Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Invoking Florida School Shooting, Jay Inslee Urges Lawmakers To Act On Gun Bills

Listen

https://www.nwpb.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/WEB-Jay-Inslee-Urges-Gun-Bills-AJ-022118.mp3

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is reiterating his call for state lawmakers to pass a series of what he calls “common sense” gun control measures. The Democrat made his comments Wednesday in response to the Florida school shooting.

“Thoughts and prayers are not enough, our students and our families deserve action and it is my hope that the legislature takes action this year to provide safety for our students and, in fact, for all of us,” Inslee said.

Specifically, Inslee wants the Legislature to pass a ban on bump stocks. That bill has already passed the Washington Senate. He’s also calling on lawmakers to resurrect a bill that would expand background checks for military-style rifles and raise the age of purchase to 21.

Asked about lawmakers who may be concerned about the political fallout of voting for gun control measures, Inslee was impatient.

“Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter whether you’re going to lose your seat to some degree,” he said. “If somebody’s life is on the line, do your job. That’s the way I feel about it.”

Democrats currently control both the Washington House and Senate.

Related Stories:

Bump Stock Ban Faces Uncertain Future In Washington Legislature

A ban on firearm bump stocks has passed out of a Washington state Senate committee. But it faces an uncertain future. Continue Reading Bump Stock Ban Faces Uncertain Future In Washington Legislature Read More » Austin Jenkins January 16, 2018

Las Vegas Shooting Victims Testify In Olympia On Proposed Washington Gun Legislation

Hundreds of people crowded hearing rooms in the Washington state Capitol Monday to testify on proposed gun control legislation. Several of the people who testified in favor of a ban were victims of the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. Continue Reading Las Vegas Shooting Victims Testify In Olympia On Proposed Washington Gun Legislation Read More » Enrique Pérez de la Rosa January 15, 2018

Gun Rights Advocates Rally In Olympia Against Bump Stock Ban, Background Checks

Gun rights activists from across Washington state rallied in Olympia recently. They came to protest proposed gun control legislation that supporters say will reduce mass gun violence. Most were openly carrying weapons including pistols and semi-automatic rifles. Continue Reading Gun Rights Advocates Rally In Olympia Against Bump Stock Ban, Background Checks Read More » Enrique Pérez de la Rosa January 13, 2018