WASHINGTON D.C. – National Governors Association (NGA) Chairman Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and NGA Vice Chair New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have issued the following statement responding to the bipartisan legislation Congress has introduced to address gun safety:
“On behalf of the nation’s Governors, we are encouraged by the framework of the bipartisan legislation to make our schools and communities safer from threats of gun violence. By focusing on commonsense solutions, such as enhancing school and community based mental health services, improving school safety resources, and working to keep firearms out of the hands of those who may cause harm to themselves or others, the bipartisan framework is a positive step following the tragedies in Buffalo, NY, and Uvalde, TX.
“As Governors, we are especially supportive of the funding through the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant program for threat assessment and crisis intervention strategies. This will provide needed resources for all states and territories to take important steps to prevent and reduce gun violence. We are also committed to taking appropriate steps to keep our communities safe as well. That is why a bipartisan group of Governors are coming together to establish best practices among states and territories, and make recommendations designed to stop mass shootings and instill confidence in our communities and schools.”
