Let me explain more. I know we do a lot of advocacy work around passing more stringent laws to keep guns out of the wrong hands, and rightfully so. But this initiative works in tandem to approach the crisis in a different way, by addressing some of the root causes of community-based gun violence, primarily in urban neighborhoods struggling with structural poverty and systemic violence. Programs supported by these grant funds employ evidence-based strategies to address factors like trauma and provide support systems like workforce development and direct conflict de-escalation.
Over the past three years, our advocacy has won over $200 million in investments at the city and state levels, including $40 million in last year’s state budget. These programs are bearing fruit, with a 35% reduction in fatal shootings in Philadelphia1 year-to-date, and a 27% drop in homicides in Pittsburgh from 2022 to 2023.2
But we must do more. That’s why we’re pushing for a $100 investment this year alone, including an exciting new proposal from the Shapiro administration to establish the first-ever statewide Office of Gun Violence Prevention to help coordinate and support these local initiatives.
The General Assembly has until June 30 to pass a budget, and our lawmakers, including yours, need to hear from us now. Will you send your Representative and Senator Nikil Saval a quick note imploring them to support a full $100 million investment in these vital programs in the state budget?
