Senate Resolution No. 913

BY: Senator MYRIE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 2023, 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 2023, 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 latest available statistics from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48,830 Americans died
of gun-related injuries in 2021, more than in any other year on record;
and

WHEREAS, This figure includes gun murders and suicides, along with
three less common types of gun-related deaths tracked by the CDC, those
that were accidental, those that involved law enforcement, and those
whose circumstances could not be determined; and

WHEREAS; In 2021, about eight-in-ten murders in the United States,
20,958 out of 26,031, or 81%, involved a firearm, marking the highest
percentage since 1968; and

WHEREAS, Gun murders, in particular, have climbed sharply during the
COVID-19 pandemic, increasing 45% between 2019 and 2021, while the
number of gun suicides rose 10% during that span; 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, 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 2023, 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.