Governor Dayton urges lawmakers to remove school safety legislation from other unrelated, controversial bills
Governor asks legislators to pass a “stand-alone” school safety bill without further delay to ensure the safety of our kids is not sidetracked other unrelated, controversial provisions
ST. PAUL, MN – Today, Governor Mark Dayton
issued this letter to Legislative Leaders, urging them to act quickly on important School Safety legislation. Governor Dayton announced his
Safe and Secure Schools Act proposal more than eight weeks ago. Still, the Republican-controlled House and Senate have not yet sent school safety legislation to the Governor for his signature. Instead, they have embedded school safety provisions into large, controversial bills alongside numerous unrelated, controversial issues.
“I have asked you again and again to send these essential school safety provisions in a stand-alone bill; yet my requests have been ignored,” wrote Governor Dayton. “You are well aware that including these essential school safety provisions in a bill destined for a veto puts these important policies at great risk of not becoming law this year. That would be irresponsible. We are very close to an agreement on these important issues, and with 18 days remaining this Legislative Session, I see no reason why we should not be able to reach consensus with time to spare.”
Since the recent school shooting in Parkland, Florida, there have been at least 28 reported threats made against Minnesota schools. Students, teachers, and families across Minnesota have demanded action from the Legislature this session to improve the safety of our schools, and reduce gun violence in Minnesota communities. With just over two weeks remaining in the 2018 Legislative Session, Governor Dayton urged state lawmakers to pass these important safety measures without further delay.
“I strongly urge you not to waste another day to move stand-alone school safety legislation forward and to my desk for signature,” wrote the Governor. “Our students, teachers, and families expect and deserve nothing less. Commissioner Cassellius and my staff stand ready to work with you to expedite this important work, so that all of Minnesota’s schoolchildren are assured safe and secure classrooms and schools.”
To read Governor Dayton’s letter to Legislative Leaders in its entirety,
CLICK HERE.
To learn more about Governor Dayton’s proposed Safe and Secure Schools Act,
CLICK HERE.
To see how your school district would benefit from Governor Dayton’s proposed Safe and Secure Schools Act,
CLICK HERE.
To learn more about legislation Governor Dayton is supporting to reduce gun violence in communities across Minnesota,
CLICK HERE.