Republicans at the General Assembly say the school safety funding package in the upcoming state budget is a good first step that will address critical needs, but Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper thinks it comes up short.
House and Senate GOP leaders announced Thursday that $35 million in the budget adjustment bill that could be voted on next week are dedicated to safety improvements. The money would hire school safety personnel, make security improvements and expand a student mobile app.
Cooper sought $130 million toward school safety for the coming fiscal year. The Republican plan gives less than what Cooper wanted for hiring school psychologists and social workers, and the funding isn't permanent.
Republicans also plan to seek Medicaid changes that could pay for additional student health services.