According to the Miami Herald, Florida's Legislature and Governor Scott in the 2012 budget have provided increased economic incentives of over $10 million to both companies and industries promoting violence, and especially gun violence - Florida ranks #1 in gun ownership. At the same time, funding for mental health care and school safety has been cut by the Legislature or vetoed by the governor to the tune of $7.5 million - Florida ranks 49th in mental health funding. The Legislature and Governor Scott need to take responsible action to decrease violence and increase mental health funding.
Why is this important?
Residents of Penney Retirement Community have been deeply saddened by the repeated incidents of gun violence that have targeted children. We recognize that proper mental health services are a necessary component of any proposed solution to stop shooters. We conducted a prayer vigil following the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, and we are anxious and determined to do everything we can with the help of like-minded citizens to prevent a similar act from occurring in Florida.
