Release: Just Launched: Nevadans for Responsible Solutions

 Members of Group Founded by Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly to Organize Grassroots Effort 

LAS VEGAS – Local members of Americans for Responsible Solutions (ARS), the gun violence prevention group founded by Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly, kicked off a statewide presence with a Nevadans for Responsible Solutions meeting last night.

“Just like everyone else, I’ve seen the polls showing that Nevadans overwhelmingly support sensible laws to reduce gun violence,” said retired veteran and Las Vegas resident Bob Berry. “I know that this isn’t an ‘either-or, us vs. them’ issue. It’s possible to find solutions that all of us — Democrats, Republicans, gun owners, non-gun owners — can agree on, and that’s why I’m a proud member of Nevadans for Responsible Solutions.”

“Nevadans know that strengthening our gun laws won’t infringe on our rights, and they want our leaders to put the safety of our communities ahead of politics,” said ARS Executive Director Pia Carusone. “Nevada’s gun death rate is 40 percent higher than the national average, and the state unfortunately tops the nation in the rate of women killed by men each year. What we heard from members during yesterday’s kick-off event is that they want elected officials at the local, state and federal levels to reduce gun violence in a responsible way. Voters want leaders to get this done.”

Volunteers in Las Vegas and Clark County will lead the effort on the ground to mobilize members to contact elected officials.

Giffords and Kelly recently traveled to Nevada during their Rights and Responsibilities Tour, visiting seven states in seven days to remind elected officials that there is broad public support for sensible laws that prevent gun violence, such as expanded background checks. Kelly also visited Carson City in May to urge state lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 221, which would have expanded background checks on gun purchases; it passed the legislature but Gov. Brian Sandoval eventually vetoed it.

ARS announced this week that its super PAC has raised more than $6.5 million since the group’s founding in January, with donations from a staggering 72,000 supporters.

Across the country, ARS is working in local communities to build an organization with millions of people who are committed to finding sensible ways to reduce gun violence and encouraging elected officials to enact responsible firearms policies. Today, ARS stands more than 500,000 strong.

PHOTO: Members of Nevadans for Responsible Solutions hear from ARS Strategy Director Peter Ambler during the chapter launch in Las Vegas on Aug. 1.

  

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