Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay) joined Assembly Minority Task Force on School Safety & Security co-chairmen Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C-Gowanda), Assemblyman Doug Smith (R,C-Holbrook), Assemblyman Mike Reilly (R,C-Staten Island) as well as other members of the Assembly and Senate Minority Conferences on the Million Dollar Staircase in Albany yesterday to address concerns over school safety and security. In response to recent shootings in schools across the state and country, state lawmakers are seeking legislative solutions to keep students and teachers safe.

Some of the proposed solutions include:

1. Increasing Law Enforcement Presence in Schools
2. Addressing Mental Health Issues in Schools
3. Open Communication Between Stakeholders
4. Innovative State Support for School Safety and Security
5. Identifying Threats and Providing Support to At-Risk Students
6. Hardening Infrastructure at Schools

“We cannot allow mental health issues in children and teens to be swept under the rug, nor can we allow students and teachers to be left unprotected when entering the school building,” said Blumencranz. “We need to make mental health services available and easily accessible for students. We need to increase the presence of law enforcement in schools so students and staff alike feel safe. My condolences to the families of those who have been impacted by school shootings. It’s time we work together to form the necessary solutions that will prevent these shootings and protect innocent lives from being taken.”

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