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.
