Quinn: State To Review School Security Plans In Wake Of Newtown Massacre
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The deadly school shooting spree last week in Connecticut prompted Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn to push for a review of school safety measures in the state.
WBBM Newsradio's Terry Keshner reports Quinn said Tuesday the Illinois State Board of Education, the Illinois State Police, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, and other state agencies will review existing programs for student protection, to see what change might be necessary.
"I think all of us saw last Friday that we can spare no expense in making sure that our schools are safe," the governor said.
Governor Talks School Safety After Connecticut School Shooting
Quinn said officials must "make sure every school has a plan in place, in case of an emergency, in case of any kind of threat."
Quinn also talked about possible new legislation to increase gun control laws.
"We've got to pass this law that will ban assault weapons in our state, and also ban these high-capacity ammunition magazines that go with them," he said. "We really have to get that bill passed as soon as possible, and on my desk, so I can sign it into law. I really feel we can do this."
The governor also said mental health care plays a huge role as well.
"We have to commit whatever we can to mental health investment and care," he said. "Physical health is important, and so is mental health, and I think it's important that we invest in that as best we can, given our resources that are available."
As for a recent federal court ruling calling the state's ban on carrying concealed weapons unconstitutional, Quinn said he'll work to fashion concealed carry legislation that protects public safety.
