Assembly Resolution No. 1274

BY: M. of A. Rules (Aubry)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim
June 2018, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of issues that
affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2018, as Gun
Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were
38,658 people killed by guns in the United States in 2016; and

WHEREAS, According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit
organization that tracks media and law enforcement reports of shootings,
at least 15,549 people were killed by guns in the United States in 2017
excluding suicides, which represents a 3 percent increase over the
previous year; and

WHEREAS, Gun-related deaths are the third leading cause of death for
American children, including approximately 1,600 gun-related homicides
per year; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services
reports that in 2016 there were over 10,000 violent crimes committed
with a firearm, and 367 gun deaths; and

WHEREAS, The Department of Criminal Justice Services affirms in
2017, firearms accounted for 25.5% of domestic violence incidents in the
State of New York, and 23.8% of domestic violence incidents in New York
City; and

WHEREAS, Gun violence continues to be a devastating crisis
throughout the state with an increase of shootings and murders typically
occurring in the summer months; and

WHEREAS, The damage caused by gun violence is not limited by gender,
race, sexual orientation or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS, The effects of gun violence extend far beyond those struck
by a bullet; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue including prevention, intervention, education and
outreach; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders
is critical to the prevention of gun violence, the equal protection of
our citizens, and to ensure our state's safety for our youth; now,
therefore, be it


RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim June 2018, as Gun
Violence Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.