The Massachusetts chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement applauding the Massachusetts legislature for approving a Fiscal Year 2023 state budget that includes at least $94 million dollars in funding for programs to prevent gun violence and support impacted communities. The budget includes funding allocations for community-based violence intervention programs, community safety grants, youth employment programs, and initiatives to reduce gun violence among at-risk young people, among other programs. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers drove advocacy for the passage of the budget. The budget will next be sent to Governor Charlie Baker for his approval.
“Combating our gun violence crisis can only happen when we harness every resource available, and our lawmakers in the legislature understand this,” said Rina Schneur, a volunteer leader with the Massachusetts chapter of Moms Demand Action. “This massive investment in gun violence prevention continues to reinforce Massachusetts’ legacy as a national leader in the fight against gun violence, and will help save the lives of countless Bay Staters. We thank Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Chairs Michlewitz and Rodrigues, and all the other gun sense lawmakers in the legislature for their leadership and commitment to gun safety. We urge Governor Baker to swiftly approve these vital funding levels.”
The funding includes:
- $10,066,465 for the Neighborhood Gun Violence Prevention (GVP) Program
- $13,050,000 for the Safe and Successful Youth Initiative
- $12,336,583 for the Shannon Community Safety Initiative Program
- $4,023,048 for Department of Public Health Violence Prevention Grants
- $6,000,000 for emerging adults re-entry programs
- $28,475,000 for the Youth Works employment program
- $20,000,000 for the Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Fund
In an average year in Massachusetts, 255 people die by guns and 557 people are wounded. Gun violence costs Massachusetts $3.5 billion each year, of which $85.4 million is paid by taxpayers. More information on gun violence in Massachusetts is available here.
