I am writing to urge continued support of Initiative 594, universal background checks for all gun purchases. The citizens of Washington state overwhelmingly voted to close the background check loophole for gun purchases. No small interest group should be allowed to overturn the will of the people of our state through a federal lawsuit.
I have lived in Vancouver and worked at Evergreen Public Schools for over 10 years. As a mother, I have a strong emotional response to news stories of school shootings and domestic violence where children are killed by guns. But as an educator I base my opinions on facts as well as feelings. The federal background check system has prevented over 2 million people, including 40,000 in Washington state, from purchasing firearms since 1998. In states with laws requiring background checks on all gun purchases, 38 percent fewer women were shot to death by husbands or boyfriends. These facts support the importance of closing the background check loophole in Washington state.
Do not let a small group override the will of the people of Washington. Contact your legislators and let them know you support the implementation of I-594.
Geni Donaghey
Vancouver
