Senators Cruz and Rubio Introduce "School Security Enhancement Act"
Ed. Note: Yesterday I published an open letter from teacher Flo Rice who was wounded on May 18, 2018 at Santa Fe High School in Texas to the Superintendent of the Santa Fe ISD schools.
Isiah Shoals, 18, murdered at Columbine High School on 4/20/99 weeks before his graduation, a milestone he eagerly looked forward to.
Ms. Rice expressed her concerns that upon returning for the first time to the location of the school where she was shot and witnessed the horror of seeing fellow teacher Ann Perkins die, she was greeted by greying plywood. It covered the windows Ms. Rice heard being shattered by the school shooter who murdered ten people and wounded 13 more.
Ms. Rice wrote that Mr. Perkins husband of Ann Perkins offered to have the damaged windows repaired. This was nearly 4.5 months following the 5/18/18 massacre and over a month since faculty, staff and students reported back for the 2018-2019 school year.
See Ms. Rice's letter: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/teacher-flo-rice-wounded-during-mass-shooting-santa-fe-bonczyk-esq-/
Flo Rice recovering from gunshot wounds sustained at Santa Fe High School 5/18/18 (Galveston County Daily News)
Today I learned a bill has been introduced by Senator Ted Cruz (R) of Texas and Senator Marco Rubio (R) of Florida. It would allow schools like Santa Fe and Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, scene of the February 14, 2018 massacre which left 17 people dead and 17 wounded, to obtain resources designated for safety.
These kamikaze hits are two continuing events in the modern American active school shooter/bomber era which commenced in Littleton, Colorado on April 20, 1999. Two students planned for over a year to blow up their school and shoot sniper-style at surviving victims and first responders.
When two large bombs failed to detonate, they shot 13 people dead including one teacher Mr. Dave Sanders. They detonated other bombs (they made 99). Many school shooters and bombers and others whose plans were stopped by police researched and were inspired by Columbine. I worry about copycat(s) who may be plotting to make the ultimate Columbine statement with the 20th anniversary set to occur next Spring.
Our schools need as much funding as they can get to bolster security in my opinion.
Note: Kathleen's beloved dear family friend Nick Corvino, 30, shot 13 times in his sleep on October 10, 2018 served as Senator Rubio's aide a few years before he was savagely murdered. Nick was a supporter of the WVPI.
Nick (l) with FloridaSenator Marco Rubio.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cruz Press Office: 202-228-7561
Maria Jeffrey: maria_jeffrey@cruz.senate.gov
Rubio Press Office: 202-224-3041
Olivia Perez-Cubas: Olivia_Perez-Cubas@rubio.senate.gov
September 26, 2018
Sens. Cruz, Rubio Introduce School Security Enhancement Act
Bill would empower local communities with resources to reinforce school safety infrastructure and technology
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) today introduced the School Security Enhancement Act, which allows local communities to utilize Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants for measures that reinforce school safety infrastructure and technology.
“Texas has not been exempt from the horror of school shootings,” Sen. Cruz said. “All of us have been horrified by the violent attacks on our students. These students, along with parents, local school boards, teachers, and communities across the country want a solution.
10 Innocent People Murdered 5/18/18 Santa Fe High School, Santa Fe, Texas.
"Much like the majority of Texans, I believe the number one thing that makes schools safer is having more armed police officers on campuses. Expanding the use of these grants will empower our community leaders and education officials with the resources they need to strengthen our schools, hire school safety officers, and keep our children safe.”
“I’m proud to join Senator Cruz in introducing the School Security Enhancement Act,” Sen. Rubio said.
17 Innocent People Murdered 2/14/18 Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Parkland, Florida.
“This legislation will give schools the option to improve security by using federal funds for measures such as hiring security officers, implementing technology and reinforcing safety equipment to respond to a potential crisis. I am steadfast in supporting measures that keep our schools safe and prevent tragedy.”
The full text of the bill may be viewed here. The grants may be used to hire school safety officers, in addition to infrastructure or technologies that:
Control access to school premises or facilities, through the use of metal detectors or other technology with evidence-based effectiveness;
Cover and conceal students within the school during crisis situations;
Install technologies to provide prompt notification to relevant law enforcement and first responders during such a situation;
Provide school safety reinforcement, including bullet-resistant doors and windows;
Install any technology or system that would reduce the time needed to disseminate official information to parents regarding the safety of their children during and immediately following a crisis.
Sen. Cruz previously introduced a similar measure in August as an amendment to the Defense-Labor-HHS appropriations bill. In May, Sen. Cruz participated in a school safety roundtable with Gov. Greg Abbott, local law enforcement officials, and the victims and survivors of the Santa Fe High School, Alpine High School, and Sutherland Springs church shootings.