Designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month."
Impact
The resolution points out that firearm violence creates a substantial economic burden on communities, including increased healthcare and criminal justice costs. It mentions a report indicating that these costs amount to around $1.2 billion annually in New Jersey alone. Furthermore, the resolution underscores the emotional and social toll that gun violence takes on communities, including lost business opportunities and decreased property values due to fears of safety.
Summary
AJR130 is a Joint Resolution from the New Jersey Legislature introduced by Assemblywoman Carol A. Murphy, designating June of each year as 'Gun Violence Awareness Month.' This resolution addresses the significant and alarming issue of gun violence in the United States, highlighting statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that reported over 39,000 firearm-related deaths in 2019. The resolution aims to generate awareness and combat the impacts of gun violence, which has far-reaching effects on society, particularly in terms of public health and safety.
Contention
While AJR130 serves a noble purpose in raising awareness about gun violence, it operates within a broader context of ongoing debates around gun ownership and safety regulations in the United States. Proponents argue that recognizing a month dedicated to gun violence awareness is a crucial step towards mitigating this societal epidemic. Conversely, opponents may express concerns regarding the implication this resolution carries for Second Amendment rights, asserting that such resolutions could lead to calls for stricter gun legislation and increased regulation on firearms.