Naugatuck's Senator Addressing Gun Control/Children's Safety Issues

State Senator Joan V. Hartley, D-Waterbury, co-chair of the legislature's Public Safety and Security Committee, has begun the serious work of the bipartisan, legislative task force to address gun violence prevention and children's safety issues. The task force was created to help channel the flow of ideas and the groundswell of formal initiatives prompted by the Newtown shootings on Dec. 14.

The task force is comprised of three separate working groups to focus on these components of the issue: gun violence prevention, school security evaluations and mental health screening and services. Hartley, whose district covers part of Naugatuck, serves on the gun violence prevention working group.

 "I'm eager to begin the discussion surrounding gun safety so we forge common sense, enforceable solutions to enhance public safety while protecting residents' rights," she said. "I have every confidence our working group will bring forward balanced, substantive recommendations with regard to gun laws that everybody can live with."

 She said legislative leaders underscored the ambitious goal of the task force at its first meeting: to act 'swiftly and decisively' and bring formal legislation forward by the end of February.

"Legislative leadership is right to assemble this task force so something positive and productive can emerge from such tragic circumstances," she said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important and timely effort."

The above information comes from a news release.