Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, whose district includes a part of Shelton, will re-introduce the SAFER (Support Assault Firearm Elimination and Education for our) Streets Act that would provide a tax credit to people who chose to turn in an assault weapon to law enforcement.
“Just days after the Newtown tragedy, President Obama asked, ‘Are we doing enough to protect our children?’ And he admitted the answer is no. That must change,” said DeLauro, a Democrat in her 13th term in the U.S. Congress.
“The SAFER Streets Act is a common-sense, constructive step to help ensure such a tragedy will never happen again,” she said. “This bill would get more assault weapons off the streets.”
‘A gun designed for a battlefield’
DeLauro made the announcement on the SAFER Streets Act on Monday, noting that was the start of National Public Health Week from April 6 to 12.
“Assault weapons are not about hunting, or even self-defense,” she said. “There is no reason on Earth, other than to kill as many people as possible in as short a time as possible, that anyone needs a gun designed for a battlefield.
“These weapons were used in Newtown, Aurora (Colo.) and countless other mass shootings across America,” DeLauro said. “And they have been disproportionately used to kill law enforcement officers in the line of duty. They have no place on the streets or in our homes.”
Idea suggested by CT resident
DeLauro first introduced the legislation during the last session of Congress. The SAFER Streets Act would create a $2,000 refundable tax credit ($1,000 for two consecutive years) for an assault weapon owner who gives their firearm to law enforcement.
The idea for the law was proposed to DeLauro by Connecticut resident Joe Bango, according to a press release from DeLauro’s congressional office.
DeLauro considers herself a longtime supporter of stronger laws to prevent gun violence.
She supports a comprehensive ban on assault weapons as well as high-capacity ammunition-feeding devices, closing the “gun show loophole” to ensure background checks are conducted on all gun purchases, and healthcare system improvements to better assist Americans struggling with mental health issues, according to the release.
DeLauro represents the Third Congressional District, which includes a part of Shelton and most of the greater New Haven region. She lives in New Haven and was first elected in 1990.
Most of Shelton is in the Fourth Congressional District, represented by Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Greenwich. Himes was first elected in 2008. His district includes most towns in Fairfield County.
DeLauro: Pay people $2,000 to turn in assault weapons | Shelton Herald.