Rep. Neguse Introduces Bill to Keep Workers & Public Safe from Gun Violence
The Colorado Congressman is commemorating National Gun Violence Awareness Day by taking action to enhance community safety.
Lafayette, CO — Today, the first Friday in June, communities across the country will recognize Gun Violence Awareness Day. In marking this day of action, House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse is reintroducing the Safe Workplaces Act, a bill to require the Department of Labor to provide guidance for workplaces to help protect against workplace violence, including gun violence. The bill, which was first introduced on the one year anniversary of the devastating mass shooting at the Table Mesa King Soopers in Boulder, Colorado, would ensure implementation of best practices for employers to keep employees and the public safe from threats of gun violence; guidance must be differentiated to account for the unique characteristics for each workplace which can vary from a grocery store to a movie theater.
“From Boulder to Aurora to Highlands Ranch, far too many Coloradans have been impacted by the scourge of gun violence in this country,” said Assistant Leader Neguse. “Today, in commemoration of Gun Violence Awareness Day, we are introducing a common sense piece of legislation that will help protect local workers and make our communities safer. No one should have to fear going to work, visiting public places, or attending certain events because they are worried about the prospect of a mass shooting. Words are not enough — we must continue to act.”
“Our country must act to reduce the threat of violence in the workplace. In office buildings, grocery stories, and movie theaters across the nation, many employees live with the constant fear that they can be a victim of violence. The Safe Workplaces Act will provide employers with much-needed guidance on how to reduce workplace violence and better protect our workers. I applaud Assistant Leader Neguse’s leadership on this issue and I am grateful for his tireless efforts to protect America’s workers from harm. I strongly support the Safe Workplaces Act,” said Boulder County District Attorney Michael Dougherty.
The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), and Adam Smith (D-WA). It is endorsed by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), Colorado Education Association, National Education Association, American Federation of Teachers, Community Justice Action Fund, Brady, Violence Policy Center, Alliance for Suicide Prevention of Larimer County, Colorado Organization of Victim Assistance, Everytown, Coalition to Stop Gun Violence, Guns Down America, Colorado Ceasefire, Giffords, National Council of Jewish Women, and the Sikh Coalition.
Congressman Neguse, who also serves as Vice-Chair of the U.S. House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, has made prioritizing community safety and tackling the gun violence epidemic an urgent priority for his office, pushing for measures that promote public safety and keep kids, families, and communities safe from the devastating incidents of gun violence. Most recently, he led a successful effort to urge the White House to establish a first-of-its-king Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
After the 2021 mass shooting at a grocery store in his congressional district, Rep. Neguse has worked tirelessly to support his community in the aftermath of this tragedy. This past August, he hosted a community meeting with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries where folks across the Boulder-area and the lawmakers discussed the need to urgently pass gun violence prevention legislation. Rep. Neguse also leads a legislative package geared toward preventing mass shootings.
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