Pennsylvania Lawmakers Renew $60M Security Grant Program
Under the program, school districts can add security measures, including employee training and hiring more counselors and SROs.
Gov. Tom Wolf had proposed a second year at $45 million, but lawmakers are adding an additional $15 million from the state court system’s cash reserve.
Pennsylvania lawmakers have authorized a second year of school security grants of $60 million.
The newly unveiled budget will keep the already running program alive for the upcoming school year, reports CBS Pittsburgh.
Almost a year ago to date, the bill overwhelmingly passed the House and State Senate and was signed by Governor Tom Wolf.
Under the program, school districts can apply for a grant to receive a wide range of safety and security measures, including technology, training, counselors, SROs and anti-violence tactics.
“These grants are the mechanism we need to create local strategies that will increase safety for our children and our teachers and prevent violence in classrooms and communities across the commonwealth,” Gov. Wolf said.
Last year, Wolf, an active proponent for school safety, also signed the anti-hazing bill, “Tim’s Law”, named for the Penn State hazing victim Timothy Piazza.
School Safety Grant Helps Shape Other Safety Programs
Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Senate proposed a $10 million security grant program to help houses of worship and other faith-based institutions improve safety and security.
The Tolerance, Respect and Understanding (TRU) Bill, would fund security and work toward creating a more supportive environment, reports The Morning Call. This initiative comes in the wake of the attack on the Pittsburgh Tree of Life Synagogue in October.
“This bill will provide nonprofits with the ability to protect those who come through their doors,” said Senator Judy Schwank. “Metal detectors, surveillance equipment, electronic locksets and trauma kits are a few examples of what could be provided to these organizations.”
Parts of the TRU bill were modeled after the state’s School Safety and Community Violence Prevention and Reduction Grant Program, which was announced in May.
“It is no longer enough just to say ‘I’ll pray for you’ as event after an event takes place in the commonwealth,” Senator Andy Dinniman said. “We now need to act on our prayers.”
If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Katie Malafronte, Web Editor
Katie Malafronte is Campus Safety's Web Editor. She graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2017 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Writing & Rhetoric. Katie has been CS's Web Editor since 2018.
Related Content
Leading in Turbulent Times: Effective Campus Public Safety Leadership for the 21st Century
This new webcast will discuss how campus public safety leaders can effectively incorporate Clery Act, Title IX, customer service, “helicopter” parents, emergency notification, town-gown relationships, brand management, Greek Life, student recruitment, faculty, and more into their roles and develop the necessary skills to successfully lead their departments. Register today to attend this free webcast!
