U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling for the Department of Education to restore federal funding for school safety programs. At Cheektowaga High School Monday, Schumer said since 2010, grants for security initiatives have declined by more than $100 million dollars. He says the recent stabbing attack at a Pittsburgh-area high school highlights the need for security initiatives.
"Every parent, every grandparent hears about these things and says, 'God forbid that happen to my child or my grandchild.' So there is a greater sense of urgency and I think we have a decent chance of getting this done," Schumer said.
Schumer says the cuts were part of the federal government's sequestration. He says the money needs to be restored to the budget this year.
The Brooklyn Democrat says federal grants for school safety means more money for teachers and education and school districts won't have to raise the local property tax to offset the cost of securing their schools. He says without it, schools are forced to dip into education funding for security initiatives.
"And most importantly, these grants mean the safest possible environment for our kids," Schumer said.