The Times News asked local lawmakers for their thoughts on state Sen. Don White's proposed legislation that would allow school boards to authorize trained, certified staff members to carry guns on school grounds.

Here's what they said:Sen. David G. Argall, R-29: "The goal must be the safety of our students and teachers. In the rural school districts I represent with limited resources, I believe we must examine all possibilities to protect students and teachers. I continue to listen to both sides of the debate and applaud Chairman Folmer and the Senate Education Committee for continuing to review this issue."State Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-122: "I fully support our Second Amendment rights and want to make sure they are not infringed, but the House has not yet considered this bill. School safety is a major priority for me. Over the past couple years, the House has taken action to improve safety in our schools, including the passage of Act 70 of 2013, which created the Safe Schools Grant Program. This program provides grants for school districts to be used to establish and implement programs to prevent and reduce incidents of violence. In February, Panther Valley School District was awarded a grant of more than $24,000 from this program."Sen. John Yudichak, D-14: "I have a 16-year voting record as a strong supporter of the Second Amendment that protects the rights of Pennsylvanians to lawfully and responsibly own a firearm. The debate about preventing senseless violence in our schools must include more comprehensive dialogue about the investments we need to make in our local law enforcement system, our mental health system and our safe school plans. This legislation and the inherent lack of uniformity amongst school districts raises questions about whether or not arming school teachers is the best way to protect our children in Pennsylvania classrooms."Rep. Jerry Knowles, R-124: "I'm supportive of this legislation. I am so because it provides additional protection for our kids, particularly in rural areas. Remember that it merely gives school boards the option of allowing teachers, administrators and other staff who are licensed to carry and properly trained to possess a firearm on school property. While watching a TV news story on the murder of the state trooper in Pike County, I was reminded of the importance of the right to bear arms by a Pike County woman who noted that she was very nervous but that she had her gun nearby for her and her family's protection."