Governor Doyle Announces
Veto of Concealed Carry Bill
MADISON (Nov.18,2003) - Flanked by sheriffs, deputies, police chiefs, police officers, troopers and other law enforcement officers, Governor Jim Doyle announced today that he has vetoed S B 214, legislation that would allow concealed weapons into almost all public places and would weaken restrictions against guns on school grounds and in school zones.
"This bill doesn't create a single job, doesn't help a single Wisconsin citizen afford health care, and doesn't improve schools for a single Wisconsin child," Governor Doyle said.
"It's time for the Legislature to get back to the serious work of solving problems that face Wisconsin families, instead of catering to the wishes of extremist special interest groups.
"That is why earlier today I took my veto pen, and used it to stand with law enforcement to keep lethal weapons away from our schools, businesses, and communities," Doyle said.
A wide range of law enforcement groups oppose the legislation, including: The Badger State Sheriff's Association, The Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, The Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association, The Wisconsin District Attorneys Association, The Wisconsin County Police Association, The Association of State Prosecutors, and The Wisconsin Troopers' Association.
Additionally, out of 72 sheriffs in Wisconsin, just three are on record supporting a concealed
hand gun law. And at least 65 sheriffs have vowed to "opt out" of the bill.
The Governor noted that the bill passed by the Legislature would allow concealed weapons into crowded shopping malls during the holidays, public libraries, public buildings, Boys and Girls Clubs, banks, universities, movie theaters, concert venues like Alpine Valley, Summerfest, parades, parking lots, farmers markets, and the State Fair.
"Even after the tragedy at Columbine, this bill would weaken restrictions against carrying lethalweapons on school grounds," said Governor Doyle. "I think we all agree that Wisconsin'sschools need more textbooks and more teachers, but one thing they sure don't need is more guns," Gov. Doyle said.
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