What we want to see at the Legislature in 2008

Youth Violence Designated a Public Health Issue – SUPPORT
"We cured polio; youth violence is no less crippling."

• We support the Senate bill being authored by Sen. Linda Higgins on the Health Housing and Family Security Committee and introduced by Rep. Paul Thissen, Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.
• The bill will establish a task force that will change the lens we use to view youth violence statewide from a criminal justice to a public health approach. It will make policy recommendations, suggest funding priorities, and be useful in attracting federal resources.
• Why support? We can prevent youth violence before it destroys lives and communities. Today the primary tool we use for youth violence is jail. A public health model will use tools like mentoring, meaningful youth activities, family support services, mental health support, and education to build positive lifestyles and values.

"Shoot First" Gun Law Bill – OPPOSE
"We need sensible gun laws. Children should be protected before guns."

• We oppose SF 446 and HF 498 bills put forward by the gun lobby as laws necessary for self-defense.
• The "Shoot First" bill would eliminate the long-standing individual duty to walk away from a confrontation in a public place and permit the taking of a life as a first option when someone feels threatened.
• Why oppose? "Shoot First" is NOT a self-defense bill. It legally justifies what we consider to be murder. Prosecutors and police are opposed to this because it's already legal to defend yourself. Many believe this is a solution in search of a problem.

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Legislation – SUPPORT
"Don't foreclose on a family's dream of housing and a community's efforts to thrive."

• We support SF 2912 authored by Senator Linda Schied and the complete State's Foreclosure Remedies Legislation package.
• The bill will provide and require foreclosure prevention outreach.
• Why support? In addition to the loss of housing by families, communities suffer. It increases crime as criminals take over vacant property, it blights a neighborhood, and it decreases the value of surrounding homes. The best way to prevent homelessness is to keep us in our houses. This bill is a valuable first step in stemming the tide of foreclosures, but a more aggressive deferment bill should be passed.