After every mass shooting in America, there is outrage and a cry for new laws to stop the madness, but each time, politics get in the way of any action. In the wake of a series of mass shootings, including the devastating murder of 19 fourth graders and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas, John Baackes, the CEO of L.A. Care Health Plan, says lawmakers must put politics aside and act on gun safety legislation to address this public health crisis.
In a letter to members of Congress, Baackes said U.S. lawmakers should follow California’s lead in passing common sense gun safety measures. California has passed several laws to reduce gun violence, including a ban on assault weapons, a Red Flag law, a 10-day waiting period for all gun purchases, universal background checks, and age restrictions to buy guns. Baackes urged members of Congress to seriously consider similar laws. At the very least, he asks them to pass the bi-partisan measure now under consideration, which includes enhanced background checks for prospective gun buyers under the age of 21, and would provide federal money for states with a red flag law.
Baackes also wrote to members of the California legislature urging them to take action on even more gun safety measures that are under consideration. This follows a resolution on gun safety legislation by the L.A. Care Board of Governors.
As the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan with more than 2.5 million members, L.A. Care feels a deep responsibility to take a community leadership role in advocating for responsible gun safety laws. Baackes says members of Congress should feel the same responsibility and move on a comprehensive set of gun and mental health measures to keep Americans safe – and alive.