Letter to the editor: Let local governments curb gun violence

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would punish the City of Pittsburgh for trying to save lives after the 2018 synagogue massacre. House Bill 979 would make it easier for anyone, including out-of-state pro-gun groups like the NRA, to sue local governments who try to stop gun violence in their communities and force taxpayers to pick up the legal bills.

Local officials want to do their job and protect their constituents from gun violence.They should be allowed to — especially since the General Assembly refuses to take action. Threatening local governments with expensive lawsuits will have a chilling effect that discourages innovative policymaking to prevent firearm deaths.

Every Republican state representative except one in Montgomery County, as well as 12 Democrats — including my representative, Anthony DeLuca, and Southwestern Pennsylvania representatives Anita Kulik, Brandon Markosek, Rob Matzie and Pam Snyder — voted in favor of this bill. I am disappointed with their failure to oppose the gun lobby.

Instead of bowing to this lobby, these representatives should support Rep. Dan Frankel’s House Bills 1537 and 1538 to loosen preemption laws so local governments can prevent gun violence when the General Assembly refuses.

Paul Brown

O’Hara