Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C,I-Chautauqua) recently expressed his outrage over a memo sent by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) offering a $500 award for people who turn in their neighbors to the State Police for owning an illegal assault rifle. The taxpayer-funded program is clearly targeted at upstate New York, and comes shortly after 51 upstate counties passed resolutions opposed to the NY SAFE Act.

“Residents and county governments all across our state, including the Chautauqua County Legislature, have voiced their strong opposition to this new legislation. In response, the governor’s administration has proposed a program to turn neighbors against neighbors.”

Although rifles accounted for only five murders in 2011, the new gun legislation required over a million rifle owners to register their guns or face a potential felony. The recent legislation, which was rushed through the State Legislature at the urging of Governor Cuomo, also limits gun clips to only seven rounds, which inadvertently made most police guns illegal.

“Chautauqua County is home to thousands of law-abiding outdoorsmen and firearms enthusiasts. We need to focus our efforts on combatting criminals, reducing gun violence, and addressing mental health issues, not use tax dollars to go after those who have always acted in a lawful manner,” concluded Goodell.

Goodell also emphasized that he will continue to support changes to the gun law to make it more reasonable for lawful gun owners, and effective in combating crime.