Gov. Cuomo weighed in yesterday on the national debate over gun control — vowing to pass new state laws to crack down on illegal gun use and violence following shooting massacres in Wisconsin and Colorado, and amid the daily bloodshed on New York’s streets.
“The gun violence has reached an undeniable point,” Cuomo said.
“It’s hard for anyone to refute the damage that’s being done.
“I do believe it’s time to find out what else we can do. We have a number of legislative proposals that I think we’ll be taking up in the next legislative session.”
Cuomo (inset), for example, said he supported a new micro-stamping law that would require the use of laser technology to ID shell casings fired by semiautomatic weapons. The bill passed the Democratic-run Assembly in June, but was blocked in the Republican-led state Senate.
“We’ll discuss all the legislative proposals and see if we can come up with a consensus package,” the governor said during a press conference at his Manhattan office.
Cuomo got a thumbs-up from Hizzoner.
“Mayor Bloomberg is a strong supporter of micro- stamping and looks forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the Legislature on legislation to make New Yorkers safer,” said Deputy Mayor Howard Wolfson.
But gun-rights advocates said there’s no need for tighter laws in New York.
“New York already has the toughest gun laws in the nation — and clearly, as evidenced in New York City, they are not working,” said NYS Rifle & Pistol Association President Tom King.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Nassau) insisted he is open to passing stricter gun laws.
“We agree with the governor that more can be done to combat criminals who use illegal guns, which account for the overwhelming majority of gun crimes in New York,” said Skelos spokesman Scott Reif.