Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) attended a press conference in Albany today to support his colleagues’ release of their final report from the Minority Conference Task Force on School Safety & Security. The report puts forth legislative solutions and recommendations to ensure the safety of students and school personnel, including measures such as increasing law enforcement presence in schools, addressing mental health issues in schools, open communication between stakeholders, innovative state support for school safety and security, identifying threats and providing support to at-risk students and hardening infrastructure at schools.

The press conference was led by Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski) and task force Co-Chairs Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C-Gowanda), Assemblyman Doug Smith (R,C-Holbrook) and Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R,C-Staten Island). Joining them at the podium were Dr. Michael Prezioso, Saratoga Co. Dept. of Mental Health Commissioner and Capt. Tracey Quinn from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

“Student safety at school should always be a top priority, especially in light of recent events. With such an important issue, it is imperative that we bring expeditious, attainable solutions to the table. The solutions and recommendations presented today by the task force are representative of the discussions held around the state with parents, teachers, administrators, mental health experts, law enforcement professionals and other forum participants–all of whom want to make schools safer by way of addressing safety measures,” Ra said.

“Expanding funding for school resource officers, addressing the growing mental health crisis in schools, implementing anonymous tip lines to identify threats, and increasing state support and funds for hardened infrastructure are some of the best preventative measures that can be utilized across the state for safer schools and safer communities.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, and I am proud of the work my colleagues have done in partnership with mental health experts, law enforcement, parents, teachers and community members to create actionable solutions for schools statewide. I support these solutions which are a proactive step toward ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students, staff and faculty members,” Ra concluded.

Editor’s Note: To see the full report from the Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on School Safety & Security, click here.