LETTER TO THE EDITOR: We need a special session to increase our safety

Last (month), during the aftermath of the shooting in Las Cruces, our governor called the past legislative session “unacceptable,” and I agree.

We saw many important and transformational policies fail because of a lack of willingness from lawmakers to move faster. One of those bills that didn’t make it past the finish line was SB 279, the GOSAFE Act that would’ve banned assault weapons.

New Mexico has had 27 mass shootings since 2015. SB279 grandfathers all current gas-operated semi-automatic firearms AND protects gun owner rights to weapons for hunting and self-defense. It removes future weapons of war from being on our streets to protect school-age children, teachers and people attending church, concerts or movies. We have to start somewhere, and this is an important step.

Every mass shooting costs New Mexico in real dollars, separate from the emotional destabilization in families and communities. If lawmakers care about economics — this bill addresses it. If lawmakers care about our safety, this bill spearheads it. It’s time to put politics aside and do the right thing. I urge lawmakers to hold a special session and honor victims of gun violence by passing a ban on assault weapons.

Cindy Benedict

Rio Rancho