K 739: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York

 Assembly Resolution No. 739 BY: M. of A. Chandler-Waterman MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Month; and WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were approximately 40,000 people killed by guns in the United States in 2019; and WHEREAS, According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit organization that tracks media and law enforcement reports of shootings, at least 15,208 people were killed by guns in the United States in 2019, not including suicides; and WHEREAS, Gun-related deaths are the leading cause of death for American children, including approximately 3,400 gun-related homicides for 2019; and WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services reports that in 2019, of the nearly 70,000 violent crimes committed in New York State, nearly 8,000 involved a firearm; and WHEREAS, Gun violence continues to be a devastating crisis throughout the state with an increase of shootings and murders typically occurring in the summer months; and WHEREAS, The damage caused by gun violence is not limited by gender, race, sexual orientation or ethnicity; and WHEREAS, The effects of gun violence extend far beyond those struck by a bullet; and WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of this serious issue including prevention, intervention, education and outreach; and WHEREAS, Increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders is critical to the prevention of gun violence, the equal protection of our citizens, and to ensure our state's safety for our youth; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.