Senator Sanders Calls on Governor and Mayor to Stop Gun Violence in Southeast Queens

In light of recent incidents of gun violence in Southeast Queens, Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Rochdale Village, Far Rockaway) has joined his colleagues in government and sent a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill deBlasio, calling on them to increase preventative resources to help end the rash of shootings.  
 
“We have lost too many lives, and especially young lives, to gun violence, and the time to take action is now,” Sanders said. “We can no longer sit on the sidelines and call for peace, we need to put into place a strategic plan consisting of a cohesive group of resources that will make a real difference in stopping these crimes.”
 
These steps include re-opening local community centers and extending their hours; bolstering afterschool program partnerships with smaller community-based organizations; expanding Beacon programs; increasing funding for trauma centers and opening additional centers in Southern Queens; developing and funding anti-violence curriculum in NYC schools; and creating a universal youth employment and education program.