Fellow Advocate,

I just finished up two days of meetings in Harrisburg, and I have some great news to report! Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget proposal includes significant funding for critically important community-based violence intervention programs.

These efforts have cut gun homicides by 42% over the last two years.¹

Now the budget heads to the state legislature - will you join us in sending a message to your State Representative and State Senator, urging them to support strong investments in community violence intervention programs?

After President Trump's threats to freeze funds for federal grants, including those supporting community-based gun violence intervention programs, we sent Gov. Shapiro an emergency petition with hundreds of signatures, from all corners of Pennsylvania, urging him to protect these programs.

Thanks in no small part to your advocacy, our Governor is standing with us. Now we need the legislature to do the same. We need our General Assembly to pass a 2025-2026 budget that increases funding for community-based violence intervention programs. Will you call on your State Representative and State Senator to urge them to support the Governor’s investments and more?

Let’s build on this win! While federal funding remains mired in chaos and confusion, we know that we can continue to build toward a Commonwealth free from gun violence with Governor Shapiro and the legislature on our side. Thank you for doing your part to build this movement. 

Adam Garber
Executive Director
CeaseFirePA Action