Thank you Senator Durbin and Senator Kirk for standing for the people

“Thank you Senator Durbin and Senator Kirk for standing for the people but ultimately, political fear and outrageous claims won out over common sense.”

The League of Women Voters of the U.S. (LWVUS) expressed frustration and disappointment with the failure of the U.S. Senate to pass an amendment that would have required background checks for gun purchases even though it had garnered support from an overwhelming majority of Americans.

“The Senators who voted against this amendment failed in their fundamental duty to protect Americans from wanton gun violence. They should have stood up to the special interest gun lobby and their money and instead stood with the American people.” League President Elisabeth McNamara said.

“Now we look to our own State of Illinois to fulfill the will of the people as Colorado and Connecticut has done”, stated League of Women Voters of Glenview (LWVG) President Joan Ziegler. The State of Illinois was recently ordered by a federal court to allow the carrying of concealed weapons and so legislation to implement concealed carry is likely in the near future. “The LWVG joins The League of Women Voters of Illinois and other organizations in supporting House and Senate bills co-sponsored by Representatives Fine and Gabel and Senator Biss that will require licensed gun dealers to perform a background check on individuals seeking to buy a gun.” said Ziegler. “Registering guns is critical to reducing the incidence of gun violence. Making sure that those wishing to purchase a gun and registering it also undergo a background check before final purchase is critical to public safety.” Barb Marsh, Chris McCooey, Carol & Jerry Ginsburg, Valerie Krejcie and Carole Weber representing LWVG for Gun Violence Prevention Advocacy joined the Gun Violence Prevention Rally in Springfield on April 11th

“This fight is not over, it is far too important,” concluded McNamara and was echoed at the April 22 Community Forum in Glenview by U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, D-9th, and state Representatives Laura Fine, D-17th, and Robyn Gabel, D-18th.

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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to men and women of all ages. With 93 years of experience and 800 local and state affiliates, the League is one of America's most trusted grassroots organizations. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter. To learn more about the League of Women Voters of Glenview visit www.glenview.il.lwvnet.org