Peach Tree Times

Members of the Georgia House Democratic Caucus held a press conference today at the State Capitol to address gun violence in Georgia. The caucus released a statement urging Governor Brian Kemp to convene a special legislative session on gun violence in schools.

"In the wake of the recent tragic school shooting in our beloved state of Georgia, the GHDC is calling on Governor Brian Kemp to convene a special legislative session on gun violence in our schools," read the statement. "This special session would focus on addressing the urgent issues of guns being brought to schools by troubled youths, mental and behavioral health, and ensuring that every child returns home safely at the end of the school day."

The caucus emphasized the importance of tackling these challenges promptly. "It is imperative that we tackle these challenges head-on; our children’s safety can no longer be postponed," they stated.

They also called for a public health emergency declaration following both the Apalachee High School shooting and an advisory from United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. The advisory declared firearm violence in America as a public health crisis.

"We eagerly anticipate a positive response from Governor Kemp regarding our request for a special session and look forward to working with our colleagues across the aisle to develop meaningful and effective solutions to this pressing crisis in our community," concluded the statement.