1 STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 21, 2022
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Judie Wilke, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Letter to United States Congress Supporting Stronger Gun Control Laws
RECOMMENDATION
Send a letter of support for stronger gun control laws signed by all five Council Members to United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Adam Schiff, and Congressman Brad Sherman (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND
At the June 7, 2022 City Council meeting, Council Member Springer requested staff to bring back a first step report for Council consideration of writing a letter to the United States Congress supporting gun control laws. Staff is recommending that the City Council forgo the traditional one -step, two -step report process because the City Council has already adopted language in the City’s Legislative Platform which states “Support state and federal measures that have the effect of reducing gun violence .” Further, with the world events surrounding gun violence as well as the concern raised by residents in the Burbank community, it seem s most appropriate to act swiftly and have the Council sign this important letter. Staff recommends Council send the letter to Burbank’s four elec ted representatives in the United States Senate and Congress, urging them to work with their congressional colleagues.
DISCUSSION
With the most recent school mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas, and the countless other communities that have been impacted by the tragedy of gun violence, the Council is desirous of requesting Congress to take immediate action to enact stronger federal laws that help protect our communities. In the month of May alone, 44 mass shootings have
2 occurred, killing 60 people and injuring 209. With stronger federal laws, these tragedies may have been prevented.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
CONCLUSION
The devastating gun violence occurring in the United States needs immediate action so all our residents, especially our children, can feel safe, protected, and cared for . Staff respectfully requests Council sign the letter to United States Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator Alex Padilla, Congressman Adam Schiff, and Congressman Brad Sherman supporting stronger gun control laws.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1: Draft Letter to the United States Congress Supporting Stronger Gun Control Laws