Thank you, Sen. Tester, for putting public health first

Editor:

When Sen. Jon Tester voted in favor of the Manchin-Toomey amendment to expand background checks to gun sales online and at gun shows last month, he was taking a stand against the devastating toll of gun violence affecting communities across the country.

The Montana Public Health Association thanks Sen. Tester for his commitment to protecting the public's health.

Gun violence kills more than 30,000 people in the U.S. every year and costs billions of dollars in health expenditures. Despite so many lives lost, death by firearms is not inevitable. Expanding background checks represents a critical step toward assuring public safety, reducing health care costs and preventing future national tragedies from gun violence.

We believe it is important to preserve the rights of sportsmen and sportswomen in Montana. This effort to expand background checks was a bipartisan, common-sense approach that would have prevented criminals and people with serious mental illness from obtaining guns — and would have done nothing to limit access to firearms by law-abiding citizens. Contrary to some claims, the Manchin-Toomey Amendment would not have taken away anyone's guns, would not have created a national gun registry, would not have banned assault weapons and would not have limited clips.

Plus, this measure and others enjoy broad appeal among Montanans seeking moderate, sensible laws. While there is much work that lies ahead to improve gun violence prevention in Montana and states across the country, the Montana Public Health Association urges you to join us in commending Senator Tester for his unwavering support of this important public health issue.

Hillary Hanson, president

Montana Public Health Association

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