MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Two Democratic state lawmakers are hoping to use the state’s Medicaid program, TennCare, to help combat gun violence in Tennessee.
Senator London Lamar of Memphis and Representative Justin Jones of Nashville have filed legislation that would direct TennCare to access federal money set aside for gun violence prevention. They said using the money for intervention programs could save lives.
“That mass shooter in my district a few days ago was 20 years old. Dollars like we’re proposing, Medicaid dollars to expand community intervention programs, could prevent the next 20-year-old shooter and not only give him a second chance at life but the victims another chance at life too,” said Sen. Lamar.
The lawmakers say gun violence is now a public health crisis in Tennessee.
“Right now, gunshot wounds are the number one cause of death for kids. That is unacceptable. Gun violence is a public health crisis, and we have to treat it that way,” said Rep. Jones.
Rampant crime creating a big problem for small businesses and the Memphis economy