Most members of the Western New York State Senate delegation voted against the gun control legislation that is making its way through Albany. Republicans Michael Ranzenhofer, Patrick Gallivan, George Maziarz and Catherine Young voted 'no' on the bill. Democrat Tim Kennedy and Republican Mark Grisanti voted in favor of it.
Ranzenhofer says he thinks the measure does little to protect people from gun violence.
"I believe that this creates the illusion of safety, but it doesn't really get into...the root causes of why people get killed and maimed and injured with guns," Ranzehofer told WBFO News.
Ranzenhofer says he is also concerned about how quickly the legislation came up for a vote.
"This is probably one of the fastest moving pieces of legislation that I have seen in my career," Ranzenhofer said.
Buffalo Democrat Tim Kennedy, citing recent tragedies in Newtown, Connecticut and Webster, New York, calls the bill a reasonable approach to the scourge of gun violence, while at the same time protecting the rights of gun owners.
"This is a sensible set of gun laws that takes positive steps at improving safety in New York," Kennedy said.
"At the same time, second amendment rights are protected for sportsmen and hunters, as well."
The legislation is being debated in the Assembly this afternoon, where it is expected to pass.