Gun-related crimes in Illinois have been on the rise over the last few decades. In many cases, youth have been involved as the victims or perpetrators of these crimes, leading to a sense of urgency to get illegal guns and other weaponry off the streets and out of the hands of children and youth. Thankfully, the urgent calls to alleviate gun violence have not fallen on deaf ears. Several state lawmakers and other constituents have adamantly worked to address this heinous and vicious issue of gun violence throughout the state.
A press release issued on November 3, 2021, on the “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” website noted that “Governor J. B. Pritzker had announced a $250 million investment for gun violence intervention programs. Over the next three years, the funding—a combination of federal and state money—will direct support violence prevention and interruption initiatives in Illinois neighborhoods as part of the Reimagine Public Safety Act.”[1] As such, many communities of color, who historically have experienced increasingly more incidents of gun violence compared to their white counterparts, will benefit significantly from these violence prevention programs. In addition, these programs can assist children and youth who are “high risk.”
Therefore, as advocates for all Illinois’ children and youth, we encourage you to support this $250 million dollar investment in gun violence prevention programs. Be sure to spread this information throughout our local and church communities so that those most in need can receive these resources. Click here for more information on this new policy and share!
Rev. Beverly Dukes
Policy Coordinator, United Voices for Children
________________
[1] Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, “Governor J. B. Pritzker Commits $250 Million Towards Violence Intervention Programs-Illinois Moms Demand Actions, Students Demand Action Applaud Commitment to Gun Safety, accessed November 29, 2021, https://momsdemandaction.org/governor-j-b-pritzker-commits-250-million-towards-violence-intervention-programs-illinois-moms-demand-action-students-demand-actdion-applaud-commitment-to-gun-safety/