Davis seeks to aid families hit by gun violence
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
A state lawmaker from McKeesport on Tuesday unveiled a legislative package he will be introducing that would provide support to parents and families grieving the death of a child due to gun violence.
State Rep. Austin Davis, a Democrat, said gun violence takes the lives of more than 100 children and teenagers in Pennsylvania in an average year, causing devastating grief for the victims’ families that can have psychological and financial consequences.
“This number represents more than 100 young people who will never graduate high school, travel the world or be fortunate to have children of their own. It also represents hundreds of parents whose lives will never be the same,” Davis wrote in a memorandum regarding House Bills 1677 and 1678.
During a press conference in Harrisburg Tuesday, Davis was joined by a group of women holding photos of young gun violence victims. He said his bills would permit gun violence victims’ parents to defer debt payments or apply for a grant program that can provide financial assistance.
“Parents of gun violence victims experience additional difficulties throughout the grieving process,” Davis said. “It may take several years before they can truly begin to heal, at which point the economic damage may be done. The financial impact takes an even greater toll for low-income parents of color.”
Members of the Mothers of Murdered Sons joined Davis at today’s news conference.
Tina Ford helped to found MOMS in the Clairton area following the 2019 death of her son, Armani Ford, to provide support to other families who have also lost a child to gun violence. Ford reached out to Davis to request legislation to support gun violence victims’ parents and families.
Armani Ford was a quarterback at Clairton High School during the program’s 63-game winning streak. The Bears won four straight PIAA championships during his tenure, the last being the 2012 season.
He died on Vankirk Street in Clairton as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest.
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