Governor Doyle Receives Award for Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence in Wisconsin

MILWAUKEE – Governor Jim Doyle today received an award recognizing his efforts to reduce gun violence in Wisconsin.  The “Creating a State of Peace” Leadership Award—the first of its kind—was presented by the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort (WAVE) at their 10th Anniversary ceremony.


 


“This award represents the bright future that is possible for our children if we work together to reduce gun violence,” Governor Doyle said.  “When violence strikes, particularly gun violence, it cuts to the very heart of our communities.  Its impact is not confined to the victim and their families, but extends much farther to affect all of our families, our schools, our business and our entire state.” 


 


Governor Doyle was honored for his ongoing efforts to protect Wisconsin’s families and children from gun violence.  Governor Doyle has worked tirelessly to enact stricter policies to keep handguns out of the hands of dangerous criminals and Wisconsin’s youth. 


 


Governor Doyle restated his commitment to stricter gun policies.  These efforts include:



  • Rolling back the preemption law, passed in 1995, to give cities like Milwaukee the flexibility to enact gun ordinances they deem necessary to keep their communities safe; 

  • Passing legislation to close the gun show loophole in Wisconsin; 

  • Eliminating all independent sales of firearms that do not go through a registered federally licensed gun dealer; 

  • Sharing information with the federal government to build a database of critical background information to ensure that guns are not sold to convicted criminals;

  • Prohibiting gun sales to criminals convicted of gun related offenses; and

  • Restricting all handgun sales to individuals under the age of 21. 

 


Governor Doyle also recognized WAVE’s continuing efforts to ensure that Wisconsin is a forerunner in gun violence prevention.  Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort is a grassroots organization that promotes advocacy and education about firearm violence in Wisconsin. 


 


At the ceremony, WAVE also honored Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, and Cynthia Martinez, a community activist.

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