August 4, 2022

Dear Neighbor,

 
I’ve received an influx of messages from northern Illinoisans expressing concern and fear about the horrific acts of gun violence we witness across the country and recently in Highland Park. One student shared this with me: “When I go to school, I always make a plan to get out in case of an active shooter. I should feel safe at school and not have to think about the worst.” This story deeply affects me – no child should ever have to create a shooting survival plan.   
  
These are the stories I thought of when I voted to pass the Assault Weapons Ban, legislation that would save lives and guarantee weapons of war don’t end up in the wrong hands. This commonsense, life-saving legislation would:   

• Prohibit the sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
• Require semiautomatic assault weapons be stored securely and properly. 

The Assault Weapons Ban builds on previous gun violence prevention legislation like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which I voted for in June and is now law. This law requires longer, enhanced background checks for gun buyers under the age of 21 and increases funding for mental health and supportive services.   

These are much-needed steps toward addressing the root cause of gun violence and preventing future generations from unimaginable terror and grief.  
 
Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected in their community, and I am committed to doing everything I can to end the gun violence crisis in our country and save lives. 

Sincerely,