(Left – Sen. Bonnie Westlin – Plymouth, Right – Sen. Eric Lucero, St. Michael)
Members of the Minnesota Senate began hearing testimony both for and against a possible state ban on assault rifles this week on day one of the gun violence prevention working group. The sessions are in preparation for a likely special session of the legislature on the topic.
DFL Senator Bonnie Westlin of Plymouth said the issue should not have partisan overtones…
“This is not a political football. This is not a political issue. This is a health crisis. This is an epidemic in our nation, in our society. And the question is will we meet this moment this time?”
Republican Senator Eric Lucero of St. Michael stressed that much of the problem lies with a broken state of mental health…
“We must return to a culture that values life. We must ensure safe schools, safe communities and expanded access to mental health services.”
A number of proposals were introduced with public testimony. The lawmakers will take the information and start discussing proposed bills throughout the week.
Monday was the first hearing since the Annunciation Catholic School mass shooting in Minneapolis on August 27th.
(content, in part: courtesy MNN)
