(NASHVILLE) — In the wake of last month’s tragic school shooting in Florida, State Representative Micah Van Huss (R-Johnson City) continues to fight for additional funding in order to improve student safety in classrooms and school buildings across Tennessee.
Recently, Representative Van Huss met with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to discuss the need for more resources designed to prevent instances of school violence from occurring in our state.
Tuesday, the Governor announced that he has set aside $30.2 million in funds for school safety in the amendment to his fiscal year 2018-2019 budget. The monies will be allocated based upon some of the recommendations made by members of the School Safety Working Group.
Last month, Representative Van Huss introduced House Bill 2129 — also known as the School Safety Act of 2018. The measure is designed to help secure our schools by allowing off duty, post-certified, law enforcement officers to work security at Tennessee’s public schools.
Under the proposal, Local Education Agency (LEAs) would not be required to participate in the program. Additionally, each LEA will receive a list of officers who are willing to serve school communities as part of the program. These individuals would be available during school hours, as well as afterschool events and would receive $58.00 in daily compensation from the state. Payments will be made monthly to those who protect and serve Tennessee’s school children as part of the program.
Institutions that currently employ a School Resource Officer (SRO) would also be encouraged to participate. Representative Van Huss remains committed to improving the safety of our students, teachers, and staff.
“Unfortunately, we have to worry about our kid’s safety when we send them to school,” said Representative Van Huss. “Things aren’t the way they used to be when boys would bring rifles to school to go hunting afterward. We have taken God out of schools, we’ve trivialized the importance of family, and we’ve legalized the killing of babies. Though this legislation doesn’t get to the root of our nation’s moral problems, it does implement additional security measures in order to make sure our kids are secure in their classrooms.”
Members of the House and Senate are expected to debate the Governor’s budget in the coming weeks. For more information about House Bill 2129, please click here.
Micah Van Huss serves as the Majority Floor Leader and on the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, Criminal Justice Committee, and Insurance and Banking Committee. He lives in Gray and represents House District 6, which covers half of Washington County. He can be reached by calling: (615) 741-1717 or emailing [email protected]
