Our Stances
Let's make it easier to get a therapist and harder to get a gun. At No Future Without Today, we believe gun violence isn't a black-and-white issue. It's a nuanced problem that requires multifaceted solutions. Below are just some of the solutions we believe will make a difference.
Sensible Gun Reforms
We know the common-sense solutions that would drastically reduce gun violence and make our schools and communities safer. They're supported by a large majority of voters, including responsible gun owners. Please note * means that these measures have yet to be implemented in the state of Michigan.
Secure Storage Laws
Secure storage practices play a vital role in helping to reduce suicide and accidental shootings. By keeping firearms stored safely and responsibly, away from access by children and separate from ammunition, we can help reduce the risk of gun violence. Laws regarding secure storage will also help in the prosecution and enforcement of laws after a violent crime has been committed. Click for more information.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders
ERPOs, also known as "red flag" laws, would allow for law enforcement, medical professionals, or someone's loved ones to initiate a process that would temporarily remove firearms from a person's possession. These laws would allow for due process, while still protecting them from harm. These types of laws are particularly important in de-escalating situations when a person is in crisis. Click for more information.
Universal Background Checks
An existing legal loophole creates a convenient and potentially dangerous avenue for individuals who are prohibited from acquiring firearms. Here's the situation: Federal law mandates background checks exclusively for transactions involving licensed dealers. However, unlicensed private sellers, such as those operating at gun shows or online, are not compelled to conduct background checks on buyers. They must be truly universal. Click for more information.
AWB & High Capacity Magazine Regulations*
Assault weapons and high-capacity magazines only increase the lethality of mass shootings. The intention of the ammunition is to inflict the greatest amount of damage on a human body. These weapons are designed for war and do not have any place in our communities. Between 1986 and 2017, 86% of mass shootings were committed with an assault-style weapon. Click for more information.
Raise the Age to 21 Years Old*
Unfortunately, gun violence has recently risen to the rank of number one in the causes of death among children ages 1-19. Additionally, firearm suicide among this age bracket has risen by 41% in the last decade. Raising the age would prohibit those under the age of 21 from purchasing a firearm, limiting their potential to contribute to high numbers of suicides and homicides in this age group. Click for more information.
Mental Healthcare Resources
Overall, having better mental healthcare access and awareness play a major role in gun violence. Removing the stigma around mental health will allow for children, teens, and adults to receive the necessary help they need. While such programs are important for preventing gun violence, they wouldn't eliminate the need for gun reform.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL helps make individuals understand and regulate their emotions, successfully complete goals, take others' perspective or point of view, develop positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It's critical these tenets are implemented into school curriculum. Click here to learn more.
Remove Barriers & Expand Mental Healthcare Access
We must do everything we can to make sure that people who need help end up receiving it. This requires removing barriers to access, including the elimination of copays and deductibles for mental healthcare. We must also invest in the future of therapists by incentivizing those to come into the profession. Click here to learn more.
Invest in Proper Threat Assessments
Threat assessment in schools is of paramount importance for maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment. It enables educators, administrators, and law enforcement to identify and address potential threats before they escalate into crises. When implemented correctly, they can save lives. Click here for more information.
