It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence
The time for only thoughts and prayers is over. It's time for commonsense action to reduce gun violence in our communities. Let's enact universal background checks for people who want to buy firearms. Let's enact safe storage laws so we can make sure
firearms are stored safely at home. And let's enact extreme risk protection orders, so we can keep guns out of the hands of those who might represent a danger to themselves or others. If Florida and Indiana can get this done, we sure can, right?
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
, Jan 25, 2023
We need red-flag laws and requirement for secure gun storage
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed over how to protect children from school shootings, with Dixon arguing for more security at school buildings and Whitmer making the case for gun control measures.
Dixon said she wants armed security at schools, as well as a single entry point for school buildings. "We need an Office of Safe Schools, like states like Florida have, to make sure that this is a top priority," Dixon said.
"We've been trying that for 30 years. It's not working," Whitmer said. Instead, she said, Michigan needs to enact laws requiring background checks and secure storage, as well as "red flag" laws. "Ask yourself, who is going to keep your kids safe:
The former prosecutor with plans, or a candidate with thoughts and prayers?" Whitmer said.
Allow cities and towns to enact laws regarding knives
Summary by KnifeRights.org (11/6/21): HB 4066 would assure that cities and towns could not criminalize the simple possession of the tools millions of Michigan residents use every day. Factory workers, farmers, hunters, fishermen and others
will remain in danger of arrest simply for crossing a line on a map to enter a city or town whose law may differ from the state's knife laws.
Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would have prohibited
local governments from enacting or enforcing any knife law stricter than state law. Crime is local. In my view, citizens of Michigan's cities and towns-not Lansing politicians-should be able to make their own public safety decisions. HB 4066 would
deprive them of that power. I am therefore vetoing this legislation.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 69-41-0 on Jun/17/21; passed Senate 25-11-0 on Oct/19/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.