States, Europe, and parts of Australia concluded that DST reduces the number of vehicle collisions with wildlife by 8-11% by shifting normal traffic patterns to an hour off from nocturnal wildlife’s behavior. Makes sense that the Senator from the Sunshine State is advocating for more sunshine. However, some on the left have derided the Senator for focusing on a menial issue in the wake of the gun debate that has rocked his state and the nation. More here.