Republican-Sponsored Gun Bill Irresponsible, Dangerous for Wisconsin

(MADISON) – Representative Melissa Sargent (D-Madison) blasted Wisconsin Republicans today for the introduction of LRB-2039. The Republican-sponsored legislation, which touts more than 40 Republican supporters, would allow carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, make it legal to carry a taser, and would make it legal to carry a firearm onto school grounds, and into mental health facilities and hospitals

“Honestly, at what point are Republicans going to ask themselves, ‘Are we really doing the best we can for our state?’” said Rep. Sargent. “Gun violence in Wisconsin isn’t a joke, it’s a public health crisis. This Republican legislation, which allows carrying a concealed weapon without a license, leaving guns unattended in cars on school grounds, or carrying a taser around in public, makes a mockery of thousands of people dying or being injured at the hands of guns in Wisconsin.

“From 2002 to 2011, more people were killed with guns in Wisconsin than all combat deaths in the Iraq War, and this is the best Republicans can come up with to address this issue? It’s not just embarrassing, it’s appalling. Our state should be doing more to protect innocent lives. This bill is irresponsible and dangerous, and quite frankly, defies logic. Our state is facing a public health crisis, and it’s time for Republicans to start taking it seriously.

“This legislation is the definition of insanity. Republicans are doing the same thing over and over, making it easier and easier for anyone to access violent weapons, and expecting different results, but the fact is, gun violence continues getting worse. The message to the people of Wisconsin is loud and clear: the Republican answer to Wisconsin’s gun violence epidemic is to making it easier for anyone to access and use a violent weapon, not harder. It speaks volumes about Republicans’ priorities and disregard for serious issues facing our state.”

Melissa Sargent is a State Representative in the Wisconsin Assembly, representing the 48^th Assembly District, which covers the east and north sides of the city of Madison and the village of Maple Bluff.

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.