The Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action, part of Everytown for Gun Safety’s grassroots networks, released the following statement today applauding the Pennsylvania General Assembly for passing a state budget on Friday night that includes $30 million in violence prevention funding. The funding includes additional grants for gun violence prevention through community programs, overseen by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The budget, having passed through both houses of the legislature, will be sent to Governor Tom Wolf, who has committed to signing it next week.
“It takes as many resources as we can muster to effectively address gun violence in our state,” said Erin Buchner, a volunteer with the Pennsylvania chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are very heartened to see the legislature recognize this and make a historic investment in gun violence prevention, allowing the state to leverage its significant resources in this fight. Community safety initiatives are critical tools used to keep our communities safe, and this budget acknowledges the vital work they do and provides much needed support.”
For decades, community-based organizations have successfully reduced violence and uplifted communities by implementing alternative public safety measures that are locally driven, informed by data, and don’t require police involvement. Often referred to as violence intervention programs, these strategies have expanded greatly over the years and include street outreach, group violence intervention, crime prevention through environmental design, hospital-based violence intervention programs, safe passage programs, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
Learn more about gun violence in Pennsylvania here.