MADISON, Wis. — Wisconsinites from every corner of the state shared their concerns about gun violence with state lawmakers on Tuesday. The demands happen to come just days after a violent weekend in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin Gun Violence Prevention Coalition brought advocacy groups and people from across the state together for a Day of Action at the Capitol to make sure lawmakers heard directly from their constituents.
“Each bullet represents a mother keeping her kids inside because their sidewalks and their communities are no longer a safe place for her children to play,” State Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee, said. “It’s a teacher being trained on protocols for active shooters.”
From parents to policymakers, those who came to the Capitol in support of stronger gun laws said the measures will not only keep communities safe but are what Wisconsinites want.
“Seventy-four percent of us really like dogs a lot. 72% of us think we want to go swimming this summer. 70% of us like sports. 90% of Americans support background checks,” Sean Holihan, State Legislative Director for Giffords, said.
The policies the Wisconsin Gun Violence Prevention Coalition wants to see passed include:
- Universal background checks
- Extreme risk law
- Closing the domestic violence loophole
- Funding the state Office of Violence Prevention
- Strengthening the state’s Child Access Prevention (CAP) law
Those who spent Tuesday talking with lawmakers said the past can sometimes be the best predictor.
“These are policies that data shows save lives,” Angela McCully with Moms Demand Action said. “We have the chance today, and in this legislative session, to make a huge impact on our children’s future world. Let’s move forward together toward a safer Wisconsin.”
