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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 16, 2023 03:38 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative G. Roni Green and Rep. Stephen Kinsey |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Safe Communities Grant Program |
| Gun violence has significantly harmed our nation, with more than 19,000 gun-related willful, malicious, or accidental deaths in the United States in 2020. Furthermore, gun violence committed in poorly illuminated or low-monitored areas makes it more difficult for witnesses to view perpetrators or the crime itself. As a result, darkness may give gun violence an advantage. For this reason, I plan to introduce legislation to create the Safe Communities Grant Program, a comprehensive grant program that would be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The program would provide grant funding to communities to install lighting, security cameras, or both, around schools, playgrounds, community centers, and high crime areas. Additionally, in order to fund this program, the legislation would establish additional fees for licenses to carry a firearm and firearm purchases. Improved outdoor lighting results in a significant reduction in nighttime crimes, including crimes of violence. The installation of security cameras, especially in conjunction with increased lighting, lowers crime rates. Additionally, security footage of crimes that do occur can be used to assist law enforcement in apprehending those responsible. With levels of gun violence remaining disturbingly high, it is vital that every effort it taken to protect our communities, especially our most vulnerable residents. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation which will not only lead to brighter streets, but a brighter future for our communities. |
Introduced as HB1130