Dear Neighbors,
The legislative session got underway last week. Along with legislators returning to the State Capitol, everyday Minnesotans also made their voices heard on issues they are passionate about.
One of these issues is the crisis of gun violence. As you know, in Florida, 14 students, a teacher, a coach, and an athletic director all lost their lives in yet another senseless tragedy. On the first day of session, hundreds of members of Moms Demand Action rallied at the Capitol imploring legislators to take action on gun violence prevention measures. Two days later, hundreds more with the organization Protect Minnesota came to the Capitol with the same message: too many lives have been lost; we need legislative action now to keep guns out of the wrong hands.
One important action would be to require universal background checks on gun purchases. This would close a massive loophole in which sales are made at gun shows and on the internet with no background check and no questions asked. Another step is to allow Gun Violence Protective Orders. This legislation would create a procedure, similar to the one used in situations of domestic violence, allowing a family or household member to petition a court to remove a person's access to guns if he or she poses an imminent danger to themselves or others. As a co-author of each of these measures, introduced back in 2017, I believe it’s unconscionable that we haven’t even had a discussion in committee about these bills.
Other states have passed these laws that both protect second amendment rights and have been proven to reduce gun violence. These measures are broadly supported by Minnesotans across the state. I support and I am committed to passing these common-sense laws to prevent gun violence.
I share in the collective frustration of many in our community that powerful pro-gun special interests continue to wield undue influence in the halls of government. With so many regular Minnesotans making their voices heard as they did last week, collective action can build the momentum to make life-saving changes. I hope more people will feel empowered to add their voice.
Sincerely,
Laurie Pryor
State Representative