Hesselbein Supports Common Sense Background Checks
"This legislation on universal background checks is a reasonable, responsible and moderate first step in addressing the overwhelming public health crisis of gun violence in our state and nation."
MADISON – Today, Assembly Assistant Democratic Leader Representative Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) joined the call from lawmakers and the Governor to act on the common sense gun safety measure of universal background checks.
“This legislation on universal background checks is a reasonable, responsible and moderate first step in addressing the overwhelming public health crisis of gun violence in our state and nation. According to a Marquette Law Poll, 81% of Wisconsinites and 78% of gun-owning households support background checks,” said Representative Hesselbein.
Currently, background checks are only required under federal law for sales conducted by federally licensed dealers. However, unlicensed sellers are not required to perform any kind of background check when selling a firearm. People who sell guns online, at gun shows, or pawn shops for example, can transfer firearms without having to run any background check. This loophole allows guns to be obtained by gun traffickers, criminals and other prohibited purchasers, dramatically increasing the likelihood of gun homicides and suicides.
“It is past time for my Republican colleagues to represent the will of the people. My community knows all too well the cost of inaction. Every single legislator should be asked if they are going to take action to finally pass universal background checks in Wisconsin,” Hesselbein concluded.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Gun Violence
- Senator Agard Introduces Firearm Safety Bills with Legislative Democratic Colleagues - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - Oct 26th, 2023
- AG Kaul to U.S. Attorney General Garland: Firearm Regulations Must Include Ghost Guns - Wisconsin Department of Justice - Aug 20th, 2021
- Op Ed: Legal Firearms Used in Many Mass Shootings - O. Ricardo Pimentel - May 26th, 2021
- Bipartisan legislation a positive step forward for gun reform - Mayor Cavalier Johnson - May 17th, 2021
- Bipartisan Bill Bans Guns For Those Convicted of Domestic Violence - Erik Gunn - May 14th, 2021
- Club Midtown isn’t a thing - Mayor Cavalier Johnson - May 5th, 2021
- County Executive David Crowley Statement on Recent Acts of Gun Violence - County Executive David Crowley - May 4th, 2021
- Republicans Continue to Show their True Colors with Upcoming Budget Plans: The Time for Action is Now - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - May 3rd, 2021
- Continued gun violence underscores the need for change - Mayor Cavalier Johnson - May 3rd, 2021
- Senator Agard: Statement on Shooting Tragedy at the Oneida Casino Complex - State Sen. Melissa Agard, Senate Democratic Leader - May 2nd, 2021
Read more about Gun Violence here
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