Governors Carney, Cuomo, Murphy, Malloy, Raimondo, Baker and Rosselló Announce Nation’s First Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium

Key Initiative of Historic Anti-Gun Violence Multi-State Agreement Between Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico

Partnership Will Collect and Analyze Data Across Multiple Disciplines on Public Efforts to Reduce Gun Violence to Better Inform Policymakers Nationwide

Fills Void Left by Federal Government’s 1996 Ban on Federally-Funded Gun Violence Research

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló today announced the nation’s first Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, a key initiative of the historic “States for Gun Safety” coalition between Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico.

The consortium brings the thought leaders and top researchers from partner states together to undertake significant new research on all manners of gun violence, data collection and analysis across multiple disciplines. This unprecedented effort will provide the public, including policymakers, with new information to ultimately reduce the scourge of gun violence. This groundbreaking consortium fills the void left by the federal government’s 1996 ban on the use of federal funds to study gun violence, which has obstructed research efforts across the nation, including at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

“Working together, states can and should directly confront the threat of gun violence. This new consortium will provide new information and research about gun violence to inform policy discussions at the state and federal levels,” said Governor John Carney. “Better information will help us enforce laws already on the books, intercept the flow of illegal weapons across state borders, and take additional action that will make a real difference. Delaware is proud to be a part of this coalition, and I thank my fellow Governors for their leadership on this issue.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “New York is proud to have the nation’s strongest gun safety laws. The federal government’s continued inaction on this issue has not only allowed the epidemic of gun violence to spread, but it has left it to the states to provide the leadership needed to confront this problem head on. The consortium is a major step in our multi-state partnership to research responsible gun safety legislation and take new steps to prevent illegal guns from crossing state lines.”

Governor Phil Murphy said, “Despite having some the toughest gun laws in the nation, New Jersey has suffered from roughly 80 percent of our gun crimes being committed with a gun trafficked across our borders. We’re losing young people across our state to the senseless epidemic of gun violence as Congress sits idly by on this issue. Those of us at the state and local level are taking matters into our hands to curb violence in our communities. That’s why I’m proud to join my fellow governors in creating the nation’s first regional gun violence research consortium.”

Governor Dannel P. Malloy said, “Gun violence is a public health emergency, and it should be treated as such. Connecticut has been a national leader in addressing this epidemic. By working together with like-minded states, we can take strides toward understanding the root causes of violence and determine the most effective prevention strategies. Connecticut has reduced violent crime at a faster rate than any state in the nation since we passed our commonsense gun legislation in 2013. This coalition is a critical step to building upon this progress.”

Governor Gina M. Raimondo said, “While Washington continues to drag its feet, in Rhode Island we’re stepping up and taking decisive action to keep our communities safe. This week I was proud to take part in the first meeting of Rhode Island’s new Gun Safety Working Group, which will help create an action plan for gun reform. The efforts of this new multi-state consortium will further bolster our work with meaningful research to help guide action on reforms across all of our states. I thank my fellow governors for their efforts and look forward to seeing the research developed by the consortium.”

Governor Charlie Baker said, “Massachusetts is pleased to have some of the nation’s strongest gun control laws and looks forward to working with other states to enhance information sharing across state lines to provide state officials and law enforcement with more resources to keep our communities safe.”

Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló said, “Puerto Rico is proud to have some of the strongest regulations of permits to possess guns in the United States. At the same time, we are fighting against illegal guns in the Island. I believe this consortium of states to promote shared knowledge will go a long way towards raising awareness about the direct relationship between uncontrolled access to guns and acts of violence. This is an important step towards ending in the senseless massacres that have claimed the lives of innocent people in public institutions and schools.”

The consortium will operate between the multiple states involved, harnessing the collective research and expertise for collaborative activities among individual universities and departments. In addition to new research, the consortium will also create a central clearinghouse of existing data from institutional, federal, and multi-state sources for public use.

This month marks the anniversary ‎of two of our country’s most tragic mass shootings that are etched into the history of our society; it was eleven years ago this week that 32 people lost their lives on the campus of Virginia Tech University, and 19 years ago, 13 people were tragically killed at Columbine High school.

Listed below are the scholars from the states who are leading the consortium. A full link with their biographies is available here.

