The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Source:
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:41 PM
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam Proposes $30M To Improve School Safety Across State In 2018-2019 Budget
A representative with the governor's office said the funding would include $25 million in nonrecurring funds and $5.2 million in recurring school safety grants. The amendment also contains $3 million in nonrecurring funds for grants to help school districts with extra costs associated with buying buses equipped with seat belts.
“Our children deserve to learn in a safe and secure environment and I’ve asked the working group to make specific recommendations on school safety measures,” Haslam said. “These additional school safety funds, which include doubling the current amount of recurring funding we have through our school safety grants, will provide our schools with additional resources to meet their specific needs.”
The announcement comes after Haslam put together a school safety task force following the Parkland, Florida school shooting that left 17 dead.
The Republican governor spoke to Local 8 News on Monday about how the Florida school shooting has remained heavy on his mind.
"I don't think anyone can say we have a hundred percent fail safe system," Haslam said. "I don't think anyone can say that; we owe it to ourselves, our children and our parents to make sure we're doing everything we can."
Traditionally, the budget amendment is introduced during the final weeks of the legislative session seeking approval by the General Assembly. Commissioners are expected to present the amendment to the House and Senate Finance committees Tuesday afternoon.