2013 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Gun Control
Pat Quinn:
Comprehensive plan for gun safety & violence prevention
Last December, our hearts broke along with the parents of the children who died in the horrific massacre in Newtown, Connecticut. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah wept day and night for the slain of his people. But as elected officials, we're
in a position to do something about it. We must move forward with a comprehensive plan that includes gun safety legislation, mental health care, and violence prevention strategies. - We must prohibit the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity
ammunition magazines in Illinois.
- Of course, we must abide with the second amendment. But there is no place in our state for military-style assault weapons designed for rapid fire at human targets at close range.
- We must ensure that guns are kept
out of everyday public places, because guns don't belong in our schools, shopping malls, or sports stadiums.
- We must empower our law enforcement to keep guns from falling into the wrong hands. That means we need reliable mental health records.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Illinois Legislature
Feb 6, 2013
Robert Bentley:
Respond to active shooters but guarantee Second Amendment
I believe we are endowed with certain freedoms by our Creator, and that the Constitution serves to protect those freedoms. Freedoms such as those guaranteed in the Second Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.
We also will make sure our teachers--and students--are safe and protected. The events in Connecticut of last December are a grave reminder that protecting our schools, and ensuring the safety of our students, our teachers & our bus drivers should always
be a top priority.
I've asked to develop a strategic plan for preventing and responding to incidents of active shooters. Through use of training, technology through Virtual Alabama and public engagement, we hope to prevent tragedies from happening.
A Homeland Security hotline is now posted on the Governor's Office website. Anyone can call that number and report suspicious activity. Calls are anonymous and are connected to the state's intelligence and information sharing operation.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature
Feb 5, 2013
Deval Patrick:
More gun safety measures to help stop tragedies
Only this morning we re-filed several gun safety measures to help stop tragedies like Newtown. Yes, there is more to do. The truth is that, in any successful organization, the work of self-improvement is never finished. I am proud of the fact that,
working with the House and Senate, no administration has ever delivered more sweeping reform of state government than ours has. We have our proposals. There are many others before you now as well. Let's continue this work together.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Commonwealth Legislature
Jan 16, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
Keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill
Keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill
There are no easy solutions to addressing the difficult problem of gun violence and mental health. Some point to guns, others to a violent culture. Still others believe that the line between community security and individual freedom must be re-drawn.
Keep guns out of the hands of mentally ill
can find common ground in support of this proposition: Let's examine our laws and make the changes needed to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people. It's not enough to prevent dangerous people from getting weapons. We have to do a better
Source: 2013 Colorado State of the State address
Jan 10, 2013
Andrew Cuomo:
7-point agenda to stop the madness of gun violence
In the area of public safety, gun violence has been on a rampage as we know painfully. We must stop the madness, my friends. And in one word it is just enough. It has been enough. We need a gun policy in this state that is reasonable, that is balanced,
that is measured. We respect hunters and sportsmen. This is not taking away people's guns. I own a Remington shotgun. I've hunted, I've shot. That's not what this is about. It is about ending the unnecessary risk of high-capacity assault rifles.
That's what this is about. We have a seven point agenda.- Enact the toughest assault weapon ban in the nation period.
- Close the private sale loophole by requiring federal background checks.
- Ban high-capacity magazines.
-
Enact tougher penalties for illegal gun use, guns on school grounds and violent gangs.
- Keep guns from people who are mentally ill.
- Ban direct internet sales of ammunition in New York.
- Create a State NICS check on all ammunition purchases.
Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature
Jan 9, 2013
Andrew Cuomo:
Guns impose huge economic costs, as well as lives
Guns impose huge economic costs, as well as lives
Guns have both a noble and a tragic tradition in America and in New York State. They are a sign of our nation's fiercely defended independence and self-reliance.Guns not only cost us lives, but they also impose huge economic costs.
Guns impose huge economic costs, as well as lives
Fear of gun violence invades neighborhoods, causing disruptions in the normal rhythms of life, work and school. That threat depresses property values and puts a drag on economic development.
Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet
Jan 9, 2013
Andrew Cuomo:
Ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines
Ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines
[Some guns are] so dangerous and some ammunition devices so lethal that we simply cannot afford to continue selling them in our state. With military-style features that are unneeded and unwanted for hunting and sporting purposes, assault weapons are this
Ban assault weapons and large capacity magazines
magazines manufactured prior to the enactment of the federal assault weapons ban in 1994--magazines with the capacity to hold upwards of 30, 50, or even 100 rounds. It is virtually impossible for law enforcement to determine whether a large capacity
Source: NY Rising 2013 State of the State booklet
Jan 9, 2013
Dan Malloy:
More guns are not the answer to gun violence
More guns are not the answer to gun violence
When it comes to preventing future acts of violence in our schools, let me say this: more guns are not the answer. Freedom is not a handgun on the hip of every teacher, and security should not mean a guard posted outside every classroom.
More guns are not the answer to gun violence
As long as weapons continue to travel up and down I-95, what is available for sale in Florida or Virginia can have devastating consequences here in Connecticut.
Source: 2013 Connecticut State of the State address
Jan 9, 2013
Page last updated: Apr 17, 2013