Conn. Elected Officials Hold Panel Discussion On Curbing Gun Violence
STAMFORD, Conn. (CBSNewYork) - Some Connecticut lawmakers hosted a round-table discussion in Stamford on Thursday on efforts to reduce gun violence.
Rep. Jim Himes and Sen. Chris Murphy said conversations between elected officials and the public are important, as Congress begins to work on sweeping gun control reforms.
"We want to have a series of conversations in Connecticut cities where gun violence is far too commonplace an occurrence to make sure that when we pass a law later this year, and we're going to pass a law, that it not only reduces the likelihood of an elementary school shooting ever happening again, but it reduces the likelihood that young men and women on the streets of Stamford, New Haven and Hartford get shot in their communities," Sen. Chris Murphy told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.
Conn. Elected Officials Hold Panel Discussion On Curbing Gun Violence
Murphy said the full federal gun control package may not be totally what he and other gun control advocates want, but he said he is confident a strong bill will emerge.
Earlier this week, President Obama signed 23 executive actions aimed at curbing gun violence and shooting massacres like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The renewed push for gun control came following the Dec. 14 Newtown massacre where 20 first graders and six educators were killed.
Also Thursday, it was announced that newly retired Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman will serve as an adviser to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund's transition team.
The fund has brought in more than $8 million in the month since the shooting rampage. As an adviser, Lieberman will provide guidance as the transition team determines how the funds will be distributed.
"I am honored to be asked to provide counsel to the team as they search for a sensible roadmap forward that ensures local input and oversight of the fund as well as responsible stewardship of the donations. I hope that all those involved are able to continue working together to support and strengthen the survivors and heal the community," said Lieberman.
The first meeting of the transition team with Lieberman is scheduled for Friday morning in Newtown.
Please share your comments below...
