Victory for Missouri Children: Moms Thank Governor Nixon For Veto of Dangerous Guns-In-Schools Bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., July 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America today applauded Governor Jay Nixon for his veto of a dangerous guns-in-schools bill (SB 656) that would have forced Missouri cities to allow teenagers to carry loaded firearms in public, would have allowed school districts to arm teachers, and would have made it impossible for parents to find out if someone is carrying a concealed firearm in their children's classrooms.  The bill could be reconsidered during the legislature's veto session this fall.

"As Missouri moms and dads who want to know our kids will be safe at school, we applaud Governor Nixon's veto of this dangerous legislation — but we also know this fight isn't over," said Melissa Brooks of the Missouri chapter of Moms Demand Action. "We call on our legislators to reject this dangerous bill because it never should have passed in the first place.  Missourians know that asking a teacher to become a sharpshooter won't prevent another tragedy like Newtown, and we believe that parents have the right to know if there is going to be a gun in our kids' classrooms."

The Missouri Chapter of Moms Demand Action called on Governor Nixon to veto this dangerous bill.  In addition to organizing phone calls into the Governor's office and helping to generate nearly 3,000 petition signatures urging Governor Nixon to veto, moms traveled to Jefferson City to testify against arming teachers and allowing teenagers to carry concealed, loaded weapons in public.  In vetoing the bill today, Governor Nixon said, "I have supported and will continue to support the use of duly authorized law enforcement officers employed as school resource officers, but I cannot condone putting firearms in the hands of educators who should be focused on teaching our kids."

Today's veto of the guns-in-schools bill adds to the positive public safety steps taken in Missouri this session as a result of grassroots opposition organized by the Missouri Chapter of Moms Demand Action. In May, a nullification bill that would allow domestic abusers to sue police officers for enforcing federal gun laws (HB 1439) was successfully filibustered in the final moments of the Senate session.

About Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

Much like Mothers Against Drunk Driving was created to change laws regarding drunk driving, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was created to build support for common-sense gun reforms. The nonpartisan grassroots movement of American mothers is demanding new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our children and families. Since its inception after the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and is part of Everytown for Gun Safety along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than two million supporters including moms, mayors, survivors, and everyday Americans who are fighting for reforms that respect the Second Amendment and protect people. For more information or to get involved visit www.momsdemandaction.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MomsDemandAction or on Twitter at @MomsDemand

About Everytown for Gun Safety

Everytown for Gun Safety is a movement of Americans fighting for common-sense policies that will reduce gun violence and save lives.  Everytown is the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than two million supporters including moms, mayors, survivors, and everyday Americans who are fighting for reforms that respect the Second Amendment and protect people.  At the core of Everytown are Mayors Against Illegal Guns, founded in 2006 by former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Boston Mayor Tom Menino, and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a grassroots movement of American mothers founded on the day after Newtown.  Learn more at www.everytown.org and follow us @Everytown

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SOURCE Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America