Governor proposes strengthening SAFE Act
Photo from Office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo – Kevin P. Coughlin photographer: Governor Cuomo walks out with students from several Lower Manhattan high schools and participates in a 17-minute protest against gun violence in Zuccotti Park on March 14, one month after the Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, FL. The Governor layed down with students and AFT President Randi Weingarten for a one-minute “die-in” and observed a moment of silence in remembrance of the 17 victims killed in that shooting.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced today that wants to strengthen the SAFE Act, by extending the background check waiting time up to 10 days and banning people with a history of domestic violence from owning and purchasing guns.
“Earlier this week I stood shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with students who participated in the National Walkout Day as they demanded gun reform,” Cuomo said in a statement today. “We have heard these students loud and clear and cannot let them down. It is time for politicians to stand up and create real action and policy change.”
The SAFE Act was passed in January 2013 and has been formally opposed by every elected village, town and county board in Orleans County, which say the law infringes on the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
The governor said the law has reduced gun violence in New York.
“This change starts with doing everything in our power to keep guns out of the hands of people too dangerous to have them,” he said today. “Therefore, I am seeking to make the SAFE Act, which is already the strongest gun safety law in the country, even stronger. This year I have proposed a number of reforms, including preventing individuals with a history of domestic violence from purchasing or owning guns. Today I am proposing that New York extend the background check waiting period to up to 10 days, in order to keep our schools and our communities safe.”
Cuomo also has launched of the “New York Students Against Gun Violence” website (click here), where students can mobilize and communicate to Congress members and state legislatures about the need for gun safety regulation.
