Indiana Governor Reverses Cut on School Safety Spending, Awards Additional $3.5 Million
Governor Mike Pence had cut funding of the program by 65% earlier in the year.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence was elected back in 2012.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence announced he will be adding $3.5 million to a school safety program in the state.
The decision represents a shift in policy for the Republican governor, who cut funding to the program by 65% earlier in the year, according to The Journal Gazette.
RELATED: Dear Mr. President: This Is How We Need to Solve, Prevent the School Shooting Crisis
The Indiana Secured School Safety Grant Program, created in 2013 in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut, allows school corporations, charter schools and school coalitions to apply for grants of up to $50,000 a year. The funds must be used to conduct threat assessments, purchase security equipment or employ school resource officers, including funds for their salary, benefits and training.
In the past two years, Pence and the legislature had put $20 million toward the program, but earlier this year they decided to invest just $7 million during the next two years, which represents a 65% cut in funding.
But the new announcement doubles the $3.5 million expected to go into the program next year, with special emphasis put on hiring school resource officers.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
