LARSON WEEKLY REPORT - November 10, 2011

WI Senator Chris Larson - 7th District

Today is: Monday, November 14, 2011

Conceal Carry Law Change Threatens Public Safety
2011 Wisconsin Act 35, conceal carry legislation, went into effect on November 1 of this year. Under this law, any individual obtaining a license to carry a concealed weapon is also responsible for taking four hours of training to ensure they are well-versed on gun owner safety and responsibility.

Unfortunately, Republicans have already decided to change the rules by striking this requirement, meaning that there will no longer be adequate training for individuals carrying a concealed weapon. They even removed the 8-hour training requirement for firearm safety instructors. This extreme policy shift by Republican lawmakers rejected the basic safety parameters established by Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen.

I have heard from people across Wisconsin who are concerned that the removal of sensible training standards will dramatically decrease public safety. As we work to move Wisconsin forward, I would hope that Republicans will begin to heed the concerns of our neighbors over those of powerful special interests.

To view a video I created discussing this important issue in more detail, please CLICK HERE. You can also find additional information on the Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort's (W.A.V.E.) Web site by CLICKING HERE.
=======================

November is Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time when we celebrate the rich past and present of North America’s Indigenous People. Native Americans have a proud history in Wisconsin and in the United States as a whole. From the American Revolution to World War II to operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, Native Americans have fought valiantly to make our country great. Ho-chunk tribe member, Purple Heart and Medal of Honor recipient Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. who selflessly gave his life in order to allow the rest of his company to retreat from oncoming forces in the Korean War is evidence of that.

Wisconsin’s Native Americans have also played a huge part in keeping our nation financially and morally strong. Menominee tribe member and native of Keshena, Wisconsin Ada Deer served as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Assistant Secretary of the Interior. She also played a key role in protecting humanity across the world by serving on the United Nations Human Rights Council. Many of the qualities that make Wisconsin great would not be possible without our Native American community members.

We owe much to the Native Peoples of the United States and Wisconsin, and this debt should inform current state policies, from responsible land stewardship to comprehensive diversity protection.