Madison Reporter

Dane County Board members, legislators, and community stakeholders have united in their call for comprehensive gun reform legislation. Tonight, the Board is set to vote on 2024 RES-308, which urges state legislators to enact common-sense gun reforms, including Red Flag Emergency Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation, universal background checks, and improved gun safety measures. State legislation currently restricts local governments from enacting such measures. The vote will take place at 7 p.m.

Board Chair Patrick Miles emphasized the local impact of gun-related incidents: “Dane County has experienced numerous gun-related incidents over recent years that deeply impacted our community,” he said. “If the majority party refuses to take these simple, life-saving steps, then it’s time for them to step aside and allow local leaders to protect their communities. We must implement proven measures that reduce gun violence and save lives.”

Senator Kelda Roys expressed the urgency of taking action: "No other country allows the level of gun violence we allow in our communities," she remarked. "Continuing to do nothing while people keep dying is a policy choice."

Shannon Barry, Executive Director of Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, highlighted the intersection of gun violence and domestic abuse, stating, "Gun violence is preventable, and addressing its intersection with domestic violence is critical. We must support sensible gun reforms that keep firearms out of the hands of abusers and protect the lives of survivors."

Heather Haas, a volunteer for Moms Demand Action, stressed the moral responsibility to act: "We have a moral obligation to enact reforms that prioritize our communities over the gun lobby. The way we honor gun violence survivors is with action — putting courage over politics and people over guns."

Stella Osiedacz, a volunteer with Students Demand Action, underscored the urgency for youth: "As the leading cause of death for children, teens, and young adults in America — there’s nothing more urgent or important than addressing this crisis,” she said. “We deserve state and local lawmakers who will prioritize our safety, and lawmakers have a responsibility to pass these policies."

Anthony Cooper, CEO and Founder of Focused Interruption, emphasized a holistic approach: "Gun violence is a daily reality that devastates families and communities,” he stated. “The urgent need for gun reform is about saving lives, preventing trauma, and creating safer spaces for future generations. We must prioritize policies that keep firearms out of the wrong hands while addressing the root causes of violence — economic instability, limited opportunities, intergenerational trauma, inadequate mental health access, community disinvestment, and the normalization of violence. It’s time for policymakers, communities, and leaders to stand together in the fight for a future free from the cycle of gun violence."