Senate Resolution No. 2307

BY: Senator MAYER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 2024, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2024, as Gun Violence
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there
were approximately 42,967 people killed by gun-related injuries in the
United States in 2023; and

WHEREAS, According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit
organization that tracks media and law enforcement reports of shootings,
at least 18,854 people were killed by guns in the United States in 2023,
not including suicides; and

WHEREAS, Gun-related deaths are the leading cause of death for
American children; firearm deaths among children and adolescents rose
from 1,301 in 2012, to 2,543 in 2022, according to the CDC; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services
reports that in 2019, of the nearly 70,000 violent crimes committed in
New York State, nearly 8,000 involved a firearm; and

WHEREAS, Gun violence continues to be a devastating crisis
throughout the state with an increase of shootings and murders typically
occurring in the summer months; and

WHEREAS, The damage caused by gun violence is not limited by gender,
race, sexual orientation or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS, The effects of gun violence extend far beyond those struck
by a bullet; and

WHEREAS, This June, 2024, coinciding with National Gun Violence
Awareness Month, is the month in which the 20 first-grade students who
were killed in the infamous Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in
Newtown, Connecticut would have graduated high school alongside their
peers; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of this State and Nation shall continue to
honor and uphold the memories and legacies of the countless lives lost
to senseless gun violence over the years, continuing to advocate for a
world where such tragedy does not ensue; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue including prevention, intervention, education and
outreach; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders
is critical to the prevention of gun violence, the equal protection of
our citizens, and to ensure our state's safety for our youth; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2024, as Gun Violence
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.