Statement From State Senator Jose Peralta On Governor Cuomo's State of the State Address

“I can’t help but feel proud to be a Democrat after listening to Governor Cuomo.  I stand ready to join him in fighting the good fights for sensible gun regulation, an increased minimum wage, job creation, good schools, affordable housing, rebuilding after Sandy and the rest of his progressive agenda.

“After what we saw happen in Newtown, Ct., and in Rochester, strengthening New York’s assault weapons ban became an urgent and pressing priority.  But with handguns used in 58 percent of all homicides in New York last year, the focus has to be on more than just assault weapons.

“The governor understands this and responded with a robust agenda of other gun proposals, including stronger mental health checks, ammo purchase oversight and proactive license checks and revocations and private sale regulation, all measures I have been fighting for.

“Making it harder for criminals to get guns, and keeping firearms out of the hands of the mentally ill, are essential steps in the fight against gun violence.  We also need to make it easier for law enforcement to put gun criminals in jail by making use of available technology.

“That’s why I will continue fighting for microstamping, which has sweeping support from law enforcement across the state.”

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