Romain L. Alexander Policy Advisor, Office of Governor John Carney
Eric F. Bronson, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Roger Williams University
Rod K. Brunson, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at Rutgers University
Joel Capellan, Assistant Professor of Law & Justice Studies at Rowan University
Michaela Dunne, Manager of Law Enforcement & Justice Services at Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services (DCJIS)
Ayman El-Mohandes, Dean, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy
Sandro Galea, Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health
Anna Harvey, Professor of Politics and Director of the Public Safety Lab at New York University
David Hemenway, Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Christopher Herrmann, Assistant Professor in the Law and Police Science Department at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Heather Howard, Lecturer in Public Affairs at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
Margaret K. Formica, Assistant Professor of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University
Allan Jiao, Professor of Law & Justice Studies at Rowan University
Craig H. Kennedy, Provost at the University of Connecticut (UCONN)
David M. Kennedy, Professor of Criminal Justice at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (NYC)
Chris Kervick, Executive Director, State of Delaware Criminal Justice Council
John M. Klofas, Professor and Director of the Center for Public Safety Initiative at the Rochester Institute of Technology
Mike Lawlor, Undersecretary for Criminal Justice Policy and Planning, CT Office of Policy & Management and Associate Professor of Criminal Justice in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven (on leave)
Alan Lizotte, Distinguished Professor and former Dean at the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany
Matthew J. Miller, Professor of Health Sciences and Epidemiology at Northeastern University
Daniel J. O’Connell, Ph.D, Senior Scientist, Center for Drug and Health Studies, University of Delaware
James Peyser, Massachusetts Secretary of Education
Jennifer L. Pomeranz, Assistant Professor, College of Global Public Health at New York University
Jeremy Porter, Professor of Sociology at CUNY Brooklyn College and the CUNY Graduate Center
William Pridemore, Distinguished Professor and Dean of the School of Criminal Justice at the University at Albany
Dermot Quinn, Lieutenant Colonel, Massachusetts State Police
Sonali Rajan, Assistant Professor of Health Education at Teachers College, Columbia University
Megan L. Ranney, Emergency Physician and Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Rhode Island Hospital/ Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Jaclyn Schildkraut, Assistant Professor of Public Justice and National Expert on Mass Shootings
Donald H. Sebastian, Senior Vice-President of Technology & Business Development at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Michael Siegel, Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences at Boston University School of Public Health
Nick Simmons, Project Coordinator at the Rockefeller Institute of Government
Robert J. Spitzer, Distinguished Service Professor and Chair of the Political Science Department at SUNY Cortland
Sean P. Varano, Professor of Criminal Justice at Roger Williams University

###

Delaware Joins “States for Gun Safety” Coalition

Multi-state partnership is aimed at preventing gun-related violence

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Monday that Delaware will join States for Gun Safety, a multi-state partnership aimed at preventing gun-related violence.

“Working together, states can take action that will directly confront the threat of gun violence, and reduce the toll it takes on our communities,” said Governor Carney. “This partnership will help us better share data across state borders, intercept the flow of illegal guns, and provide law enforcement with more tools to stop violence before it happens. Delaware is proud to join this partnership, and we look forward to getting to work.”

The Coalition was founded this month by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló also joined the Coalition on Monday.

“The members of the States for Gun Safety Coalition are excited to have Governors Charlie Baker, John Carney and Ricardo Rossello join us in this partnership,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Together, we can take steps and enact measures to protect our residents and our communities. A collective of states can broaden the reach and impact of gun safety laws even if Congress or the President do not take action.”

“It’s time for the horrifying mass shootings that have plagued this country for far too long to spur real action and real policy changes,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “Our states collectively already have better gun safety laws than the federal government, and by working together to share information and bolster enforcement, we will keep guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals and better protect our communities. If the federal government refuses to act, we will work together to enact the important reforms families deserve, and I welcome these new states to our coalition.”

“The addition of Massachusetts, Delaware, and Puerto Rico to this multi-state coalition is an important step toward regional cooperation to prevent gun violence, and I applaud these governors for being a partner in this endeavor,” Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy. “The massacre in Parkland – like the massacres in Las Vegas, Orlando, San Bernardino, Umpqua, Aurora, Sandy Hook, and countless others – are a tragic reminder of the urgent need to tear down political barriers and work together to make our communities, schools, and public places safer. I am hopeful that this represents the beginning of a turning point and that more states will join our growing partnership. That said, while we can make a significant difference, we need real and substantive action from Congress if we are serious about ending this epidemic of gun violence. It shouldn’t need saying, but the lives of children are far more important than any powerful special interest. It’s time to act.”

“Governor’s from both sides of the aisle are coming together to take action on gun violence. We cannot afford to wait another minute for Washington,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo. “Earlier today, I signed an executive order establishing a state wide red flag policy, and Rhode Island will continue to take proactive steps to combat gun violence. By working together across state lines, this coalition will save lives. I welcome MA, DE and PR to our coalition.”

