Connecticut Governor Touts Schneider's Record on Gun Violence Prevention

Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy was in the Chicago area last week and led a roundtable discussion with former Illinois 10th District U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider on gun violence prevention in Mount Prospect Friday.

Schneider, who is a candidate in the 2016 10th District race, received praise from the Governor on his record when he was in Congress.

“Brad Schneider has been a leader on gun violence prevention for years. Whether it was in Congress co-sponsoring the Gun Violence Prevention Act and the Healthy Minds for Safer Communities Act, or his work in the community with local elected officials, law enforcement, and the faith leaders, Brad has worked tirelessly to help reduce gun violence and make our streets safer,” Malloy said.

Schneider discussed his personal tie to lives lost by gun violence during the roundtable.

“This is personal for me,” said Schneider, who faces Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering in the 2016 Democratic primary. “I was named for my mother’s uncle who was shot and killed in his office before I was born. I also lost a cousin to suicide. Taking prudent action to reduce gun violence in our communities is long past due.”

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Malloy discussed the gun control legislation signed into law in Connecticut in the wake of the 2012 tragic shooting in Sandy Hook, with universal background checks becoming the key theme of the discussion.

“We passed legislation with bipartisan support that banned the sale of magazines with more than 10 rounds, created a pioneer registry for dangerous weapon offenders, and required universal background checks to anyone purchasing a firearm,” he said.

In addition to Malloy and Schneider, the panel included Marcia Balonick, Executive Director of the Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs, Rabbi Karyn Kedar, Senior Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim, Nate Pendleton, founder of Hadiya’s Promise and father of Hadiya Pendleton, who was tragically murdered in 2013, Mayor Leon Rockingham of North Chicago, and Kathleen Sances, Executive Director of Gun Violence Prevention PAC.

Prior to the conclusion of the meeting, Malloy provided support for Schneider’s bid to return to Congress.

“I know that we would be more likely to pass meaningful legislation to address gun violence in this country if Brad were in Congress,” he said.