Plan would use federal matching funds to address gun violence
A pair of Tennessee legislators is seeking to enlist TennCare in the effort to combat gun violence.
Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville and Sen. London Lamar of Memphis have filed legislation that would direct TennCare (Tennessee's Medicaid program) to access federal money set aside for gun violence prevention.
Lamar said gun violence is a public health issue:
“When gunshot wounds become the leading cause of death for children in your community, gun violence has become a public health issue. This legislation recognizes that we can stop some shootings — before they happen — by investing in evidence-based, community interventions that address the root cause of violence.”
Jones added that the legislation is about taking a proactive approach:
“The legislature must take proactive measures to prevent shootings and address its root causes before gun violence occurs. This legislation represents an opportunity for us to try a more holistic approach to reducing gun violence — an approach that recognizes the effect issues, such as poverty, education and mental health, have on crime. It is a vital step in expanding the funding and resources necessary to protect our communities. Tennesseans are begging us to take real action and empower them in the work they are already doing on the ground towards gun violence prevention.”
