Harper Appointed to Gun Violence Prevention Task Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago will advocate for a community-oriented, progressive approach to reducing gun violence as part of the House Firearm Public Awareness Task Force.

“Families in my district know the devastating realities of gun violence all too well, including the painful loss of loved ones and a fear that can cripple communities,” Harper said. “The only way we can offer justice to these families and prevent others from suffering is to meaningfully and sustainably reduce gun violence through a community-driven approach.”

Harper is a member of the bipartisan House Firearm Public Awareness Task Force, a 20-member working group charged with making legislative recommendations to reduce gun violence. The task force is chaired by state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, D-Chicago, and contains 10 Democratic and 10 Republican members.

Harper has advocated a multifaceted approach to reducing gun violence that focuses on empowering communities through economic development and job creation, enacting criminal justice reform that allows law enforcement to focus resources on combating violent crime and providing a trauma-informed response for survivors and families impacted by gun violence.

“For too long our approaches to reducing gun violence have left out the voices of those in communities plagued by violence and the trauma it causes,” Harper said. “As a member of the House Firearm Public Awareness Task Force, I intend to put community voices first and advocate a well-rounded, holistic approach to reducing gun violence that is focused on treating trauma, devoting law enforcement resources to combating violent crime and creating meaningful economic opportunity for communities hurt by gun violence.”

Harper represents the 6th District, which includes all or portions of Armour Square, Bridgeport, Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Gage Park, Back of the Yards, Canaryville, New City, West Englewood, Marquette Park, South Loop and River North.