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.
featured
Families of gun violence victims file brief with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, taking on firearm preemption laws
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.
CeaseFirePA Joining White House “Building a Better Pennsylvania”
In the last two years, Pennsylvania and municipalities across the Commonwealth have invested more than $170 million in violence prevention programs. The investment was made possible by hundreds of millions of federal funding provided by the Biden-Harris Administration. CeaseFirePA Education Fund’s Executive Director highlighted success stories and the need for continued focus at a special White House event on Thursday, September 28th.
CeaseFirePA Action Announces Independent Expenditure Campaign to Elect Paul Friel to PA House of Representatives
CeaseFirePA is launching a significant Independent Expenditure campaign to elect Paul Friel to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in the 26th District.
New Survey Reveals Scope of Gun Violence’s Severe Impact on Pittsburgh-Area Youth
More than half of Pittsburgh youth have lost a family member to the gun violence epidemic.
CeaseFirePA Action Endorses 62 Gun Safety Champions for 2022 Election
Today, CeaseFirePA Action, the Commonwealth’s leading gun violence prevention advocacy organization, endorsed a slate of candidates capable of achieving a gun safety majority in the Pennsylvania General Assembly that will put Pennsylvanians’ lives first.
STATEMENT: PA Budget Expands Historic Investment in Gun Violence Prevention
Today, the Pennsylvania General Assembly passed a budget that invests $105 million in violence prevention programs. More than doubling the size of last year’s program, this funding will allow community-led organizations and local governments to expand evidence-based programs to intervene and prevent violence before it happens. Read more.
Dozens of PA Local Officials Urge Chairman Knowles to Hold First Public Hearing on Gun Violence This Legislative Session
Today, a coalition of 80 local elected officials, community leaders, public health professionals, and faith leaders, as well as members of the veteran, law enforcement, and education communities from across Pennsylvania, sent a letter to Representative Jerry Knowles, Chairman of the PA House Local Government Committee, asking him to schedule a hearing on four gun violence prevention bills that are awaiting action in his committee.
After Uvalde, Even More Pennsylvanians Want Stronger Gun Violence Prevention Laws & Gun Safety Legislators
The first Pennsylvania poll on gun violence prevention since Uvalde revealed a deepening commitment to addressing this public health crisis among likely voters. The majority of likely voters (58%) are now more likely to support stronger gun safety laws after the mass shooting.
STATEMENT: PA House Judiciary Committee Plays Games With Pennsylvanians’ Lives
A week after a mass shooting destroyed celebrations on Philadelphia’s South Street, the Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee considered life-saving legislation for the first time this session. Unfortunately, four impactful bills were shelved via parliamentary procedure. Read our statement and take action.