ST. PAUL – House Republicans unveiled a legislative package Thursday 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 Gov. Mark Dayton.
“School safety continues to be a major focus at the Legislature,” said Rep. Dale Lueck, R-Aitkin. “It's clear that a one-size-fits-all approach will not will resolve the school safety issues we face here in rural Minnesota. It is critical that the state provide our school districts with the financial support and equally important the flexibility at the local level so our school boards and superintendents can address the needs of their respective communities.”
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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