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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 22, 2021 12:43 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Austin A. Davis |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Temporary Debt Relief Grant Program |
| In an average year, more than 100 children and teens in Pennsylvania die as a result of firearms, with the majority being victims of homicide. This number represents more than 100 young people who will never graduate high school, travel the world, or be fortunate to have children of their own. It also represents hundreds of parents whose lives will never be the same. While gun violence in any form can leave lasting impacts on us all, few individuals are more affected than the parents of these young victims. The sudden, violent nature of the death further complicates the devastating grief felt by all bereaved parents and may lead to long-term psychological and financial consequences for families. These consequences are even more pronounced for low-income parents of color. Often times, these parents experience additional difficulties throughout the grieving process, and it may take several years before they can truly begin to heal, at which point the economic damage may already be done. It is for this reason that I will be introducing legislation that would permit these grieving parents to either defer debt payments or apply for a grant program that can provide financial assistance. The death of a child due to gun violence causes an unimaginable level of trauma, and their parents must be given the time and space to grieve without the fear of homelessness or bankruptcy. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislative package that will provide crucial support to our grieving Pennsylvania families. |
Introduced as HB1678