Last night, I joined Democratic and Republican legislative leaders along with local officials, local first responders and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School system, and members of the public, as the full, 52-member Bipartisan Task Force on Gun Violence Prevention and Children's Safety held a public hearing last night at Newtown High School.
Approximately 150 people gave testimony; the majority being local first responders, victims' families, parents of Newtown students, and Newtown residents. People spoke on both sides of the gun control issue, in addition to the need for an improved mental health system that offers more comprehensive services, including early childhood intervention, and the overall safety and well-being of their children.
I thank everyone who stepped forward both last night, and over the course of the last week, as we've held several public hearings. I applaud their spirit to be part of the public hearing process and to share their personal stories and concerns. The testimony that's been shared has been insightful, and at times, moving. It further highlights the complexity of this multi-systemic issue as we work together in search of answers and common sense solutions.
The Bipartisan Task Force consists of three sub committees who will review key issues identified as a result of the tragedy in Newtown. The Working Groups on School Safety, Gun Violence Prevention, and Mental Health, have each held public hearings over the last week at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
The goal of the Bipartisan Task Force is to review possible law and policy changes, and draft an emergency certified bill by late February, which would serve to address these key issues.
For further information on the Bipartisan Task Force and Working Groups, please visit:
www.cga.ct.gov/ASaferConnecticut/.