Governor Scott Highlights Security Funding for Jewish Day Schools

Governor Rick Scott visited the Brauser Maimonides Academy and the Orlando Torah Academy to highlight the more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools included in the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget. This investment follows recent threats against Jewish schools and communities across the country. Funding will be used to help provide security and counter-terrorism upgrades such as video cameras, fences, bullet-proof glass, alarm systems and other safety equipment.
Governor Scott said, “The State of Florida has absolutely zero tolerance for the recent hateful and anti-Semitic threats against our Jewish communities. I am proud that the Fighting for Florida’s Future budget I signed last week includes more than $654,000 in security funding for Jewish Day Schools. We want to make sure our students stay safe and focused on what is most important- getting a great education, and I appreciate the Florida Legislature for taking quick action to come together and fight for this important funding. We will continue to work closely with the members of Florida’s Jewish community and our partners in the state and federal government to do all we can to help keep all of our students and families safe.”
Senate President Joe Negron said, “We will not accept the recent threats against our Jewish community or any attempt to make our hardworking teachers and students fearful in their own schools. This investment in security funding for our Jewish Day Schools shows that we remain fully dedicated to protecting the free exercise of religion in our communities. The right of a free people to practice any religion, or no religion, must be protected in our state. I am incredibly grateful to the Senators and Representatives who supported this funding, and I thank Governor Scott for his partnership.”
House Speaker Richard Corcoran said, “Florida has a history of standing with the Jewish people against acts of violence, hatred, and intolerance. I am proud that we are continuing to build on this commitment by making an important investment in security funding for Jewish Day Schools. I appreciate Governor Scott and my colleagues for supporting this funding as we continue to work together to keep our students safe and focused on achieving their dreams.”
Representative Randy Fine said, “There has recently been a dramatic rise in the threats against Jewish Day Schools and I was proud to join Governor Scott and my fellow Legislative members in taking immediate action to help protect our Jewish communities. This funding will help provide Jewish Day Schools with important security resources and ensure our students, teachers and parents feel safe. I was honored to join Governor Scott today in recognizing this crucial investment today.”