Rep. Robyn Vining: We Must Protect Against Gun Violence

The following is a guest commentary by State Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa). The views expressed here are her own. Wisconsin Patch provides a platform for elected officials to submit their own work as it pertains to issues being discussed in the community. To submit a commentary for publication, email Milwaukee Regional Editor Scott Anderson at scott.anderson@patch.com.

We need to take action. The Wisconsin State Legislature has a role to play in this epidemic of gun violence in our country. We have a role to protect our people and ensure their futures. The tragedies that occurred in El Paso and Dayton, and in Oak Creek and Brookfield over the past years must end. The succession of mass shootings across our nation can be abated through legislative action.

In Wisconsin, we are working on gun violence prevention legislation such as ERPOs (Extreme Risk Protection Orders), universal background checks, and reinstating the 48-hour waiting period for firearm purchases. These are crucial efforts to prevent suicides, mass shootings, and other forms of gun violence. We must ensure public safety while also protecting individual freedoms.

ERPOs, universal background checks, and 48-hour waiting periods are data-driven solutions to
the gun violence epidemic that have bipartisan support across the country. These bills have
proven to be effective in preventing shootings and suicides in other states that have passed
similar laws. The legislation is carefully written to include strong due process protections that
will not impede on responsible gun ownership.

A majority of people are in support of these gun reform measures. 97 percent of Americans support universal background checks, including 78 percent of gun-owning households in this state. As a State Representative, it is my job to listen to my constituents and the people of Wisconsin.

Wisconsinites want a place to raise their families without the fear that the next terrible gun-
related tragedy will impact them. Adults want to enjoy society. Kids want to feel safe.

We can honor our Wisconsin heritage of outdoor sportsmanship, protect human life, and preserve constitutional rights surrounding gun ownership, and so we should. I’m ready -- let’s get this done.

— State Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa)