(Long Island, NY) NYAGV released the following statement following Governor Cuomo’s decision to suspend development on the ammunition background check system.
The SAFE Act has been effective in keeping guns out of dangerous hands and enjoys wide popular support. Governor Cuomo knows this which is why last year he ran on and won re-election on the success of the law.
Suspending work on the background check system for ammunition sales, a system that is backed by 72% of New Yorkers, is an unnecessary and disappointing move that will make New Yorkers less safe and give anti gun safety advocates a veto over ever implementing the ammunition database.
We know background checks save lives. Implementing background check systems at the state level is clearly doable since many states already conduct their own background checks. New York State has the ability to prevent dangerous people from buying ammunition. It is extremely disappointing that the Governor would sacrifice this portion of the law to a conference that has been consistently hostile to gun safety legislation.
However, yesterday’s statement by the Governor’s Counsel provided some comfort that the Governor’s office intends to one day move forward with its commitment to develop the database. We now ask Governor Cuomo to share a date certain by which this work will be completed and offer our support in working with the New York State Police to resolve any ongoing technical issues.
New Yorkers Against Gun Violence is a statewide advocacy group working to reduce gun violence through advocacy and education designed to encourage action, influence public opinion and lead to policy change. With a primary focus on New York State, the organization also advocates at the local and national levels for sensible gun laws, policies and practices that protect New York State residents from gun violence.
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