Gun Violence Prevention Archives - Suzanne Ness State Rep Illinois 66

Yes to Protect Illinois Communities Act

Roxie Spate — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:07:29 +0000

Last week I voted yes in support of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. The new law bans the sale of militarized style assault weapons, high-capacity rounds of ammunition, and accessories that turn guns into high round weapons. After months of speaking to constituents, and years of witnessing the aftermath from mass shootings across our Country, I voted yes. I share in the belief that common sense gun safety begins with reducing the amount of dangerous weapons in circulation. This bill is the start of that effort.

Currently, there are over 400 million guns in the hands of Americans, I ask you, when is enough enough? My vote in support of the PICT law is my way of saying enough. There is more to be done to improve long-term public safety, that reduces the violence caused by guns, and stops those who use guns to do harm. While this bill may be challenged in Court and even found unconstitutional, I believe it was my civic responsibility, in service to all the people I represent, to stand with my fellow legislators in support of passing the PACT bill.

If we never have another mass shooting in Illinois, if the number of children who die from gun violence declines, if this bill saves one family from the trauma of a gun death, saves one Illinois community from holding a candlelight vigil to mourn the loss of a friend or neighbor or fellow student, I believe I will have done my job. If that makes other voters unhappy or angry with me, I’m willing to take the heat on behalf for those whose lives we are protecting.

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Gun Violence Prevention

Roxie Spate — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 16:43:35 +0000

Statement on the Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX

The Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Caucus of the Illinois General Assembly stands in mourning with our fellow Americans and the families of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and every mass shooting nationwide. Our hearts go out to the nineteen children and two teachers who were tragically taken from their families, friends, community, and loved ones.

Gun violence is a public health crisis in our country and claims the lives of over 1,400 Illinoisans a year. Compared to other high-income countries, American children and youth are 21 times more likely to be killed with guns. Here in Illinois guns are the leading cause of death in our children ages 1-17 years old.

We urgently need common sense approaches to end gun violence. Through the terrible loss in Uvalde and the twenty plus mass shootings that have occurred since then, we recommit ourselves to honor the victims with our action. We resolve to work to end this senseless violence by advancing the strongest and most effective initiatives, policies, and legislation that will prevent and reduce gun violence in Illinois.

Signed:

Rep. Kelly Cassidy
Rep. Terra Costa Howard
Rep. Margaret Croke
Rep. Daniel Didech
Rep. La’Shawn K Ford
Rep. Robyn Gabel
Rep. Barbara Hernandez
Rep. Maura Hirschauer
Rep. Lindsey LaPointe
Rep. Joyce Mason
Rep. Rita Mayfield
Rep. Bob Morgan
Rep. Suzanne Ness
Rep. Anne Stava Murray
Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback
Rep. Kathleen Willis
Rep. Janet Yang Rohr

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