 Governor Mark Dayton proposed $21 million in new funding for security enhancements and mental health improvements in Minnesota schools today as thousands of high school students converged on the Capitol to call for stronger gun laws in the wake of the deadly Florida school shooting. Dayton says the money in his proposal could help pay for improvements such as bullet proof glass and secure entrances as well as to hire more counselors or school resource officers. Furnished by the state's $329 million budget surplus, the $16 million dedicated school security fund would allow school districts to utilize funding to make whatever enhancements they see fit. School safety is, understandably, on everyone's list of concerns presently and the tragedy has happened Florida and elsewhere is a grim warning to us that we need to do more. We need to be ever more vigilant. Portions of the governor's proposals are similar to legislation currently being discussed in the state house and senate. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.