York County News

Pennsylvania Senator Mike Regan has reiterated his call for armed security in schools, following a recent tragic shooting in Nashville. In an op-ed, Regan reflects on his decade-long advocacy for school safety legislation that mandates at least one armed security officer per school building. He first proposed this measure as a member of the House of Representatives after the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

"Now, ten years later, after hundreds of more shootings on school campuses, we have witnessed yet another tragedy," he writes. This latest incident involved the loss of three children and three adults due to a security breach by an individual with mental health issues.

Regan emphasizes the need for Pennsylvania schools to meet certain security standards mandated across the Commonwealth. He highlights his legislative efforts that led to the creation of a School Safety Committee within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) and a School Safety and Security Grant Program.

Despite facing resistance from superintendents and school boards who favor local control over such decisions, Regan argues that industry experts agree armed officers are crucial for preventing tragedies. "This defies commonsense," he states, noting that potential attackers target poorly secured schools.

Citing his experience in the U.S. Marshal Service, Regan underscores the importance of having trained and vetted armed officers as part of school security measures. He acknowledges funding challenges but points out that financial resources have been available through grants.

The senator notes last year's budget included $95 million each for physical school safety and school-based mental health initiatives. Schools are required to use funds to meet Tier 1 Baseline Criteria before seeking additional security funding.

Regan concludes by urging action: "Let’s not allow another tragedy to occur or another ten years to pass by without taking necessary action."

Senator Mike Regan represents Pennsylvania’s 31st Senatorial District covering parts of Cumberland and York Counties.