Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis

Congresswoman Matsui Statement on Firearm Violence Research Center at UC Davis

Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA) issued the following statement regarding University of California President Janet Napolitano's announcement designating UC Davis' Sacramento campus as the lead campus for the University of California Firearm Violence Research Center:

"We need to begin treating gun violence in this country like the epidemic it has become," Congresswoman Matsui said. "That starts with putting the funding and resources needed toward research that will allow us to close the gap in our understanding of why so many Americans die from gun-related injuries each year. The UC Firearm Violence Research Center on UC Davis' Sacramento campus will be extremely important in this effort."

This year, the California State Legislature made $5 million available for the establishment of the Firearm Violence Research Center. The center is tasked with providing scientific evidence for more effective firearm violence prevention policies and programs.

In July, Congresswoman Matsuiwrote to President Napolitano in support of locating the research center at UC Davis. In her letter, she cited the important gun violence research being conducted by Dr. Garen Wintemute and Dr. Magdalena Cerdandaacute; of the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program. Congresswoman Matsuirecently hosted an online forum during which Dr. Wintemute and Dr. Cerdandaacute; discussed their research on firearm violence.

"Weand#39;re thrilled that UC Davis will be the lead campus for the new center. Firearm violence is a major problem, and weand#39;re ready to get to work," said Dr. Wintemute.

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