Submitted by Jackie Kaiko, Stamford
It has become a rite of passage in our gun-ravaged nation. After every horrific mass shooting, the Republican leaders who have voted against every attempt to pass gun violence prevention programs issue some version of offering thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
And we have this local and very vivid example here in CT: Our State Representative, Kimberly Fiorello recently wrote to her constituents “I join so many of you in the same effort to try to contemplate right actions to take as a society to deter and hinder such murderous evil.”
A monumental nothingburger. If you’re having trouble finding the action plan in that statement, you’re not alone. Maya Angelou once said, “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.” Kimberly Fiorello has shown us who she is, with her testimony and her voting record.
Witness: In 2020, the state legislature considered establishing an ammunition tax to raise money for gun violence prevention, just as cigarette taxes are used to help pay for smoking cessation programs. Kimberly Fiorello testified against it, arguing that ammunition should not be taxed because “practice makes perfect.”
This session, she was one of only four legislators who voted against an act allowing the use of Federal money to track illegally sold or used firearms in the state. Fiorello also voted against the establishment of a community gun violence and prevention program. Further, she voted against a red flag law that would allow family members or doctors to apply for extreme risk protection orders, which allow a judge to temporarily remove firearms from a person who presents an imminent threat to themselves or others.
This November, when Rep. Fiorello is up for re-election, let’s remember that she earned an “F” from CT Against Gun Violence for her record on protecting our community from gun violence.
Jackie Kaiko, Stamford, CT