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For Immediate Release: October 19, 2006

Contact: Kimberly Allen, (202) 226-8364; (202) 420-1524 [cell]

Securing Our Schools: Rep. Rothman Says Federal Funds Are Available to Help

About the Program | Rep. Rothman's Op-Ed Article

(Fort Lee, NJ)— Congressman Steve Rothman (D-NJ) joined Governor Jon Corzine for an event today highlighting the Governor's new school safety initiative and Rothman's "Secure Our Schools" program. During the press conference, which took place at Fort Lee High School, Rothman reminded school and law enforcement officials to take advantage of federal funds available through his Secure Our Schools program.

"Despite tough fiscal times, the first obligation of government remains the same. We must keep the public, and especially our children, safe," said Rothman. "That is why in 2000, along with my friend Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), I created Secure Our Schools. This federal matching grant program helps towns cover the cost of school safety measures, such as metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other crime prevention tools. It also funds security assessments, training for students, teachers, and administrators, coordination with local law enforcement, and other actions that significantly improve school safety."

To date, 79 Secure Our Schools grants have been awarded to law enforcement agencies and school districts in New Jersey. Those grants were worth over $6 million and helped secure 160 schools. Although much has been done to improve safety in New Jersey's schools, Rothman wants to ensure that every district which needs help get it.

"I encourage all New Jersey school districts interested in applying for Secure Our Schools safety grants to partner with their local law enforcement agencies and contact my office," said Rothman. "We must give our nation's schoolchildren a safe and secure environment in which they can learn, not having to constantly look over their shoulders in fear."

Secure Our Schools is administered by the Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) in the Department of Justice (DOJ). School districts that wish to participate in this program may contact Congressman Rothman's office at 25 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601; by phone at (201) 646-0808; or by fax at (201) 646-1944.

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