Statement from Speaker Heastie
New York State Assembly Stands in Support to Honor Lives Lost at Stoneman Douglas High School
In the weeks since the Parkland tragedy, the brave students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have channeled their grief into an inspiring wave of advocacy for gun reform. Today, students around the country walked out of their schools to honor those killed.
Today, the New York State Assembly stands with them. The People's House paused for 17 minutes in honor of the 17 lives lost on February 14th.
The numbers on gun violence in this country are staggering. On average 96 people die every day as a result of gun violence, including seven children and teenagers. What does it say about us as a society if we accept this as the cost of unfettered access to guns?
Students across America are showing that they will not accept that cost. Kids who are not yet old enough to vote are walking out to protest the lax gun laws that have allowed gunmen to kill their classmates. They know better than anyone that thoughts and prayers are not enough.
The Assembly Majority has passed legislation to try and curb gun violence in this country. Yet it is not the end. We will continue to stand with our students as they stand up to the gun lobby. And we will continue to fight for common sense gun safety measures.