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Haslam includes $30M in amended budget for school safety

Gov. Bill Haslam also is awaiting a report from a statewide task force that's advising him on ways to improve school safety in Tennessee.

As his appointed task force gets ready to suggest ideas, Gov. Bill Haslam is proposing setting aside $30 million in his annual budget for school safety efforts.

Haslam's office announced the move, part of an annual amended budget submission, Tuesday morning.

The governor would set aside $25 million in nonrecurring money for school safety grants and another $5.2 million in recurring safety grants.

More: Area teacher serving on governor's safety group

Abbey Kidwell is a 4th grade teacher at South Clinton Elementary School.

Also, the office says Haslam would spend $3 million in nonrecurring funds to help school systems in Tennessee cover extra costs involved in buying buses that have seat belts.

The governor always proposes a budget early in the legislative session and then comes back closer toward the end of the session with amendments that give the executive a chance to tinker with and add funding.

This year's amended budget consists of $74 million in total nonrecurring funds and $9.8 million in recurring funds.

Earlier this year Haslam assembled a statewide task force called the Governor's School Safety Working Group, featuring educators, lawmakers and law officers among others.

More: Haslam says teachers shouldn't be armed in schools

They're discussing a range of options to address school safety, from more efficient lock systems to greater focus on mental health.

The group is expected to present their recommendations soon, with their options serving as the basis for state action.

The General Assembly must pass a budget before breaking for the session.

Haslam said in a statement Tuesday the money "will provide our schools with additional resources to meet their specific needs.”

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