My Friends,
I voted yes in support of the Protect Illinois Communities Act. The new law bans the sale of militarized style assault weapons, high-capacity rounds of ammunition, and accessories that turn guns into high round weapons. After months of speaking to constituents, and years of witnessing the aftermath from mass shootings across our Country, I voted yes. I share the belief that common sense gun safety begins with reducing the amount of dangerous weapons in circulation. This bill is the start of that effort.
I have had calls from constituents thanking me for voting the way I did and calls from constituents who urged me to vote no. I did not run for office so that I could only vote in ways that would keep me in office. I believe character is defined by the tough choices we make and our ability to stand by them. I stand by my choice that it is past time for those of us in government to place regulations in an industry that is unwilling or unable to do so themselves, just like government has done throughout history. When an industry becomes a public health crisis, that is when government must act as we did with the Protect IL Communities Act.
I believe more people support it than do not. In fact, last year my office conducted a survey showing that more than 80% of the people surveyed supported a ban on militarized weapons, such as the ones that are banned in this legislation. Additionally, those who own them,
will not have to give them up. If people want to lawfully own weapons, there is a path for that.
Even so, I will continue to be challenged, especially when the campaign cycle begins again, which is why I am asking you to support me now. Let’s show the gun lobbyists and those who believe that guns should be completely unregulated and freely accessible, that society wants to see legislation pass that will help to curb gun violence. Reducing and regulating the weapons that are out there is common sense gun legislation. I believe that. Do you? Donate now and show your support.
If we never have another mass shooting in Illinois, if the number of children who die from gun violence declines, if this bill saves one family from the trauma of a gun death, saves one Illinois community from holding a candlelight vigil to mourn the loss of a friend or neighbor or fellow student, I believe I will have done my job. If that makes other voters unhappy or angry with me, I’m willing to take the heat on behalf for those whose lives we are protecting. You can join me as well.
Donate today.
Thank you,
Suzanne
