State Rep. Ryan Berman, of Commerce Township, today provided a statement on his recent support for House Bill 5479, which would outlaw firearm buy-back programs funded by taxpayer dollars:

“I don’t feel it is government’s role to dedicate taxpayer dollars to purchase firearms from law-abiding gun owners. As a state government, I feel there are better ways we can allocate what is afforded to us through hardworking taxpayers – such as funding for schools, local roads and other essential services we all rely on.

“This legislation does not block local governments from having drop-off programs if they feel it will keep their communities and residents safer. Several communities throughout the state are able to engage in these volunteer surrender programs now – where there is no exchange of money – if they wish. The vast majority of surrendered private firearms are worthless or inoperable. If the guns were worth something, people wishing to no longer possess them would sell them and that would create a positive economic impact locally. The research I’ve seen shows aggressive buy-back programs are a waste, and it is policy most residents in my district don’t agree with.

“I came to Lansing to use taxpayer dollars as efficiently and effectively as possible, and I stuck to that principle when reviewing this proposal.”