Gov. Christie: Ignoring NJ on Gun Violence Prevention

Governor Christie thought he could slip under the radar by vetoing three gun violence prevention bills late on a Fridaynight. But we have not forgotten. 

Parents in New Jersey should not have to worry about gun violence impacting their children as they play outside. New Jersey neighborhoods should be safe environments for families. New Jersey parents face the very real possibility that they'll get a call from the hospital. One act of gun violence can shake an entire community. 

Gov. Chris Christie doesn’t seem to realize that the majority of New Jerseyans want common-sense legislation to reduce gun violence. Christie has been concerned with the views of the NRA rather than the views of his own constituents. Clearly, Christie is gearing up for a Presidential run in 2016.

“It doesn’t bother me that you’re running for President. It bothers me how you’re running for President,” Barbara said at the first gubernatorial debate.

This past August, Christie catered to the NRA and Republican right by vetoing a ban on .50 caliber rifles. This was a ban that he initially proposed. Christie also conditionally vetoed a bill that would require state law enforcement to report lost and stolen guns to federal databases, and another bill that would change the way New Jersey issues firearms ID cards.

Barbara knows New Jerseyans want safer neighborhoods. Her common-sense proposal to reduce gun violence has three parts:

1. Reduce the magazine capacity: A high capacity ammunition magazine has the capability to inflict more violence damage. Barbara plans to reduce the magazine capacity from 15 to 10.

2. Require universal background checks: New Jerseyans agree that anyone purchasing a gun should be required to undergo a background check. Currently there is a loophole that allows people to buy guns from private sellers without undergoing a background check. Barbara’s plan is to only allow licensed retailers to sell firearms and ammunition.

3. Require that ammunition is sold in a face-to-face sale: New Jersey currently required that all guns are sold face-to-face, but the state doesn’t require the same for ammunition. Barbara’s plan would eliminate purchase of ammunition through the Internet, phone, and mail order.