Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Urge Lawmakers to Address Root Causes

LANSING, Mich. –– On the anniversary of the tragic Michigan State University shooting and the very day that legislation prompted by the shooting in East Lansing and Oxford came into effect, advocates gathered in Lansing to urge lawmakers to continue their sweeping work to address root causes of gun violence. Members and volunteers with the Campaign for a Safer Michigan visited the offices of members of the Michigan Legislature to uplift the Root Cause Platform, a policy platform that addresses the root causes of gun violence in a systemic manner, complementing the newly-enacted gun reforms.

The policy agenda includes issues such as education, universal health care, affordable utilities, and adequate housing-issues that have been proven to decrease the likelihood of experiencing gun violence. The policy platform aims to address conditions that may lead to harm.

"There is no single reason that gun violence happens in our communities and there is no single piece of policy that will solve it. It requires an all-of-the-above approach to address this problem, which is exactly what the Root Cause Platform does and what we're trying to lift up through the Campaign for Safer Michigan," said Sam Inglot, executive director of Progress Michigan. "Yes, we need to-and already have-addressed key policies related to firearms thanks to the Democratic trifecta in Lansing, but more needs to be done. From community development and mental health to public education and equality and dignity for all, there are popular policies rooted in our shared values that Michigan can act on to address the root cause of gun violence."

The Campaign for a Safer Michigan is made up of more than 30 organizations who came together after the package of gun laws passed in the legislature last year. The coalition applauded the legislators' quick and bold action, encouraging them to continue to ensure that people can live thriving lives.

Effective today, new laws include provisions for safe storage, expanded background checks, extreme risk protection orders, and domestic violence misdemeanor gun restrictions. These measures represent a vital step towards creating safer communities and protecting our most vulnerable citizens from harm.

"Today on the one year commemoration of the Michigan State University tragedy, we mourn those whose lives have been lost to gun violence. We also celebrate the new gun violence prevention laws that go into effect and at the same time, recognize that more can be done to improve economic stability and grow thriving communities. Financial struggle can lead to mental distress and desperation, fostering conditions ripe for conflict and tragedy," said Michigan State Senator Stephanie Chang. "Whether it's addressing our housing crisis, ensuring greater economic opportunity for all of us, or lowering the cost of water bills, energy bills and prescription drugs, we have work yet to do to provide sustainable solutions for struggling Michiganders. Let's keep shaping a future where safety and compassion prevail."

"We stand as part of the Campaign for a Safer Michigan, understanding the urgency of addressing how gun violence impacts the LGBTQ+ community. A small preview of the soon-to-be-released 2022 U.S. Trans Survey lays out how more than one-in-five trans people are subjected to forms of hostility, including violence, when they have to show an ID with a name and gender that does not match their presentation," said Emme Zanotti, Director of Advocacy & Civic Engagement at Equality Michigan. "LGBTQ+ individuals face disproportionately high risks of falling victim to violent crimes, and 73 percent of homicides of transgender people are by firearm, emphasizing the need for legislative action. House Bills 5300-5303, which eliminates barriers to legal name changes and codify access to accurate gender markers on IDs, are plainly and obviously violence-prevention legislation."

As advocates return to their communities, they will continue to urge policymakers on all levels of government, including county, municipal and school boards, to implement the needed policies. For more information on what root causes are included in the platform, please visit http://www.campaignforasafermi.org.