Gretchen Whitmer on Gun Control

	Gretchen Whitmer on Gun Control

It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence

The time for only thoughts and prayers is over. It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence in our communities. Let's enact universal background checks for people who want to buy firearms. Let's enact safe storage laws so we can make sure firearms are stored safely at home. And let's enact extreme risk protection orders, so we can keep guns out of the hands of those who might represent a danger to themselves or others. If Florida and Indiana can get this done, we sure can, right? Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature , Jan 25, 2023

We need red-flag laws and requirement for secure gun storage

Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed over how to protect children from school shootings, with Dixon arguing for more security at school buildings and Whitmer making the case for gun control measures.

Dixon said she wants armed security at schools, as well as a single entry point for school buildings. "We need an Office of Safe Schools, like states like Florida have, to make sure that this is a top priority," Dixon said.

"We've been trying that for 30 years. It's not working," Whitmer said. Instead, she said, Michigan needs to enact laws requiring background checks and secure storage, as well as "red flag" laws. "Ask yourself, who is going to keep your kids safe: The former prosecutor with plans, or a candidate with thoughts and prayers?" Whitmer said.

Source: CNN Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race , Oct 25, 2022

Allow cities and towns to enact laws regarding knives

Summary by KnifeRights.org (11/6/21): HB 4066 would assure that cities and towns could not criminalize the simple possession of the tools millions of Michigan residents use every day. Factory workers, farmers, hunters, fishermen and others will remain in danger of arrest simply for crossing a line on a map to enter a city or town whose law may differ from the state's knife laws.

Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would have prohibited local governments from enacting or enforcing any knife law stricter than state law. Crime is local. In my view, citizens of Michigan's cities and towns-not Lansing politicians-should be able to make their own public safety decisions. HB 4066 would deprive them of that power. I am therefore vetoing this legislation.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-41-0 on Jun/17/21; passed Senate 25-11-0 on Oct/19/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.

Source: Michigan State Legislature voting records HB4066 , Nov 5, 2021

Universal background checks; ban assault-style weapons

Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

Bill Schuette (R): No. Repeal existing state restrictions. Challenged restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. NRA 100% rating.

Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Universal background checks on gun purchases and ban assault-style weapons. NRA 7% rating.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race , Oct 9, 2018

Strengthen gun laws: safety locks & background checks

Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
Require background checks on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows.
Support current licensing requirements for gun possession.
Prohibit the hunting of mourning doves in Michigan.

Source: 2004 MI Congressional National Political Awareness Test , Nov 1, 2004

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*Other governors on Gun Control:*			*Gretchen Whitmer on other issues:*
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