Our parents have always given us wise advice: don’t rush when deciding on important matters. When folks hurriedly rush through decisions they often don’t fully think through consequences and big mistakes are made – which is exactly what happened with Gov. Cuomo’s gun control law.
When Gov. Cuomo presented his 39-page bill, the so called NY SAFE Act, he insisted that it be voted upon immediately. In the short time given, I began poring over his bill and found that many of its ‘assault-weapon’ provisions were based on misconceptions, curtailed our law enforcement’s ability to protect us, would clearly threaten jobs in the Mohawk Valley, and would fail to keep anyone safer from gun violence.
Needless to say, even with fierce opposition from myself and some of my other colleagues, downstate legislators rubber stamped the governor’s law less than 24 hours later. It is a travesty and strikes a blow to our Second Amendment rights outlined in the Bill of Rights to the Constitution.
The governor’s new complicated and overreaching law threatens to make criminals out of law-abiding citizens, further threatens jobs in our region and will cost taxpayers $36 million to implement. Something had to be done.
Immediately, I contacted Tom King, a well-versed advocate of Second Amendment rights, and asked him to participate in two informational sessions within my district. Our objectives are simple:
Protect Yourself
We want to give you the tools to understand the new and complicated burden placed on you by the governor as responsible gun owners.
Protect Your Jobs
I introduced legislation that overturns the most egregious parts of the law that will directly impact jobs, like those at Remington Arms, and I would like your support and feedback.
Protect Your Second Amendment Rights
Voices are always strongest when unified. If you think a great injustice has been made by Gov. Cuomo’s gun control legislation, I’d like you to join me by signing my petition: tinyurl.com/ButlerProtect2ndAmendmentNY.
Please join me and Tom King, president, New York State Rifle and Pistol Association and board member of the NRA, at my informational sessions on:
Monday, February 18 6:30 p.m.
Pine Tree Rifle Club, 419 Johnson Avenue, Gloversville
Wednesday, February 20 6:30 p.m.
Salisbury Ridgerunners Club, 717 Curtis Road, Salisbury
Bring your questions and concerns, and we’ll talk about them and what we can do together to make this right.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with ideas, questions or concerns on this topic or any other legislative matter. I can be reached at my Johnstown office at 518-762-6486, Herkimer office at 315-866-1632 or by e-mail at butlerm@assembly.state.ny.us. I hope to see you soon, and keep your eye out for more events like this that we are planning throughout the 118th Assembly District.