National PTA Pleased With House Gun Violence Task Force Recommendations

Grateful for opportunity to advise task force outcomes

ALEXANDRIA, VA. (February 7, 2013)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA® President Betsy Landers.

National PTA is pleased with the third set of proposals from Congress within one month to help curb gun violence in our nation’s schools and communities. Under the leadership of Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA), the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives today released a number of recommendations that, if enacted, would help ensure the safety of our nation’s children while at school.

We thank Rep. Thompson for his leadership on this issue and for including National PTA in the discussions that informed the task force’s recommendations. National PTA has more than a century’s worth of experience improving the safety of our nation’s schools and offers its full support of these proposals.

Combined with the Senate’s proposed Assault Weapons Ban of 2013 and Mental Health in Schools Act of 2013, these recommendations will provide families enhanced safety and services at school and throughout their communities.

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of parent involvement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.