“Massachusetts is pleased to join the gun safety coalition to enhance the strong gun control measures already in place in the Commonwealth and our public safety officials will work collaboratively across state lines with coalition members to bolster efforts for stronger communication to keep our communities safe,” said Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

“We need to bring attention to the fact that there is an undisputed relation between the lack of gun control regulations and recent acts of gun violence that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and that has brought together a Nation demanding action now,” said Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló.

As part of the States for Gun Safety Coalition, Delaware will join a multi-state task force to trace and intercept illegal guns in the region. Delaware will also work in cooperation with other partner states to enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing, and response efforts related to gun violence. Participating states will leverage collective investigative resources in order to determine comprehensive, coordinated plans for gun violence responses.

Delaware will also now join partner states to share information about individuals who are prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm within each state. That information pathway enables law enforcement agencies to know if an individual has attempted to purchase or permit a weapon in a participating state. The agreement, in accordance with federal and state privacy protections, will provide state law enforcement agencies with details on the firearm purchase or permit denials for those who are disqualified. People may be disqualified from owning a firearm for several reasons, including an order of protection, commitment for a mental disorder, or criminal history.

Additionally, the partner states will also work together to designate an institute of higher education to join the Regional Gun Violence Research Consortium, a multi-disciplinary data-collection group tasked with producing recommendations for reducing gun violence.

By working cooperatively, participating states are making an effort to tackle issues related to the epidemic of gun violence, even if Congress and the President fail to take federal action.

###

Governor Carney Announces Appointments to Delaware Offshore Wind Working Group

Working group, established by Executive Order #13, will hold its first meeting October 6

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced appointments to the Delaware Offshore Wind Working Group, which was established last month by Executive Order 13 to study potential environmental and economic development benefits of offshore wind development to serve Delaware.

“Finding ways to participate in the development of alternate energy sources is the right decision for our environment and our economy, and has the potential to create good-paying jobs,” said Governor Carney. “The members of this working group will help us explore potential economic and environmental benefits of offshore wind development for Delaware, and determine costs and benefits for electric ratepayers across our state. Thank you to Bruce Burcat for agreeing to chair this group, and to all of those who have agreed to serve.”

Newly appointed members of the Offshore Wind Working Group are:

Bruce Burcat, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, Chair
Senator David McBride
Senator Harris McDowell
Representative Trey Paradee
Representative Ronald Gray
Secretary Jeff Bullock, Delaware Department of State
Secretary Shawn Garvin, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Robert Howatt, Executive Director, Public Service Commission Staff
Drew Slater, Public Advocate
Albert Shields, Policy Director, Office of the Governor
Mario Giovanni, Director of Energy Acquisition, Delmarva Power & Light
Patrick McCullar, President and CEO, Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation
Mark Nielson, Vice President, Staff Services, Delaware Electrical Cooperative
Professor Jeremy Firestone, Director, Center for Carbon-free Power Integration, University of Delaware
Brenna Goggin, Director of Advocacy, Delaware Nature Society
Jeffrey Gordon, President, American Birding Association
Guy Marcozzi, President and CEO, Duffield Associates
James Maravelias, President, Delaware State AFL-CIO
Collin O’Mara, President and CEO, National Wildlife Federation

By December 15, the working group will submit a report to the Governor that makes recommendations on short- and long-term strategies for developing wind power to serve Delaware, and plans to develop job opportunities in the offshore wind industry. The group also will draft any necessary legislation, including possible amendments to Delaware’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act.

The first meeting of the Offshore Wind Working Group is scheduled for Friday, October 6 at 9:00 a.m. in the Delaware Public Service Commission Hearing Room, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904. All Delaware Offshore Wind Working Group meetings will be listed on the statewide calendar and are open to the public. Meeting agendas, minutes and related materials will be posted on the state calendar as well. Information about the October 6 meeting can be found here.

More information about the Offshore Wind Working Group can be found on the DNREC website.

###

Governor’s Statement on DuPont Jobs Announcement

Wilmington, DE – Governor Markell released the following statement regarding DuPont’s announcements of employee reductions and that its Specialty Products business would be based in Delaware.

“DuPont’s announcement today is deeply disappointing, especially to the thousands of Delawareans who helped this company grow and succeed for generations. DuPont’s number one asset is its people, and the innovations that the company has produced during its storied history are a testament to the quality of those people. For those affected by today’s announcement, they should know that the State will do all that it can in the coming months to assist them as they evaluate new opportunities.”

“I am pleased that DuPont has committed to basing its Specialty Products business here. That business will be well-positioned not only with products like Kevlar and Tyvex, but also industry-leading electronics and communications, nutrition, and safety businesses. We look forward to doing all that we can to promote the success of that business and will continue to urge DuPont and Dow to see the value of locating other businesses here in Delaware, where they have grown and succeeded in the past.”

###