The California chapters of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, both part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after the San Jose City Council voted to pass a first of its kind ordinance to require liability insurance for all firearm owners, as well as an annual gun harm reduction fee. Money from the fee will be used to further the mission of addressing firearm deaths and injuries. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers have testified, advocated, and participated in press conferences for months supporting this measure ahead of the vote.
“Following unthinkable tragedies from gun violence, San Jose has taken action that will save lives,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “Our grassroots volunteers have been proud to work hand-in-hand with the mayor, city council, and community partners to help get this innovative package of gun safety laws crafted and across the finish line.”
“Once again, San Jose has taken initiative to be a leader in the gun violence prevention movement,” said Rachel Michelson, a volunteer leader with the California chapter of Moms Demand Action in San Jose. “This ordinance is an innovative approach to address the costs of gun violence and incentivize safer practices that can help prevent firearm deaths and injuries. Other cities should follow San Jose’s lead and prioritize safer cities.”
“This vote is a victory for gun safety,” said Ewan Barker Plummer, a volunteer leader with Students Demand Action in the Bay Area. “Thanks to the tireless advocacy of volunteers and commitment to gun safety from San Jose leaders San Jose is leading the charge against gun violence. We all want a safer San José, a safer California, and a safer nation. With this approach, we can move closer to that goal.”
In an average year, gun violence in the United States kills nearly 40,000 people, injures more than twice as many, and costs our nation $280 billion. This staggering figure is higher than the entire US Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual budget. Gun violence costs California $22.6 billion each year, of which $1.2 billion is paid by taxpayers. More information about gun violence in California is available here.
