Report: Gun violence costs Minnesota $764 million annually

[flamin lib]

http://www.startribune.com/report-gun-violence-costs-minnesota-764-million-annually/404057036/

A bipartisan advocacy group argues that stricter gun measures would save money as well as lives. That got a cool reception from a prominent gun rights advocate.

An April shooting at a law office on St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill exacted a tragic toll, cutting short the promising life of 23-year-old law clerk Chase Passauer.

The crime also had major economic repercussions. The costs of the investigation and incarceration, workers’ compensation payments and burial expenses added up to roughly $7 million — $2 million of it footed by Minnesota taxpayers.

There are only 5.46 people in Minnesota. That's $140 each for every man woman and newborn babe in the state.

The report got a cool reception from one of Minnesota’s most prominent gun rights advocates. Andrew Rothman, president of the Minnesota Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance and a familiar face at State Capitol hearings, said Thursday that the coalition report is not groundbreaking and the solutions it proposes “aren’t new.”

Violence is a result of “people engaged in other illegal activity,” Rothman said. “We can agree criminal violence is a problem. I don’t expect this report is anything more than whistling in the dark.”

Yep, that's the same answer we get from the gunners among us, can't do anything about it so don't even try. I have an idea. Mr Rothman should write a personal check to every Minnesotan for $140. Every year. Maybe he can get some of the 'responsible gun owners' to chip in.

[yagotme]

1. Question:

I assume you meant 5.46 million people in MN?