Governor Cuomo signs nation's toughest gun control measure into law in New York

The New York state legislature passed the first and now the toughest "gun control" measures into law, the Washington Post reported. The New York state’s senate approved the measure by a vote Monday night of 43-18 in favor. The general assembly passed the legislation on Tuesday by a 104 to 43 vote. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) signed the bill into law today.

New York is the first state to pass "gun control," over the objections of the National Rifle Association (NRA), in the wake of the horrific Sandy Hook shootings of 26 people, which included 6 adults and 20 innocent children.

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence released a statement after the signing by Gov. Cuomo, calling the legislation, “an historic moment that will save lives.”

“Governor Cuomo and the lawmakers in Albany have today shown tremendous leadership on the critical issue of gun violence. By making this a priority, the Governor has not only saved lives, but will hopefully inspire leaders in Washington also to take swift action,” said Dan Gross, President of the Brady Campaign.

“The comprehensive package passed today in New York represents the kind of solutions that need to be implemented on the federal level. Many of these solutions, including universal background checks, have tremendous support from Americans across the country and across the political spectrum, including among gun owners and NRA members," referring to recent polling indicating the American people want immediate action on the issue of guns.

Pew Research Center for the People and the Press shows that the American people are overwhelmingly supportive of major changes to our gun laws. The poll showed that about 85% of those surveyed supported background checks for private gun sales and sales at gun shows. The poll also showed that four out of five Americans favor laws that would prevent the mentally ill from buying weapons.

"The policies will have an immediate and widespread impact on gun violence, and when coupled with public health and safety education programs, will finally begin to address in a real way the epidemic of gun deaths in America. We thank Governor Cuomo for his bold leadership to prevent gun violence and for creating a model for the nation,” added Dan Gross.

The new law passed by the New York state legislature and signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, includes provisions that would:

• Change the definition of an assault weapon as one having two “military rifle features” to one.
• Ban Internet sales of assault weapons.
• Make private sales of assault weapons between anyone besides family members subject to outside background checks.
• Make it a misdemeanor to own a magazine of more than 7 bullets (the previous limit was 10). Persons owning higher ammunition magazines would have a year to sell them.
• Require therapists to report to the state mentally ill patients who they believe may use guns illegally. Authorities could confiscate those patients’ weapons.
• Increase sentences for gun crimes.

In other gun control news, the issue of gun control is resonating across the nation, as many state legislatures are grappling with the issue.

Gun control is an issue that is "front and center" in a special election being held in Illinois to replace former Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., in the Congressional 2nd district. Former state representative and longtime friend of President Barack Obama, Robin Kelly, has taken a stand for stronger laws to protect citizens from gun violence.

Robin Kelly has taken the lead on the issues, getting out front on the issue of gun control and also released a new campaign video today entitled “Enough,” that powerfully delivers the message of the need for stronger gun control. Robin Kelly also has a "zero" rating from the National Rifle Association, meaning she never votes the NRA way on legislation.

Robin Kelly vowed that if elected to congress, she will:

1. Pass a strong, comprehensive ban on assault weapons.
2. Eliminate the gun show loophole.
3. Ban the use of high capacity ammunition magazines, like those used in Newtown and Aurora.
4. Pledge never to receive support from organizations, like the NRA, that oppose reasonable gun safety legislation.
5. Support current laws that prohibit conceal and carry permits.

Send John Presta an email and your story ideas or suggestions, johnpresta@att.net.

John is the author of an award-winning book, the 2010 Winner of the USA National Best Book award for African American studies, published by The Elevator Group, Mr. and Mrs. Grassroots. Also available an eBook on Amazon. John is also a member of the Society of Midland Authors and is a book reviewer of political books for the New York Journal of Books . John has volunteered for many political campaigns and is currently an unpaid volunteer for the Robin Kelly for Congress campaign and has a facebook fan page.