U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines introduced a bill that would allow unspent COVID-19 funds to be used to increase security measures in schools including installing locks, panic buttons, individual room security systems, video surveillance, and hiring and paying the salaries of armed school resource officers.
“We must secure our schools to help keep Montana students safe, and we should do so by using unspent COVID relief funds designated for schools to get it done,” Daines said.
Quotes of Support:
“Our kids deserve to be safe in their classroom so they can learn, grow, and reach their full potential. I appreciate Senator Daines’ leadership to redirect unused COVID-19 funds to secure our schools and provide peace of mind to students, educators, and parents,” Governor Greg Gianforte said.
“I applaud Senator Daines for focusing on school safety flexibilities for our Montana schools in spending their federal COVID Relief dollars,” Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said.
“There are billions of dollars in ARPA funding still sitting around that should be out to work immediately to help secure our schools and keep kids safe. I appreciate Senator Daines taking steps to put those federal dollars to good use and protect Montana students and teachers,” Attorney General Austin Knudsen said.
Read Daines’ “Safe Schools Act” HERE.
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Contact: Rachel Dumke, Katie Schoettler