FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
April 13, 2023
Contact: Sam Inglot, sam@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Celebrates Big Wins on Gun Violence Prevention
MICHIGAN – Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law bills to expand background checks for firearm purchases and hold gun owners legally responsible for safely storing their firearms when not in use. The following response can be attributed to Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan:
“Gun violence is a complicated issue and it won’t go away overnight, but the laws signed by Gov. Whitmer today are a huge step forward toward safer communities. For years, the Republican majority refused to consider even the most popular, common sense gun violence prevention laws, but with a new majority in town, we’re finally making meaningful progress. Each of these laws is evidence-backed and overwhelmingly popular, and each has the potential to significantly decrease gun injuries and deaths caused by firearms.
“I know I’m not alone when I say I am incredibly grateful for each and every lawmaker who stepped up to protect our communities and get these bills passed. Of course, the work isn’t done, and we are looking forward to working alongside Gov. Whitmer and the legislature to get extreme risk protection order (ERPO) bills across the finish line, and continue to make our communities safer by adequately funding community violence intervention (CVI) programs and addressing the root causes of gun violence.”
###