Harper Statement on Protect Illinois Communities Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Following the passage early Friday morning of the Protect Illinois Communities Act (PICA), state Rep. Sonya M. Harper, D-Chicago, issued the following statement.

“Last night, we made progress in promoting public safety in our state. The bill my colleagues and I voted on and passed promises to improve public safety in our state in many ways. It is important, however, that we not forget that assault weapons and mass shootings are only part of the problem we face. I hope I will not be misunderstood: the Protect Illinois Communities Act represents a significant—and necessary—step in protecting our communities. It is an accomplishment of which we should be proud. However, the fact is that assault weapons only account for about 3% of gun crimes nationwide, and mass shootings are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the totality of the gun violence that people in our state have been experiencing on a daily basis for decades—especially in majority-minority and other historically disinvested communities. Again, last night’s historic achievement should in no way be diminished. But more remains to be done.  I look forward to working with Governor Pritzker and legislative leadership throughout the coming session to develop and pass common sense solutions that address the most common and incessant forms of gun violence which remain a serious problem throughout our state. We have done a good thing, but we cannot rest with the job unfinished.”

Harper’s constituent service office is reachable at 773-925-6580 or repsonyaharper@gmail.com.

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