By Ashleigh Fields,
AFRO Assistant Editor
Governor Wes Moore and members of his cabinet met with Maryland legislators at the U.S. Capitol to discuss top priorities for the state on June 12. Although future plans for transportation, regulation and funding were discussed, gun violence was a major topic with the recent mass shooting in Annapolis.
“The people of our state want action, the people of our state are tired. They are exhausted about the fact that –seemingly– we are not coming up with common sense solutions that can make them safe,” said Moore.
He went on to propose that those with a history of mental illness and violence not be able to purchase guns, with the same rule applying to residents under the age of 21. Moore also suggested preventing firearms from entering nurseries and government buildings.
“I refuse to be a governor who’s just going to simply offer ‘thoughts and prayers’ my entire term and not pass a single piece of legislation,” said Moore.
These concerns were echoed by U.S. Representatives Andy Harris (Md.-1) and Kweisi Mfume (Md.-7) prior to the press conference, during the bipartisan meeting.
“Guns continue to pour in from other states,” said Harris, who went on to mention that there is a way to regulate guns without taking away citizens’ constitutional rights. Harris requested more testimonies from Governor Moore and mayors across the state to help fellow members of Congress gauge the severity of the issue.
“Devaluation of human life is not going to be changed overnight,” said Mfume. “We’ve never seen anything like this before.”
Mfume shed light on youth involvement in heinous crimes, sharing that juveniles as young as 12 years old are being linked to acts of violence. The legislators agreed to put more effort towards increasing public safety as the meeting concluded. The group, which affectionately referenced themselves as “Team Maryland,” is undoubtedly eager to work collaboratively with hopes of pushing the state forward.
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