Jones Secures Public Safety, School Technology Funding

A release from the office of House Minority Leader Brad Jones:

BOSTON – North Reading is in line to receive $150,000 in state funding assistance for school technology and police officer training, thanks to a pair of amendments House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading) recently filed as part of the Fiscal Year 2020 House budget.

Representative Jones successfully advocated for a $75,000 school technology grant to support the North Reading Public Schools’ 1:1 initiative. This marks the second consecutive year he was able to secure funding in the budget for this program, which provides middle and high school students with computers to enhance their learning experience.

The House budget proposal also includes a $75,000 public safety grant for the town’s police department. This money will help pay for a firearms simulator that will provide officers with immersive training.

“These are two important funding initiatives that will help prepare North Reading’s students for the challenges of the 21st century, while also providing local law enforcement with valuable training that will help them respond more effectively to real-life situations,” said Representative Jones.

North Reading’s grant funding still requires Senate approval and Governor Charlie Baker’s signature. The Senate is expected to begin debating its own version of the Fiscal Year 2020 state budget on May 21.