Dear Neighbors,
Since my last update in the wake of the tragedy at Annunciation, conversations have been taking place at the state capitol over how we can prevent these horrific acts of gun violence from happening again.
It’s only been a month, but we’ve seen more school shootings, acts of political violence, and attacks on places of worship throughout the country - with gun violence being the common denominator.
Minnesotans have had enough, and last week House DFLers joined Governor Walz and our colleagues in the Senate in putting forward the solutions our neighbors are asking for:
This is our plan, informed by the calls of parents at Annunciation and Minnesotans across the state demanding action on gun violence. Democrats are united and ready to take action - and it just takes ONE Republican to join us to pass this plan.
Will any of them have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and stand alongside their fellow Minnesotans so we can protect our communities from gun violence?
That remains to be seen. Take Minnesota’s new and effective Red Flag law as an example. When Democrats passed this law a few years ago, zero Republicans voted for it, saying that no new gun laws would save lives.
This is the same argument Republicans are making to block a ban on assault rifles and high capacity magazines. Read this article and make the judgment for yourself whether or not action at the state level can prevent gun violence.
DFLers are ready to build on this progress now, but it’s up to Republicans whether we can deliver these solutions this fall, or push off this crucial work until the regular session begins in February.
We’ve already seen the amount of senseless gun violence that can take place in a month, and we can’t afford to wait any longer.
It’s time for action. It’s what Minnesotans deserve.
In partnership,
Michael Howard