(Molly Bruns, Headline USA) Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee announced a plan that, if passed, would place an armed guard in every public and private school within the state.
Lee will make an official proposal to place armed school resource officers in every public school and earmark funding that would enable private schools to hire armed security, though they would not be obligated to do so.
Lee’s plan closely follows the shooting at Nashville Christian Elementary School where 3 students and 3 staff members lost their lives, the Daily Wire reported.
“I think we all understand when people are fearful, when people are angry, when people lash out. I have those same emotions myself, we all do,” Lee said. “We have an obligation, I have an obligation, to do what I can and work together with leaders across this community to address people’s concerns and to protect our kids in whatever way we can.”
Lee also mentioned that he worked through the weekend to ensure adequate funding for the project.
An early draft of the governor’s budget for 2023 included $20 million designated towards security upgrades for schools, but the addition of private schools would require extra funding.
Republican Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, who also hail from Tennessee, are seeking solutions on the national scale by introducing the SAFE School Act.
The bill would provide “a $900 million grant program that will allow both public and private schools to train and hire veterans and former law enforcement officers to serve as school safety officers, hire off duty law enforcement officers, and provide funding to harden schools and increase physical security.”
If passed, the bill would also allow for easier access to mental health professionals.
“There will be conversations across the board about mental health for students and mental health in general,” Lee explained. “And support for those who need help, and who do in fact become a threat to themselves or others.”
Lee also stated that he is committed to upholding people’s Constitutional rights as well as protecting the lives of Tennesseans.
 Tennessee Republican Governor Bill Lee announced a plan that, if passed, would place an armed guard in every public and private school within the state.){kind=link}