Politics & Government

Fairfield Officials Hail State Proposal to Expand School Security Grants

State Reps. Tony Hwang (R-134) and Brenda Kupchick (R-132) applauded the announcement by Governor Dannel P. Malloy to expand the School Security Grant Program in 2014.  Last year, both Kupchick and Hwang voted for the School Security Grant Program. Through that program, grant requests for security upgrades at 604 schools, every school that applied, were approved.

Malloy’s upcoming budget proposal will include a $10 million proposal to expand the School Security Grant Program, originally created as part of the 2013 Gun Violence Prevention and Safety Act. The new plan expands eligibility to all public schools, including technical and inter-district magnet schools. 

“Safety should always be the first goal of government,” said Rep. Kupchick. “Fairfield has reviewed its buildings and safety protocols since the tragedy in Newtown. This is money well-spent to ensure the safety of our children. Fairfield is currently engaged in a town-wide discussion on school security so this announcement could not come at a better time.”

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“Public Safety is one of the core functions of our government, especially when it comes to our children and educator’s safety and security,” said Rep. Hwang. “This plan demonstrates the continuing commitment toward that goal without impacting our already stretched municipal budget.  Additionally, I want to acknowledge the State School Security Infrastructure Council for their role in establishing security standards that will require a more comprehensive and uniform consideration of school security measures that will make schools safer.”

The matching-grant grant program is administered by the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). State funding is used to reimburse municipalities for a portion of the costs associated security infrastructure improvements such as the installation of surveillance cameras, bullet proof glass, electric locks, buzzer and card entry systems, and panic alarms.

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