Guns in the Statehouse.

I first heard about Sandy Hook on Facebook. 

Initially, there were reports about another school shooting (sad, but not shocking, which is sad in itself) but within a few minutes the information grew and became even more horrific.

I sat in front of my computer, with the TV on, crying.

I remember what it was like to pick my kids up from school that day. And how I wrestled with the decision about whether or not to tell them before they went back to school on Monday, struggling with how to tell my own first grader not to worry--you'll be safe at school. 

I remember the Facebook posts promising that this time was different and we were going to write letters and keep talking about it and make sure that things changed, but to be honest, I haven't written a letter since that first week. Have you?

Gun control is still a big issue in the country and if you've turned the national news on recently you've probably heard that the filibuster was defeated and the Senate will begin debate on gun control, thanks in large part to the efforts of Sandy Hook parents. It's a good first step.

Those same parents were instrumental in getting the most comprehensive gun control legislation in the country passed in Connecticut. Impressive.

And what about closer to home? What's been happening here in NH? 

We're nowhere close to having comprehensive gun control legislation passed in the Granite State. 

The previous legislature worked to make it easier to have and carry guns in NH. Some of the measures passed by the House included allowing guns on college campuses and in dorms, allowing loaded rifles and shotguns in cars, allowing guns in the State House chambers and the "Stand your ground" legislation, to name a few. You can read a more comprehensive list at Granite State Progress and I wrote about how our state representatives voted on some of those bills here and here. 

Here are some current issues around guns in NH:

One of the first items taken up by this legislature was repeal of the controversial bill that allowed guns on the house floor. That passed 196-153 with Reps. Michael Cahill, Patricia Lovejoy and Marcia Moody voting for repeal and Adam Schroadter voting against. You can read more about that bill here.

The House recently took up the repeal of the "Stand Your Ground" bill that was passed by the last legislature. This passed 189-184 with Reps. Michael Cahill and Patricia Lovejoy voting for repeal and Adam Schroadter voting against. Marcia Moody did not vote. 

Another gun related issue is HB 451 "repealing the license requirement for carrying a concealed pistol or revolver." Reps. Michael Cahill and Patricia Lovejoy voted to kill the bill. Adam Schroadter supported the bill. Marcia Moody did not vote.

We clearly have a long way to go. 

But it's not too late to send a message to our elected officials and ask for their support. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayote need to hear from Granite Staters about universal background checks and other proposed federal gun control and safety measures. 

Contact your State Representatives and State Senators (find them here) and ask them what they are doing here in NH and why they vote like they do.

It's been 4 months since Sandy Hook. I've watched some of the mothers of those children on the news recently and am amazed at their strength.

The least I can do is write a letter.