In the aftermath of several school shootings last week, state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, announced his intent to reintroduce legislation aimed at increasing school safety for children and teachers Wednesday.
The proposed bill will allow school districts to spend money above state spending caps for security personnel, building modifications and equipment deemed necessary to prevent school shootings and stem violence.
""Right now under the school spending caps, if schools want to spend money on security measures, they have to lay off teachers and cut other educational programs,"" Black said. ""I don't think schools should have to choose between education and the security of students and teachers.""
While Black's bill addresses spending cap issues within schools, legislation proposed by State Sen. Frank Lassee, R-De Pere, would allow Wisconsin teachers and school staff the option to arm themselves in the classroom. Teachers wishing to do this would have to undergo a background check and rigorous gun safety course.
""The fact remains, armed criminals who commit these crimes in schools are not stopping at the school doors and dropping their weapons in accordance with the state and federal gun-free schools laws,"" Lassee said in a statement. ""In most cases, they are coming into our schools unopposed, unchecked and intent on destruction.""
Black disagreed and said the way to increase school safety is to get guns out of schools, instead of putting more guns into schools.
""Lassee's proposal to arm teachers, custodians and others in schools is a very bad idea. [It's] so bad that Stephen Colbert made fun of it on national television,"" Black said.
Increased attention on school safety issues in light of several school shootings last week has Black hoping his bill will pass in the next session.
In response to criticism of his school safety proposal, Lassee said, ""Some of the greatest ideas in our nation's history have risen out of controversy.""
