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Mayor Bernero, Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Michigan Parent Teacher Association and Michigan Moms Urge Lawmakers to Oppose SB 442, Dangerous “Guns Everywhere” Bill

November 4, 2015

LANSING, Mich. —The Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America and Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, stood with the Michigan Health and Hospital Association, the Michigan Parent Teacher Association and other gun violence prevention advocates today at a press conference at the State Capitol urging lawmakers to oppose Senate Bill 442 (SB 442), a “guns everywhere” bill that would force K-12 schools to allow concealed guns on school property, and would make it legal to bring concealed guns into college dorms and classrooms, bars, day care centers, sports arenas, places of worship, certain entertainment facilities and hospitals.

“Instead of telling schools, hospitals and cities that we have to allow guns in sensitive places, legislators should take a look at how guns get into dangerous hands — and what policies actually work towards keeping our communities safe,” said Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, a member of Mayors Against Illegal Guns. “Mayors see the daily toll that gun violence takes on our neighborhoods, and if this misguided legislation passes, mayors, educators and students alike will have to deal with the consequences.”

“Every day, Michigan hospitals make every effort to keep a safe environment so we can focus on providing compassionate and quality care to our patients, and this includes keeping a weapon-free environment,” said Rob Casalou, regional president and CEO, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. “Allowing concealed weapons into hospitals is not conducive to fostering an environment that promotes health and healing. We want our patients, their family members and our staff to feel as safe as possible in our hospitals. Senate Bill 442 would allow concealed weapons in places where weapons do not belong, and that’s simply irresponsible.”

“The Michigan PTA sees school safety as a top priority for all parents, educators, students and community members that cannot be taken for granted. We oppose the current legislation, SB 442, which would allow hidden, loaded firearms to be carried in K-12 schools,” said Ruthann Jaquette, President of the Michigan Parent Teacher Association. “We believe the most effective day-to-day school climate that fosters learning and growth is one that does not include firearms. Rather than putting more guns in more places, we urge our Michigan lawmakers to focus on reducing gun violence and vote ‘No’ on SB 442.”

The bill recently passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and heads next to the full Michigan Senate for consideration. While in Lansing today, volunteers with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action joined with teachers and parents to meet with lawmakers to further discuss their opposition to this dangerous legislation. Additionally, Moms across the state have been actively calling, emailing and writing their state senators and representatives to voice concerns and strong opposition to SB 442.

“SB 442 asks us to be okay with people carrying hidden, loaded firearms in the halls of our children’s elementary schools, in the hospitals we go to for health and healing, and in sports arenas where fan emotions may run high. As a parent and educator, I stand with the Michigan Moms, mayors, parents, teachers, hospital representatives and school administrators who will not support this illogical proposition,” said Kristen Moore, volunteer chapter leader with the Michigan chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “We are here today to urge our lawmakers to oppose this dangerous bill. The solution to preventing gun violence isn’t forcing guns into our children’s classrooms — it’s keeping guns away from dangerous people in the first place.”

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