You won’t be shocked to hear that the neighborhoods with the highest rates of community-based gun violence also have the fewest resources. But you might be surprised to learn that evidence1 shows how investing in community-based prevention and intervention programs can be effective at stopping the cycle of violence not only in communities like Kensington in Philadelphia and Homewood in Pittsburgh, but also neighborhoods in cities like Erie, Allentown, and Lancaster.
That’s why it’s critical that as the General Assembly starts this week on finalizing the state budget, that you urge your legislators to follow-through on Governor Shapiro’s proposed $105 million2 in funding for these programs that are saving lives on-the-ground right now.
Tell your legislators that homicides and other violent acts were reduced by 30-50% when other states implemented evidence-based, public health-focused programs to reduce community gun violence.1 Pennsylvania needs to continue funding these programs to avoid shootings like that in Lebanon, which recently claimed the lives of two children and one teen.3 We need you to get this message to your legislators. We must invest in our communities to make the Commonwealth safer for all.
