Indiana State Rep. Maureen Bauer joins White House discussion on gun violence

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - The White House hosted nearly 100 state lawmakers from across the country Wednesday, to discuss strategies to reduce gun violence.

Among that group was Indiana State Representative Maureen Bauer (D-06). 

The Biden Administration is trying to create a centralized response to gun violence, like federal reaction to natural disasters, through a new "Office of Gun Violence Prevention".

As of this week, there have been at least 40 mass shootings in the United States this year, according to ABC News.

But the discussion also focused on domestic violence, community violence, and un-intentional shootings like South Bend has seen this year involving children.

"We support the second amendment, we support the right to defend your home, but we also support the right for children to have futures and to have hope in their futures," Bauer said. 

Rep. Bauer says a similar discussion with lawmakers will happen in January.

She's now working on passing new legislation to help reimburse victims advocacy groups in the Hoosier State through Medicaid, and another to create a pilot program in schools for violence intervention; working with students on addressing conflict and the root causes of violence.

In the last Indiana legislative session, Rep. Bauer amended language in HEA 1177 to require State Police and the Indiana Department of Education to share best practices for safe firearm storage with school parents and guardians.

You can watch ABC57's full interview with Rep. Bauer HERE: