On Wednesday Gov. Jay Inslee will announce a statewide initiative to reduce gun deaths, saying “we have a moral and ethical obligation to do so.” His announcement comes after President Obama’s executive action today on gun control.
Obama’s announcement this morning included plans to reinforce background checks–requiring those who sell firearms to have a license and perform background checks. He also says the FBI will completely overhaul the current background check system. Further, he plans to increase mental health treatment and reporting to the background system as well as push for gun safety technology.
“President Obama’s actions are important steps forward to address the root causes of this scourge by improving data sharing, more effectively implementing current law, and advancing gun safety technology,” Inslee said in a statement released Tuesday.
The governor also praised the president’s proposal to invest more in mental health. “While we still struggle to fund the comprehensive behavioral health care system we need, like the rest of the nation, we know first-hand the importance of services for those in crisis to combat suicide and violence against others,” Inslee wrote.
Dr. Jennifer Stuber, an associate professor at the UW School of Social Work, and Dr. Monica S. Vavilala, Director of the Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center will also be joining the governor.
The announcement will be made at Navos Mental Health and Wellness Center in Revelle Hall (1210 SW 136th St, Burien) at 12 p.m. Wednesday.