‘Spend & Shoot’ Politicians Set to Vote on Concealed Weapons Legislation that Would Make Communities Less Safe & Create Massive Financial Burden for Taxpayers, Says WAVE
MADISON, Wis. Dec. 6 /U.S. Newswire/ — “Spend and shoot” politicians will create a massive financial burden to taxpayers and threaten public safety if the current carrying concealed weapons (CCW) legislation becomes law in Wisconsin, according to Jeri Bonavia of the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort and advocates from the “NO CCW Coalition.” State lawmakers in the Senate are set to vote on the pending CCW legislation today, while the Assembly may vote on it as early as Thursday.
Under the pending CCW legislation, cities and counties could only prohibit permit holders from carrying hidden and loaded handguns into municipal buildings — such as city hall, community centers, or public libraries — if cities purchase and staff metal detectors at every entrance. In yet another costly expenditure, municipalities would also be mandated to provide secure lockers so permit holders could store loaded handguns on the premises.
Such measures would cost millions of dollars, amounting to an annual and massive unfunded mandate for each Wisconsin city and locale. In short, this law would strip away money from law enforcement officials, libraries, and communities trying to provide vital local services.
“This bill is going to cost cities and counties, and therefore the taxpayers of Wisconsin, a lot of money; there’s no doubt about it,” said Jeri Bonavia, executive director of Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort. “There’s all this talk in Madison about decreasing taxes, but, when it comes to doing the gun lobby’s bidding all that talk goes out the window. Then, these “spend and shoot” politicians are willing to jeopardize the financial security and physical safety of Wisconsin’s citizens.”
“The bottom line is that any legislation that puts more hidden, loaded guns on our streets is irresponsible, costly and dangerous,” Bonavia added.