State Assembly Republicans Thursday backed a package of measures meant to make schools safer in New York — from adding more school resource officers to addressing mental health concerns.

The announcement for the proposals, the subject of a months-long statewide listening tour on the issue by Republican lawmakers, coincided with multiple schools across parts of upstate New York receiving false threats on Thursday.

The news, along with the most recent school shooting in Nashville in recent days, heigthened the push for the measures. 

"Communication is key," said Assemblyman Josh Jensen. "Communication between school administration with staff and parents, communication with law enforcement."

Republicans say issues in schools like bullying and mental health need to be considered as part of a broader security plan. 

"A lot of our kids came back after the pandemic and had really lost ground not just academically, but socially," said Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh. "I think that needs to be addressed in our schools. Mental health was a concern during the pandemic; it's even greater now."

Republicans also want an expanded law enforcement presence in schools — hiring more school resource officers. Captain Tracey Quinn of the Greene County Sheriff's Office started a program in her area. 

"I would have to say our SROs act more as counselors to students than they do police officers," Quinn said. 

There is some agreement with Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins in encouraging more retired officers in schools by lifting a cap on retirement income. 

"A lot of times people are saying we would be able to come back to work if the limit was raised a bit," she said. "So we've actually put forward legislation that would allow that raise to allow for more resource officers."

But Democratic lawmakers also believe integral to school safety is tight regulations and laws for gun possession. New York has approved multiple packages of gun laws in recent years, including measures meant to keep guns away from people deemed to be too dangerous.

"I hope our colleagues on the other side of the aisle understand there are sensible things they can vote for that would help bolster security," Stewart-Cousins said.