SAINT PAUL, MN—Recently, House Republicans unveiled a legislative package aimed at putting student safety first. Legislators’ multifaceted approach includes more resources to meet the needs of students and schools statewide. This allows for hiring more school resource officers, student counselors and mental health professionals in addition to making critical building security upgrades. In total, House Republicans are proposing approximately $50 million for mental health and school safety funding, double the amount proposed by Governor Dayton.
“Like any parent, I want to know my kids – and all students in Minnesota – are safe when they go to school in the morning,” said Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville. “That’s why I’m supporting this package of bills to increase facility security, address student mental health, and provide our schools the flexibility to use existing dollars on increased safety measures.”
The following solutions, authored by numerous House Republican members, are currently advancing through the public committee process, and will be included in the larger proposal:
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School resource officers, student support personnel, and other school security programs funded through increased Safe Schools revenue, including a floor level of funding for small schools co-authored by Rep. Koznick.
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School building security upgrades, and expanded use of Long-Term Facility Maintenance revenue for security projects, including emergency communications systems.
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School-linked mental health programming to ensure better outcomes for all kids.
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Physical security audit grants to provide state assistance to review facility security and crisis management policies.
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Suicide prevention training for teachers to help educators learn how to engage and assist students experiencing mental distress.
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School-based threat assessment teams established to assess, intervene, and report threats facing students, teachers, and staff.
“We want to thank Chair Jenifer Loon and members for developing this comprehensive approach to student safety. As legislative leaders, we owe it to Minnesota children to advance effective, meaningful solutions this session,” concluded Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, and Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers.
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