Saint Paul, MINN—On Tuesday, March 6, 2018, the House Education Finance Committee heard a new bill sponsored by Rep. Jenifer Loon, R-Eden Prairie, that would allow school districts to fund and prioritize safety and security upgrades for Minnesota schools. The legislation expands the use of long-term facilities maintenance revenue, making more dollars and resources available for districts to make safety improvements including emergency communications, building enhancements and security upgrades. Long-term facilities maintenance revenue includes state dollars.
Rep. Loon, who chairs the Education Finance Committee, will be advocating for the bill to become law this session.
“The safety of our students is paramount, and why I am advancing legislation this session that gives schools more resources to make safety and security improvements in schools across the state,” said Rep. Loon. “This is part of a multifaceted approach to address school safety in the House Education Finance Committee. Last week, we discussed our growing commitment to, and outstanding need for, mental health funding to ensure better outcomes for all kids, and this week we are addressing funding for school security upgrades. We owe it to our children to advance meaningful solutions at the Legislature, and I am committed to working for our children, families, educators and our schools.”
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