Dear Friend,??

A year ago yesterday, Michigan State University?s campus was shattered by gun violence. We lost 3 Spartans who had their entire lives ahead of them, and the community was devastated. It was one of the most difficult days in Michigan?s recent history.?

As Governor, I pledged to honor those we lost with action. We must do what it takes to make every campus in Michigan safe and ensure every student can learn and pursue their potential. Together, we turned our pain into purpose and, passed commonsense gun violence prevention legislation supported by a majority of Michiganders just a few weeks later.?

Yesterday, three of the major commonsense gun violence prevention laws that I signed last year went into effect. Universal background checks, safe storage requirements, and red flag laws are long-overdue steps we are proud to take that will save lives.?

• Universal background checks for all gun purchases will help keep guns out of the hands of violent criminals, domestic abusers, and people on terrorism watch lists and no-fly lists. Background checks also help law enforcement stay safe on the job and solve crimes more easily.?

• Safe storage requirements will help ensure that children do not accidentally get their hands on firearms or ammunition in the home and cause harm to themselves or others. Responsible gun owners will tell you how important it is to keep your guns locked up in your home.?

• Extreme risk protection orders, or red flag laws, will allow family, mental health providers, or law enforcement concerned about someone seeking to harm themselves or others to get a court order to temporarily confiscate their firearms. When someone is a proven danger to themselves or others, law enforcement can now step in to stop them from committing domestic violence or another crime.???

These measures are commonsense. And a majority of Michiganders support the work we have done.?

We know that gun violence is a uniquely American problem. It?s the #1 killer of kids and young people in this country?more than car accidents and cancer.??

We don?t have to live like this.???

Instead, let?s work together to reduce gun violence and save lives.?

Let?s build a stronger, safer Michigan.???

Sincerely