DALLAS -- State Senator Royce West was appointed by Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to be part of the Senate Select Committee on Violence in Schools and School Security. His appointment came following the lieutenant governor's visit to Dallas on May 30, when Lt. Gov. Patrick appeared with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott who was joined by Senator West and other area state legislators for the announcement of the governor's plan to address school and firearm safety.

Gov. Abbott's plan was launched following three days of meetings with law enforcement, school officials, legislators, parents and advocates on both sides of the gun debate. The invitation-only meetings took place at the state capital building the week after a student opened fire at Sante Fe High School, May 18; resulting in 10 deaths.

"I am grateful to be part of a committee whose charge is to take a focused look at issues surrounding school safety and the incidence of guns brought on campus by those intent on causing harm" said Senator West. "On the other hand, the reasons that these meetings are necessary are both sad and alarming.

No child, no parent, no teacher or employee should see a school as a place where their lives could be put in danger" he continued. "Any plan or legislation that is developed as a result of these and other meetings should have the single focus of doing what is best and needed to protect the innocent lives of children and others that have now been placed at risk by people with guns. It is time to do what is right and put issues not related to the safety of our children aside."

The Senate Select Committee has hearings scheduled to begin Monday, June 11 at 9:00 a.m. and lasting through Tuesday, June 12 at the Texas Capital Rm E1.036 (Capital Extension).

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