Today is what the Alliance is all about, John. Starting at 5:30 am this morning, gun violence prevention advocates from all across Washington lined up outside the House Legislative Building in Olympia, waiting for the chance to participate in the first major gun violence prevention hearing of the 2023 legislative session, and the first one to be held in person in two years.

This morning, lawmakers heard testimony on our biggest legislative priorities: prohibiting assault weapons, requiring a permit, safety training, and a waiting period to purchase guns, creating a pathway to justice for victims, and restoring local governments’ authority to enact gun laws.

This hearing is the culmination of an incredible amount of work from the whole Alliance team. We recruited scores of volunteers to show up BIG and we supported more than three dozen testifiers–including survivors, experts, and concerned citizens–as they urged committee members to pass these lifesaving policies. And tomorrow, we’ll be back on the capitol campus pushing for a bill that will protect public parks and hospitals from gun violence.

We are so grateful to all of our supporters who joined us today and for those that are cheering us on from afar. You are an integral part of our success.

More updates soon,
Dylan (he/him)

PS - I can’t overstate the resources it takes to pull off a day like today. Please consider chipping in whatever you can to help fuel this fight. The gun lobby is never at a loss for funding, so it’s imperative that we keep momentum high this legislative session!