Sen. Mark Begich released the following statement in response to President Obama’s announcement of executive action to address gun violence:

“I was pleased to see the president call for an increase in mental health services as well as strengthening the enforcement of laws already on the books. I have repeatedly supported both of these issues and believe these are areas where Congress can and should come together to help protect our communities. I was particularly pleased to hear the president specifically mention the need for mental health first aid training, the key component of legislation I introduced last year to improve mental health services on college campuses.

“I also support providing funding for more resource officers in our schools across the country. As mayor of Anchorage, I helped expand our school resource officer program because it’s proven to be a great partnership that increases communication between law enforcement and young people and provides responsible role models in our schools.

“There is no quick fix when it comes to keeping our families and communities safe. We must make smart investments to increase our safety while ensuring American’s Second Amendment rights are protected.”

Begich introduced the Mental Health First Aid Higher Education Act (S. 3325) in June of 2012. Begich’s bill authorizes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in partnership with the Department of Education, to carry out a five-year demonstration program to fund Mental Health First Aid training programs at college campuses across the country to help faculty and staff recognize the symptoms of common mental illnesses among college-aged individuals, deal with crisis situations safely and develop protocols for initiating timely referrals to mental health services available in communities. Begich will be introducing an expanded version of this bill to train beyond college campuses soon. Begich has stated previously that he does not support a ban on assault weapons, or new laws abridging Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens.