Months after the horrific shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia that left four people dead, Georgia Republicans have unveiled their response to the gun violence crisis: a sales tax holiday on gun and ammo purchases.

For years, Georgia Republicans have blocked even the most broadly-supported, common-sense gun safety measures from advancing under the Gold Dome – including after the horrific 2021 Atlanta spa shootings – but managed to rush the sales tax holiday on gun and ammo sales through the Senate in just over two weeks. 

Last week, State Representative Michelle Au (HD-50) convened Apalachee students and community members at the Capitol, where they called on lawmakers to implement gun safety measures. Rep. Au is sponsoring the Pediatric Health Safe Storage Act, a bill that would require firearm owners to store them safely to prevent children from accessing them. Apalachee graduate Layla Renee Contreras said in support of Rep. Au’s bill: “People in my community are gun owners. We strongly support the Second Amendment…. I mean, it’s common sense for people to store their guns securely and safely, to keep it out of reach from their minor’s hands.” 

“We’re all capable of more than ‘thoughts and prayers’ when it comes to responding to gun violence, but thus far, Georgia Republicans have only been willing to act legislatively to boost firearm sales and line the pockets of gun manufacturers,” said DPG spokesperson Ellie Schwartz. “Georgians are begging for common-sense gun safety measures that will save lives, and it’s not too late for Republicans to listen to Georgians, and join Democrats trying to make it happen.”