We Can Stop Gun Violence by Investing in Communities
Senator Hughes recently brought together anti-violence community groups, gun violence advocates, and lawmakers to recognize gun violence awareness month and the impactful work of community violence intervention.
The group gathered to call for more investments to support the work of local groups, made up of our friends and neighbors, who have been critical in stopping violence and promoting public safety.
The rally was held following the release of data that showed a 16% decline in Philadelphia gun violence in 2024, compared to a national decline of 13%. The data was shared in a report from the Center for American Progress that stated Philadelphia and other cities seeing gains in public safety have, “made significant investments in more holistic and long-term approaches to improving public safety…like supporting vulnerable community members, investing in community violence intervention models, and bolstering data tracking and gun violence reporting to better foster case resolution.”
“We can help neighborhood based organizations keep the momentum going of what they have already achieved and do even more. If we invest in communities, they will respond. We can’t walk away from this responsibility.”
Senator Hughes
Senator Hughes and fellow speakers highlighted the need for more funding for Pennsylvania’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) grant program, which invests money directly into community groups. In March, Senator Hughes announced over $24 million dollars for community violence prevention groups and initiatives across Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties.
Governor Shapiro has proposed $100 million for the VIP program for next year’s budget.
Lawmakers and advocates also discussed 3 commonsense gun laws- universal background checks, red flag laws, ghost gun regulations- that have passed in the House of Representatives and are waiting for a vote in the Senate. Governor Shapiro has said he will sign these bills into law if they make it to his desk
A “yes” vote in the Senate would bring these bills to Governor Shapiro’s desk!
“The Senate needs to finish the job on three commonsense pieces of legislation. We thank the House of Representatives for taking their role in the majority seriously, and we ask Senate Republicans to stop blocking progress on these laws, that the majority of Pennsylvanians support.”
Senator Hughes
