If you are worried about the epidemic of gun violence in this country and believe in commonsense strategies to tackle it, it’s time to contact your senator.
In late February, a proposed bill prohibiting the possession of firearms at childcare facilities, hospitals, and certain public buildings - places where weapons are not needed - was stripped down in committee to a requirement for “No Guns Allowed” signage to be added to hospital doors. The weakened Bill was not voted out of committee but will go to the Democratic Caucus on Tuesday, March 9th, for discussion. Please sign this petition to encourage your elected officials to reconsider this bill and turn it into a strong, intact piece of meaningful legislation.
In Vermont, there are simple, sensible measures, like S. 30, that need your support. This bill was meant to prohibit the possession of firearms at childcare facilities, hospitals, and certain public buildings - places where weapons are not needed. However, it was stripped down to a simple requirement to post No Guns Allowed signs at hospitals.
Everyone should be able to enter a hospital or public building without worrying for their safety. Guns should be far from children and the places they learn and receive care. Everyone deserves to feel they and their children and loved ones are safe.
As hospital officials stated after a man brought a handgun into a Baltimore hospital in 2010, killing his mother and himself and shooting a surgeon: “Hospitals are and must remain places of hope and healing that are open to the public. They cannot be turned into armed citadels.”
The Democratic Caucus is meeting on Tuesday March 9th regarding S. 30 and whether to reconsider and strengthen it. Please contact members of that caucus and your own senators to let them know you support this as strong, intact legislation.