Rep. Considine Reacts to Legislature’s Inaction During Special Session
"I believe that the two bills Governor Evers specifically called for would make our communities safer."
Madison – Yesterday evening, the Wisconsin State Assembly rejected Governor Evers’ call for a special session on gun safety. The special session called for universal background checks on all firearm purchases and the creation of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO). Both are data-driven policies that have been proven to work in both red and blue states. Representative Dave Considine (D-Baraboo) released the following statement on the Republican refusal to take up these safety measures:
“I believe that the two bills Governor Evers specifically called for would make our communities safer. Universal background checks would ensure that those purchasing firearms are legally allowed to do so. The ERPO bill would allow law enforcement or family members to request a hearing in front of a judge on the topic of whether an individual is at imminent risk to themselves or others. If a judge deems that individual a risk, the judge would temporarily prevent that person from possessing a firearm. This is a commonsense approach that ensures due process as well as our right to bear arms. Very notably, suicide rates by firearms have decreased in states that have passed ERPO laws.
“As a gun owner, I walk a middle ground on this issue. I believe in the right to bear arms and the right to due process. I take a centrist position because I also know that our communities are not as safe as they could be. When guns are used to cause human suffering, we all fail. I am proud of Governor Evers for taking leadership on this issue. These bills are reasonable steps that we can take at the state level to ensure our safety and wellbeing in Wisconsin. I am disappointed Assembly leadership refused to allow these bills to be heard and debated.
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
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by State Rep. Dave Considine
The Legislature Needs To Do Its Job
Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Rep. Dave ConsidineTo me, getting to work means putting in the time to hear bills that our colleagues write. Getting to work means staying in session until the work is done.
Assembly Misses Opportunity on Mental Health
Jan 22nd, 2020 by State Rep. Dave ConsidineThis afternoon, the Wisconsin State Assembly met to vote on a number of bills, including some regarding mental health.
