Three major gun violence prevention organizations today announced their endorsements in several New York State Senate races. New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV), GunFreeKids.org, and The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence along with its Million Mom March Chapters work together to help protect New Yorkers from the threat of gun violence and support candidates who support strong gun laws. The endorsed candidates announced today include three incumbents and three challengers.
“The three incumbents we endorse today have been strong leaders in the fight to enact life-saving legislation,” said Jackie Hilly, Executive Director of NYAGV. “New York State needs more Senators that share their ideals and will work hard for sensible gun laws. We can make a real difference in the fight against gun violence when our elected officials work with us to remove illegal weapons from New York communities.”
“For nearly eight years, the leadership in the State Senate has blocked almost every piece of common-sense gun legislation passed by the Assembly,” said Andy Pelosi, President of GunFreeKids.org. “It’s time for good policy to trump politics in the State Senate.”
This year microstamping and improved gun dealer regulations – both important law enforcement tools to help investigate and pursue crime guns and the criminals who use them – are at the top of the groups’ agendas. In 2008, the State Assembly passed both bills, but the Senate refused to act.
“We make it too easy for dangerous people to get dangerous weapons, and these candidates will fight for common sense gun laws to help keep our children and our families safe,” said Paul Helmke, President of the Brady Campaign.
The Endorsed State Senate Candidates Are:
Brian Foley, Third Senate District (Long Island)
Senator Malcolm Smith, 14th Senate District (Queens)
Joseph Addabbo, Jr., 15th Senate District (Queens)
Senator Eric Schneiderman, 31st Senate District (Manhattan/Bronx)
Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, 35th Senate District (Westchester)
Rick Dollinger, 56th Senate District (Greater Rochester)
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence (NYAGV) is a statewide advocacy group working to build public awareness of the devastating impact of gun violence in New York and across the country, while advocating for sensible gun legislation on the city, state and federal levels. Visit NYAGV at www.NYAGV.org
GunFreeKids.org is working to help empower voters in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and other states to participate in gun violence prevention activities in their communities and to support state-based candidates who favor strong gun laws. Find out more at www.GunFreeKids.org
As the nation’s largest, non-partisan, grassroots organization leading the fight to prevent gun violence, the Brady Campaign, with its dedicated network of Million Mom March Chapters, works to enact and enforce sensible gun laws, regulations and public policies. The Brady Campaign is devoted to creating an America free from gun violence, where all Americans are safe at home, at school, at work, and in our communities.
Visit the Brady Campaign website at www.bradycampaign.org.
