Assemblyman Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) today announced $60,000 in state bullet aid funding has been secured for three community institutions: Mahopac Central School District, Somers Public Library and Reed Memorial Library. Each will receive $20,000 to support safety upgrades, facility improvements and expanded programming.

Mahopac Central School District will use its $20,000 in funding to enhance school safety and security. Of the total, $15,000 will go toward purchasing 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for outdoor and public use. The remaining $5,000 will contribute to the installation of glass mitigation film on first-floor windows, a protective measure to prevent bullet penetration from outside threats. This safety film is already installed on the district’s front doors; the new funding will help offset the $48,000 total cost of expanding the protection throughout the building.

Somers Public Library plans to use its $20,000 allocation to upgrade seating and enhance programming for patrons. The funds will support the purchase of new chairs, and possibly tables, to create a more welcoming and functional space for community events and daily use.

Reed Memorial Library will use its $20,000 grant to improve its programming preparation space. With limited room currently restricting the scope of services and events the library can offer, the upgrades will help expand the library’s capacity to serve the community.

“I’m proud to help deliver this bullet aid funding for initiatives that are well warranted and will serve the community in a variety of important ways,” said Assemblyman Slater. “Keeping our public services up to date means more people can benefit from them, and when it comes to school safety, there should be no compromises. I’m glad to see these funds being put to such good use.”

Mahopac Central School District Superintendent Christine Tona said, “The Mahopac Central School District extends our appreciation to Assemblyman Slater for his support in our safety and security initiatives. His advocacy and this vital funding will strengthen our efforts to ensure a safe, supportive learning environment where every student can thrive.”

Somers Public Library Director Jessica Veissy said, “We are sincerely grateful to Assemblyman Slater for securing this vital bullet aid funding for the Somers Library. These funds will support the enhancement of our programming and enable the purchase of much-needed new seating for our patrons. Continued investment in public libraries like ours allows us to better serve our community as a welcoming, resource-rich environment for learning, engagement, and growth. We look forward to bringing these enhancements to our patrons and continuing to meet their evolving needs, all made possible by the generous bullet aid funding.”

Reed Memorial Library Director Denise Martens said, “Reed Memorial Library is grateful to Assemblyman Slater, for his support of public libraries! Studies show for every dollar invested in libraries, ten dollars in value is returned to the community through services and materials.Here is just a sample of all that today’s libraries offer free Wi-Fi, online and print books, free streaming services, Wi-Fi hotspots for check out, museum & parks passes for free & discounted admissions, puzzles, board & lawn games, fishing poles, computer, device help, & classes, spaces for individuals & groups to meet, as well as all the amazing programming offered for children & adults.We applaud Assemblyman Slater for his understanding that spending taxpayer dollars on libraries is a value-added proposition!”