Liz Andrews

Today, Governor Josh Shapiro called on lawmakers to invest an additional $105 million in violence intervention and prevention programs during his inaugural budget address. This continues historic levels of investment from the Wolf Administration at the PA Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD) to support community-centered strategies that have been proven to reduce gun violence. 

CeaseFirePA Action, the Commonwealth’s leading gun violence prevention advocacy organization, along with its program, Squirrel Hill Stands Against Gun Violence, announced endorsements of two Special Election candidates for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who will prioritize Pennsylvanians’ lives and safety.  Joe McAndrew in the 32nd House District and Abigail Salisbury in the 34th House District earned this endorsement by demonstrating a commitment to support lifesaving gun violence prevention legislation and continued investments in community violence intervention programs in Harrisburg.

With public safety a top voter concern as Philadelphians prepare to elect their next leader, CeaseFirePA Education Fund, WHYY News, and Billy Penn will host the “100th Mayor: Restoring Safety Forum,” a discussion among candidates on how they plan to approach policing and the gun violence epidemic as mayor. Philadelphia experienced nearly 1,000 gun homicides over the last two years.

15,000 Pennsylvainans have died from gun violence in the decade since 20 children and six educators were murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary in Connecticut. CeaseFirePA Education Fund, faith leaders, survivors, doctors and a network of community partners hosted 10 vigils in two weeks to remember those who will no longer join holiday gatherings because of gun violence.

Residents of Philadelphia and Allegheny County who have lost family members to gun violence, and CeaseFirePA filed their brief in their appeal to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in their case challenging Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption laws.