York County News

The recent tragic event at a Texas elementary school has reignited discussions on school safety, with Pennsylvania State Senator Mike Regan expressing deep concern and commitment to enhancing security measures in schools. Regan, who represents Pennsylvania's 31st District, emphasized the importance of making schools secure environments for children.

"No child should have to experience such fear and violence in their lifetime and certainly not in the safe haven of their school," Regan stated. He highlighted his personal connection as a father and shared the collective grief felt by parents nationwide.

Regan recalled his efforts in 2018 when he led legislation that established a School Safety Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and initiated a School Safety and Security Grant Program. This program aimed to provide financial resources for hiring school police or resource officers and improving physical security measures in schools.

Despite these legislative steps, Regan expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made, citing local control provisions as an obstacle to achieving uniform security compliance across all districts. "A child’s safety in school should not be dependent upon a superintendent’s or school board’s view of the merits of school safety," he argued.

Drawing from his experience as a U.S. Marshal responsible for securing federal buildings, Regan criticized the prioritization of security at government facilities over schools. He also pointed out resistance from local decision-makers and budget cuts proposed by the Governor as challenges to maintaining adequate funding for school safety initiatives.

Regan stressed that protecting children should remain a priority beyond temporary reactions to tragedies. "A person who intends to do harm will find a way to do harm," he noted, advocating for proactive measures to prevent potential threats from entering schools.

Senator Mike Regan continues to represent parts of Cumberland and York Counties in Pennsylvania's 31st Senatorial District.