By Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.

I applaud Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York Legislature on the passage of a sweeping law to improve gun safety and address mental health and firearm concerns in the Empire State.

It was encouraging that these bills were passed on a bipartisan basis and politicians put politics aside.  Preventing gun violence should not be a Democratic initiative or a Republican initiative. Rather, it should be an American initiative, and it’s important to note that law-abiding hunters and responsible gun owners supported this measure.

Gov. Cuomo deserves credit for his leadership and courage.

As a member of the New Jersey General Assembly, I urge Gov. Chris Christie to endorse this landmark bill package that passed in New York. I also encourage Gov. Malloy of Connecticut, Gov. Markell of Delaware, Gov. Corbett of Pennsylvania and Gov. Patrick of Massachusetts to support the same package that is now the law of New York. 

By taking this unified action we would create a Gun Sanity Corridor in the Northeast, sending a clear and strong signal to those who intend to illegally purchase or possess assault weapons that they will be equally prosecuted regardless of where they operate. 

It’s my hope that other states will take notice of our resolve and gun sanity will become the law of the land.  Parents and concerned citizens alike have waited long enough. Delay is the ally of those who want to preserve the status quo. The time for action is now.

Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr.

South Plainfield