Take Action on Gun Safety in Pennsylvania
The tragic events like those in Buffalo and Uvalde happen on a consistent basis in communities across Pennsylvania. In an average year, 1,628 people die by guns, of which 60% are firearm suicides. According to EveryStat.org, gun violence costs Pennsylvanian taxpayers $567.4 million each year and disproportionately affects Black and brown communities.
The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania believes that the proliferation of handguns and semiautomatic assault weapons in the United States is a major health and safety threat to its citizens. The League supports strong federal and state measures to limit the accessibility and regulate the ownership of these weapons by private citizens.
Now is the time to take action.
1) Tell your US Senators to support gun safety:
The House of Representatives already passed HR 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. Now it's time for the Senate to act. Contact Senator Bob Casey and Senator Pat Toomey and urge them to pass this bill.
The US Senate is considering several important gun safety priorities, including background check, red flag laws, and the confirmation of an ATF Director. Hold your elected officials accountable today.
2) Tell your State Senators to support gun safety in Pennsylvania:
The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania is proud to be part of the CeaseFirePA Common Agenda to End Gun Violence which supports extreme risk protection orders, closing the gap in our background checks system, and reporting lost or stolen guns. Tell your state lawmakers to pass this package of meaningful gun violence prevention reforms.
Tell you state lawmakers to pass House Bill 1846 and Senate Bill 855. This legislation proposes that all new gun owners be required to successfully complete gun safety training prior to making their first gun purchase.
Urge your legislators to co-sponsor newly introduced legislation to ban future sales of assault weapons, outlaw possession of body armor, and require individuals to obtain a firearm eligibility license prior to purchasing a gun.
3) Donate to and support Pennsylvania gun safety organizations:
4) VOTE in the 2022 elections: Gun violence prevention is not partisan. Visit VOTE411.org to learn who is on the ballot this November and study their positions on gun violence safety.