© 2024 WSIU Public Broadcasting
WSIU Public Broadcasting
Member-Supported Public Media from Southern Illinois University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

House Holds Hearing on Guns and Mental Health

Illinois lawmakers are continuing to hold hearings into issues related to guns.

Thursday they met to discuss guns and mental health issues - but the hearing was sparsely attended. When House members have held similar hearings on carrying concealed weapons - the room has been packed full. A velvet rope was put in the hallway to control the line of people waiting to get in. For Thursday's hearing on mental health issues and guns - the velvet rope was out - but nobody was standing in line.

State Representative Jil Tracy from Quincy says she was recently at a hearing discussing cuts to mental health programs - while at the same time there was a hearing on guns going on in a separate building. She says the state needs to fund mental health far better than it has.

At Thursday's hearing most lawmakers raised questions about how people can get their gun ownership I-D revoked. There were few questions about mental health issues or getting counseling for those who see violence first-hand.

As a WSIU donor, you don’t simply watch or listen to public media programs, you are a partner. By making a gift, you help WSIU produce, purchase, and broadcast programs you care about and enjoy – every day of the year.