City Council Resolution Calls For Common Sense Gun Control Laws After Buffalo and Uvalde
NEW BRITAIN – An anti-gun violence resolution co-sponsored by Robert Smedley (R-4) and Aram Ayalon (D-3) is on the New Britain Common Council agenda at its Wednesday June 8th meeting in the aftermath of attacks by lone gunmen at a Buffalo, NY supermarket and Uvalde TX elementary school in May that killed 31.
The resolution follows similar statements from the New Britain NAACP and New Britain Democratic Town Committee and “condemns all words, actions and politics that fester racism,, and anti LGBTQ prejudice, religious intolerance, anti immigrant and other forms of bigotry.”
“Resolved that the Mayor and the Common Council “call to end political gridlock over gun control and establish common sense gun control laws that require licensing and training, red flag laws, banning of assault weapons and limiting access of weapons to youth,” according to the bipartisan resolution. All of the “common sense” measures remain stalled in the Congress because of gun lobby and Republican Party opposition.
At the local level the resolution supports expansion of curriculum and policies in the New Britain schools “such as Love Wins and NB Recovers that reduce racism and other forms of bigotry; promote understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of all people; and provide funding and tools to promote student engagement and treatment of trauma and mental health issues.”
Negotiations among U.S. Senators are expected to intensify this week led by Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) and involving legislators from both major parties. Following President BIden’s address to the nation last week Senator Murphy expressed hope that a compromise on federal action can be reached. “President Biden is right – doing nothing is not an option. Over the last week, I have been in almost constant communication with my colleagues to find common ground on a meaningful, bipartisan package that will save lives. Momentum is building, and we’re going to keep at it to make sure we meet this moment and deliver for the overwhelming majority of Americans demanding change.”
Regular meetings of the Common Council are on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month except for July and August. Public participation begins at 7 p.m.
