A press release from State Rep. Steve Andersson:

Representative Steve Andersson named to Bipartisan Task Force on Violence Prevention

SPRINGFIELD….. State Representative Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) has been named to a bipartisan violence prevention task force that will study violence in schools and communities, and work with mental health professionals to find ways to keep children who suffer from mental illness from slipping through the cracks.

“We live in an unfortunate age where schools and communities gain notoriety not through the good deeds being done, but by violent acts that have resulted in senseless deaths,” said Andersson.

“Sandy Hook and Columbine are forever etched in our memories as places where unspeakable tragedies have occurred.”

Andersson pointed to the case of 20-year-old Adam Lanza, the gunman of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, as an example of a troubled young man with a history of mental health issues, who committed horrific acts of violence at a place where children and adults should have been able to feel safe.

“All families should be able expect a level of safety and security in their communities and schools,” said Andersson.

“I look forward to working with the other Representatives who have been named to this task force so we can find ways to provide those who suffer from mental or emotional problems with help and support so that violence can be prevented in the future.”

The task force will hold its first meeting next week on Monday, February 23, at 11:00 AM in Chicago. The group, which will be chaired by State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago), will study the State of Connecticut’s report on Lanza and determine what proactive steps the state of Illinois can take to help prevent a similar tragedy from occurring in Illinois.