Gov. Snyder Re-evaluates Concealed Weapons Bill in Wake of Newtown Tragedy
Michigan's governor tells reporters the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre gives him 'clear pause' on legislation that would allow gun owners with concealed weapons permits to carry inside schools.
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Gov. Rick Snyder said Monday that he's not necessarily ready to sign off on Senate Bill 59 which would broaden Michigan's concealed-carry laws.
"I wouldn't say I'm prepared to sign it by any means," the Republican governor told MLive.com.
The bill, approved by the state Senate in late November and the state House just hours before Friday's shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, CT, allows gun owners with concealed weapon permits and additional training to carry firearms inside schools and day care centers and at sporting events.
Several local school districts opposed the measure even before the tragedy that claimed 27 lives, including 20 children, and in the aftermath, other opponents entered the fray.
During an appearance Sunday on NBC's Meet the Press, Randi Weingarten, president of the national American Federation of Teachers, urged Snyder to veto the legislation. The organization reiterated the appeal in a formal letter to Snyder that was shared with membership and media Monday.
The Newtown shooting is a “chilling and heartbreaking reminder” that “firearms have absolutely no place in our schools,” they wrote. "You can set an example for Michigan and the nation by taking this small but significant step to reduce gun violence."
Snyder did not address the letter, but told MLive.com the incident prompted more questions.
"I haven't made a decision one way or another on it ... I need to see what it says," he said. "But the shooting gives you clear pause to say, 'Would this be appropriate?' That was a terrible thing to happen."
State Sen. John Pappageorge, R-Troy, who represents the 13th District including Berkley, said he won't think twice about supporting the legislation, which still allows individual schools to post and implement policies prohibiting concealed weapons. He also cautioned against knee-jerk legislative reaction to tragedies fueled by people with criminal intent.
"There may be many that feel if a principal or a teacher that is trained in the use of pistol wants to have a weapon within the school doors, it's probably not a bad idea," he said.
Deborah Canto
7:29 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I like the idea that I saw bouncing around on the 'net' yesterday; Hire unemployed US veterans to guard our school doors. They are trained in that kind of work. But, I don't see loaded guns inside a school being right, for any reason - there is just too much room for error.
Ken Trepanier
3:07 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Guns are not the problem people are the problem. Cars kill more people than any other tool we use. So lets ban every thing that kills people. We should sit in our house until we die of natural causes. Our country has become tolerant of all misbehaved people and discipline is becoming a thing of the past. It is only when a person has gone to far that we finally put a hault on them. We have to put a stop to them on the small things before they do not know when to stop. One inch leads to a mile. Parents need to be parents instead of their friends. Kids killing kids has and is happening way to often. Gun control is not the solution --instilling values in our kids is the answer. Parents your kids are your responsibility do right by them.