State Rep. Ford, Firearm Public Awareness Task Force to Hold Hearing on the Effects of Gun Violence

CHICAGO – State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and fellow members of the Firearm Public Awareness Task Force will hold their first meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at noon in the sixth floor committee room of the Michael A. Bilandic Building, located at 160 N. LaSalle St. in Chicago.

“Gun violence has devastated countless families across Illinois, especially those living in Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods,” Ford said. “There is no single solution to ending senseless gun violence, and it is critical that we examine the root causes of this issue and work together to find ways to make Illinois safer.”

Ford was named chair of the bipartisan task force, which will review gun violence data throughout the state and submit a report with gun safety recommendations to the General Assembly. The task force is made up of 12 members of the House Democratic Caucus and 12 members of the House Republican Caucus. Hearings will feature testimony from advocates both for and against gun control, as well as law enforcement, public health officials, educators, behavioral health professionals and individuals and families affected by shootings.

“This task force will help leaders in Illinois address the threat of gun violence while giving all stakeholders a say in the process,” Ford said. “Promoting public safety in our communities is my top priority, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to create commonsense reforms that will help put an end to the gun violence crisis.”

Who:               State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford

What:             Firearm Public Awareness Task Force Hearing on the Effects of Gun Violence

Where:           Michael A. Bilandic Building

                        Committee Room, Sixth Floor

                        160 N. LaSalle St.

                        Chicago, IL 60601

When:             Wednesday, Oct. 16

                        Noon