In nearly every statistical category of gun violence, Michigan ranks above the national average, highlighting the need for action. The Michigan Legislature wasted no time passing life-saving gun violence prevention bills after the tragic shooting at Michigan State University, but that was just the beginning. Now, we must focus on addressing the root causes of gun violence so that across the state, all our communities are healthy and safe, and that all Michiganders have the resources that they need to thrive.

The issue of gun violence is not one that can be solved by a single organization or entity alone. It requires a collective effort, involving community leaders, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, lawmakers, and concerned citizens, working together towards a shared goal. By joining forces, we can create a powerful ecosystem of advocates who are dedicated to implementing effective solutions. We endorse root cause solutions because the safest communities are those where people are the most secure in having their needs met.

The undersigned organizations urge Michigan lawmakers to take action to prevent violence in our communities through root causes solutions, including (strikethrough denotes accomplishments):

• Ensure all Michiganders have access to affordable housing.
• Implement statewide, income-based utility affordability programs for water, electric, gas, and internet services.
• Implement a permanent moratorium on utility shut-offs for people at 200 percent of the poverty level.
• Champion investments in small businesses and hold corporations accountable for fulfilling their tax break agreements.
• Develop and fund adequate and equitable public transportation systems.
• End prison gerrymandering, which systematically dilutes the political power and economic resources in the communities that are most impacted by violence.
• Support universal healthcare, including access to adequate, comprehensive mental health services, and reduce disparities in healthcare that stand in the way of community safety and well-being.
• Ensure that all Michigan veterans are provided adequate and sustainable mental health services.
• Invest in an equitable education system that promotes effective learning and inclusion, and provides opportunities for all individuals to thrive.
• Restore collective bargaining rights for public sector employees including educators.
• Ensure all gender identities are respected and reflected on all government documents by including an X option for non-binary Michiganders.
• Allocate adequate and equitable funding for community violence intervention programs outside of law enforcement, particularly for funding to both state and local offices of community violence intervention.
• Ensure that victim services are culturally relevant, especially as it pertains to domestic and sexual violence.
• Provide adequate and equitable funding for workforce development programs
• Support the Juvenile Justice Task Force Recommendations

We believe that taking these steps will offer Michiganders everywhere the opportunity for life saving progress on a growing crisis of preventable gun violence, injury, and death.