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.

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