Senator Blackburn proposes School Safety bill after Nashville shooting
It would provide money to schools to train security officers and "harden" their buildings
WASHINGTON D.C. (WDEF) – Senator Marsha Blackburn plans to introduce the Securing Aid for Every School Act (SAFE) in light of the Covenant School shooting in her home state.
The Senator has been criticized this week for accepting NRA donations and voting against gun bills.
Her bill would set up a $900 million grant program for both public and private schools to use either veterans or former law enforcement as security officers.
The program would also provide money to hire off-duty officers and pay for physical changes to make schools more secure.
“I am beyond heartbroken at the shooting that occurred at the Covenant School in Nashville,” said Senator Blackburn. “No parent should have to endure what these families are experiencing. Schools should be places where children are safe to learn, play, and be children. My legislation with Senator Hagerty will allow both public and private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers as well as increase physical security measures to harden schools. By providing these critical funds, we can help protect our precious children and secure our schools.”
Hamilton County Sheriff Austin Garrett supports the bill.
“As Sheriff of Hamilton County, Tennessee, my office is committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for our children and school staff.”
“I commend my friend, Senator Marsha Blackburn, for her efforts to introduce the Securing Aid for Every (SAFE) School Act, which is intended to offer essential grant-based funding to train and hire security personnel to protect our schools. Our children have the right to a safe educational environment and when it comes to their protection, we as elected officials and community leaders have a duty and obligation to ensure we are doing everything within our power, working together, to support and ensure their safety.”
