Gun legislation to bring billions of dollars into schools to promote safety, mental health

"Every single day 110 people die on average because of senseless gun violence in our country, and another 200 are shot and wounded and survive," said U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford of Nevada's 4th Congressional District.

He voted in favor of the bill and says it is a big step toward keeping citizens safe from gun violence.

The legislation follows the deadly elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, the hate crime shooting in Buffalo, New York, and the Tulsa, Oklahoma hospital shooting.

The bill was approved by Congress on the 30th anniversary of Horsford's father's death.

"My dad was shot and killed when I was 19 years old," he said. "I was a freshman in college up in Reno. I received a call like a lot of families who get a call about a loved one who's been shot. He died on the way to the hospital in an ambulance. So I never had a chance to say goodbye."

Horsford is hopeful this legislation can prevent families from receiving the devastating call he did.

"This legislation is going to help so that we can stem this violence, reduce crime and save lives," he said.

Let's breakdown some of what this bill does:

It enhances background checks for 18 to 21-year-olds.

Funding for states to implement red flag laws.

There are also $2 billion of antiviolence investments to reduce crime.

The bill includes $250 million for community violence intervention from the break the cycle of violence.

"The $250 million for community violence intervention is to community-based, faith-based nonprofit organizations that are doing this work now and not being funded," Horsford said.

Some of that money can play a role in our Las Vegas valley schools.

"Our schools are the center of communities," said Horsford. "They're like church. We need them to be free from violence, particularly gun violence."

Horsford says one of those groups that can benefit is Dads in Schools, where male leaders in the community volunteer to help provide prevention through presence on school campuses who request them.

News 3 was at a local elementary school campus with these volunteers the day of the Uvalde shooting.

"Standing on the campus of an elementary school, the same day that children were dying in Uvalde, Texas, it was so hopeless and a helpless feeling," said Pastor Troy Martinez, the founder of Dads in Schools. "But now seeing this legislation, that gives us hope."

How can the bill help with Dads in Schools?

"This could fund the staffing resources, this can fund the actual dads," said Martinez. "This can fund training so that they get active shooter training, they get how to respond if there's some sort of event. It educates the public."

Here's a further breakdown of funding for schools when it comes to the bill:

    There is $500 million for school-based mental health services and staff.

    $500 million to help train and diversify the pipeline of school counselors, social workers and psychologists.

    $1 billion to support activities that improve student learning.

   $50 million for out-of-school programs like extracurricular and afterschool programs that target older youth.

    And $300 million for school safety to institute safety measures in and around schools, and support violence prevention training for school personnel and students.

You can see the full bill here at Congress.gov.

"I'm a product of the Clark County School District," said Horsford. "First and foremost, and as a parent and as a community member, you know, I am as horrified as anyone about the incidents of violence that occurs anywhere in our community, but especially our schools."

How much money will come into the Vegas community through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act?

"We will continue to work with the federal agency that will be designated with these funds to make sure that Nevada and Las Vegas in particular gets our funding," said Horsford. "But we're already working to help support that. I know Superintendent Jara and the Clark County School District, this is a priority for him and the board."

    "With the passage and signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, CCSD welcomes the increase in funding for mental health resources and training and services for students and school staff.

    The additional funding for improving student learning conditions, extracurricular and after-school programs, and increased school safety funding will benefit students by reducing barriers to learning and performance and further secure our schools against those who seek to do harm."

CCSD sent a statement to News 3 regarding the passing of the bill. It reads:

    "With the passage and signing of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, CCSD welcomes the increase in funding for mental health resources and training and services for students and school staff.

    "The additional funding for improving student learning conditions, extracurricular and after-school programs, and increased school safety funding will benefit students by reducing barriers to learning and performance and further secure our schools against those who seek to do harm."

What do you think of the funding for schools that can come out of this bill?

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