Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz (D-TX)

ORTIZ, OTHER HOUSE MEMBERS, URGE PRESIDENT TO INCLUDE FUNDING FOR SCHOOL SAFETY 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Solomon P. Ortiz today joined other members of Congress in asking President George Bush to fully fund the Secure our Schools program out of continuing concern over the safety of students at their schools.  The text of the letter follows:

Dear Mr. President:

            We urge you to fully fund the Secure our Schools program in your Fiscal Year 2008 budget request at its authorized level of $30 million.

            Americans have witnessed an alarming increase in school shootings and violence over the past month, demonstrating a clear need for greater security in our nation's schools. As you may know, the Secure Our Schools program is a voluntary, matching grant program that affords municipalities the opportunity to apply for federal funding for school safety grants. The grants can be used for metal detectors, locks, lighting, other deterrent measures, school security assessments, and security training for students and personnel. The federal government pays 50 percent of the cost of the security measures, with the state or local government matching the remainder of the cost. In extraordinary cases Secure Our Schools funds can be used to pay 100% of the costs of a security upgrade.

From Fiscal Year 2002 through 2006, $50 million in grant funding under the Secure Our Schools program has been distributed to 48 states, benefiting 486 local law enforcement agencies and municipalities and helping them ensure our children's safety. While these numbers are noteworthy, much more must be done, especially in light of the recent shootings at schools in Colorado, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Missouri. Unfortunately, we live in a society in which a program like Secure Our Schools is necessary and where too many of our school children have to attend school worrying that they may be subject to some sort of violence. We ask for your commitment to this vitally important program so that our children can go to school and concentrate on learning and preparing for the future, instead of constantly looking over their shoulders in fear.

            We are fully aware that you face some tough decisions in assembling the FY08 budget, yet the safety of our children must come first. While you are considering the Fiscal Year 2008 budget, we ask that you fully fund the Secure Our Schools program can be fully funded at its authorized level of $30 million.

            Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your kind and prompt reply.