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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

VEA School Safety Task Force Member: No Guns for Teachers Please

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Thursday, January 24, 2013   

RICHMOND, Va. - In light of the recent school shooting in Connecticut, Gov. Bob McDonnell formed the Campus and School Safety Task Force - consisting of school administrators, law enforcement, mental health practitioners and others - to examine school safety issues and establish safety guidelines for schools in Virginia.

One idea that has been floating around the state Legislature is to arm teachers and administrators. Meg Gruber, president of the Virginia Education Association, is a member of the task force.

"We are opposed to educators carrying guns. We don't believe that that's in the best interest of our students. Carrying of weapons is best left to those who are properly trained. Our teachers are very well trained in what to do in emergencies and how to protect our students."

Despite a few incidents of gun violence in Virginia schools, Gruber said, her organization hasn't received any recent reports from school employees concerned for their safety, nor has she been approached by a single educator who wants to be armed at school.

"The public just needs to be reassured that our schools are safe, and that we're doing everything that is humanly possible."

The task force will send its initial recommendation by Jan. 31, and will make additional recommendations on an ongoing basis with a final report due in June.


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