Statement from the Greater Baltimore Committee on Proposed Illegal Handgun Legislation in Baltimore City

BALTIMORE, July 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Below is a statement by Donald C. Fry, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, on the announcement today by Baltimore Mayor Catherine E. Pugh and City Council President Bernard C. "Jack" Young that legislation will be introduced Monday to strengthen penalties for illegal handgun possession in city limits as a new measure to prevent crime.

"The Greater Baltimore Committee supports the proposal to strengthen penalties for illegal handgun possession in public areas of Baltimore and sees this as a proactive step to help address the gun violence occurring in the city. Illegal handgun possession is resulting in too many acts of violence and simply cannot be tolerated in Baltimore."

"The GBC looks forward to working with the mayor and city council to ensure a strong bill is passed that respects the legal rights of citizens, but also serves to stem handgun violence in Baltimore. The city needs every legal tool available to get the violence under control."

The GBC considers public safety the top priority for Baltimore and its elected officials. In addition, the GBC has formed a task force co-chaired by two members of its Board of Directors working to develop a set of solid recommendations to help address violent crime.

ABOUT THE GREATER BALTIMORE COMMITTEE:

The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) is a regional organization of business and civic leaders that includes businesses, nonprofit organizations and educational and civic institutions. It is the leading voice for the private sector in the Baltimore region on issues relating to economic growth, job creation, workforce development, transportation, the business climate and quality of life. The GBC has approximately 500 member organizations, which include small businesses, mid-size companies, nonprofits and the largest corporations in the Greater Baltimore region.

SOURCE Greater Baltimore Committee

Related Links

http://www.gbc.org