UP Gazette

State Rep. Jaime Greene expressed disappointment over the delay in addressing school safety issues due to partisan gamesmanship. Greene, the Republican Vice Chair of the House Education Committee, sent a letter this week seeking support from Democrats on the committee to hold a hearing on legislation aimed at enhancing school safety and mental health support for Michigan students. The proposed bills stem from the recommendations of a bipartisan school safety task force formed after the tragic shooting at Oxford High School.

Greene highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "The people we represent want us to do something to improve the safety of Michigan schools." He lamented the lack of action on the bipartisan plan, attributing the delay to the Democrat chair's focus on controversial policies that do not prioritize school safety measures.

House Bills 4088-4100, if passed, would introduce dedicated staff for school safety and mental health, regular safety plan reviews, proper handling of tips through the OK2SAY system, standardized emergency response training, and other crucial provisions. Despite being referred to the House Education Committee over a year ago, no hearing has been scheduled, prompting Greene to take action.

In a bid to move the legislation forward, Greene called on Democrat members to support a meeting on March 5 to discuss the bills. However, none of the Democrats on the committee agreed to the request, disappointing Greene who had hoped for bipartisan cooperation on such a critical issue. He remarked, "It’s disappointing that people elected to represent their communities won’t stand up for what they know is right."

The standoff between the committee members underscores the challenges in advancing school safety measures amid political differences. As the debate continues, the fate of the proposed legislation hangs in the balance, with Greene and his colleagues advocating for a much-needed hearing to address the pressing concerns surrounding school safety in Michigan.