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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | November 27, 2023 12:17 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Shelby Labs and Rep. Joe Hogan |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Universal School Resource Officer Funding |
| School safety is a top issue for thousands of parents across our commonwealth. One of the best ways a district can provide this sense of security is by employing and utilizing School Resource Officers (SROs) in schools. SROs are oftentimes members of the local law enforcement community who are properly trained and active in ensuring a positive learning environment. More importantly, a known SRO also serves as a deterrent for anyone looking to cause violence. Unfortunately, for many school districts the cost is too prohibitive to employ them in every or even a district’s most at-risk school. The cost of one SRO can easily exceed $100,000 annually, straining already tight local budgets. In the near future, we intend to introduce legislation that will establish and fund a grant program for all 3,000+ physical K-12 schools in Pennsylvania’s public, private, and charter schools. The grants will substantially cover the cost of an SRO should the school district or administration determine it is in the best interest of the school community. Our children cannot learn properly if they feel unsafe. This new program will go a long way in ensuring our schools are safe, our children are safe, and parents have the peace of mind every time they drop their child off at school. Please join us in cosponsoring this important school safety legislation. |
Introduced as HB1898