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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Rosita Youngblood |
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Youngblood releases report on impact of handgun violence in Pa.
Lawmakers says now is the time for action on common-sense handgun legislation
HARRISBURG, Dec. 10 – To further show the importance of implementing policies addressing Pennsylvania’s illegal handgun epidemic, state Rep. Rosita Youngblood, D-Phila., released a summary report on Monday highlighting handgun violence and crime prevention issues facing the Commonwealth.
Youngblood said that over the years there have been numerous studies and recommendations from various commissions and agencies on all levels of government regarding crime and violence, yet the implementation, funding streams and follow-through have been stagnant. This inaction, she added, has partially impacted the effectiveness of solving the crime and violence problems facing Pennsylvania’s citizenry.
“For too long, the legislature has ignored the voices of those dealing with violence and crime in communities all across this Commonwealth,” Youngblood said. “It’s unfortunate that over a dozen members of the House had to walk out of session last week in order for the state to recognize the importance of this issue. We can talk about wanting to solve this epidemic, but the time for talking is over. We need to act.”
Youngblood added that at both the federal and state levels there have been a number of programs, models and commissions that have been created to address the root causes of crime and violence. However, she said that relying on underfunded agencies and social welfare organizations to implement new programs without providing the necessary funding to sustain them is the wrong way to attempt to solve the problem.
“We need a realistic approach to reducing crime and violence in Pennsylvania,” she said. “We are beyond the point of simply making recommendations and expecting state agencies to make everything better. We need to work together and produce legislation that will prevent handgun violence, enforce existing laws on straw purchases and acknowledge the systemic issues that affect the proliferation of violence.
“Collectively, lawmakers have the power to turn this epidemic around,” Youngblood added. “We have to be proactive in acting on preventative measures to fight crime and handgun violence here in Pennsylvania. We have introduced over 50 pieces of legislation in the House regarding handgun violence, none of which have been passed.”
On Monday, Youngblood joined Gov. Rendell, members of the state House and mayors from cities all across the Commonwealth, as well as law enforcement representatives, at a Capitol rally held to further emphasize the need for specific handgun legislation. Youngblood said the rally was successful in showing broad support from communities across the state, but acting on legislation should remain at the top of the list of priorities.
“We have sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, teachers, police officers, community leaders, students – all dying from handgun violence,” she said. “What will it take for us to get serious about solving this problem?”
The full report and a copy of the cover letter submitted to members of the state House can be viewed on Youngblood’s Web site at www.pahouse.com/youngblood.
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CONTACT: Bill Thomas |