Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) introduced the School Resource Officer (SRO) Funding Protection Act with original cosponsors Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Lisa McClain (R-MI) and support of First District State Legislators, as well as law enforcement. The bill would require states to maintain funding for SRO programs at or above the amount spent in their previous fiscal year to remain eligible for full federal aid for elementary and secondary education.
“The horrific epidemic of school shootings requires all of us to put people above politics and action behind words in wake of these tragedies. Lagging school safety measures aren’t going to cut it – children can’t be sitting ducks, unprotected from evil intruders due to budget cuts. My bill will ensure that states maintain a sufficient budget for school resource officers and related programs, because our children deserve to feel safe and be protected,” Representative Bergman stated.
State Senator John Damoose noted, “We have all seen the devastation caused by school violence and a spiraling mental health crisis amongst our kids. Cutting funding for school resource officers and mental health care was just plain irresponsible. I applaud Congressman Jack Bergman for taking the lead to protect our kids and doing the job our state legislature should have done in the first place.”
“As a former Special Education teacher I am troubled by the cuts in School Resource Officer funding,” State Representative Greg Markkanen added. “This legislation will ensure our schools have SRO’s present across the U.P. and the rest of Michigan.”
“Funding for School Resource Officers and mental health are a critical part of keeping our children safe. Cuts in these areas make it difficult for police departments and school districts to keep this lifesaving service available in our state. In rural communities, where police response if often delayed due to a limited amount of law enforcement, these cuts make it next to impossible to provide adequate security for our students and faculty,” Gaylord City Police Chief Frank Claeys stated.
The State of Michigan’s fiscal year 2025 budget slashes nearly $302 million in school safety and mental health funding.
The funds will be reduced to $26.5 million come October 1, 2024, a 92% decrease. Rep. Bergman’s legislation will ensure that any state which fails to maintain the required funding levels for SRO programs will see its federal education aid reduced, unless a waiver has been granted. Waivers can be granted by the Secretary of the Department of Education on a case-by-case basis.
Read the full text of the bill here.
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