April 15, 2011
Thank you for contacting me to express your strong support of legislation to repeal the prohibition on carrying a firearm while concealed. I am supportive of this effort, but must clarify a few things on this matter.
First, this issue has not been forgotten nor ignored by the Legislature this session, but I do understand the anxiety that some feel other legislative matters have been given priority over this one. As the Majority party, our immediate priority this session was – and continues to be – any and all efforts to stabilize the economy and create jobs. That has manifested itself in several forms, including, but not limited to, the recently-enacted budget repair bill, the enactment of a number of economic development initiatives, and the proposed 2011-13 state budget. Each of those items – particularly the budget repair bill – has consumed a great deal of time for lawmakers in both Houses.
Second, and as you may know, there will more than likely be differing versions of concealed carry legislation coming from both Houses of the Legislature. Some will advocate for a complete repeal of the prohibition – commonly referred to as ‘constitutional carry’ – while others may offer conditions to carrying a firearm while concealed, such as a permits, training standards, and various prohibitions on where a firearm may be carried. My support will fall to the constitutional carry legislation when it is eventually introduced. But bear in mind, if that bill fails to garner the support needed to advance in the Senate, I will lend my support to whichever version can obtain the necessary 17 Senate votes in which to pass.
Finally, I am committed to seeing this effort through, but am not willing to sacrifice the good for the perfect. Wisconsin has an opportunity to become the 49th state to adopt some type of concealed carry legislation this year, and it would be unfortunate if we, as lawmakers, were to end this session with absolutely nothing to show in this regard. I can assure you, I understand the sentiment of “rights” versus “privileges” on this issue, which is why I am supporting the constitutional carry legislation. But again, if we do not have the necessary votes in the Senate for that legislation to carry the day, I cannot abandon my historical support for concealed carry legislation.
At this time, I ask for your patience and continued support, as I am confident legislation will soon be offered and hearings will be held in the very near future. Again, thank you for taking time to contact me on this matter of mutual concern; I do appreciate hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Neal Kedzie
State Senator
11th Senate District
