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Mass. politicians say Obama guns action is a step in the right direction

BOSTON — Many local politicians are calling President Barack Obama's efforts to tighten controls on guns a step in the right direction.

Attorney General Maura Healey said Tuesday that while Massachusetts already has strict gun laws, tougher measures are needed to stanch the flow of weapons from other states.

She called for universal and comprehensive background checks aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of those who would harm themselves or hurt or kill others.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the expanded background checks and resources to enforce existing laws are much needed.

“Requiring all gun purchases to include a background check is a common sense, simple step which will make it harder for criminals and those who intend to commit crimes to access firearms.” Walsh said.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo also applauded the president, saying he’s “proud of President Obama’s plan.”

“[I] believe it complements the highly-effective state legislation we passed two years ago, and I salute Mayor Walsh for being a strong advocate for Boston on the national stage in this regard,” he said.

Healey also praised Obama's efforts to address mental illness, which she said was the root cause of some, but not all, of the most horrific mass shootings.

Obama is using his presidential powers to push through the changes without congressional approval.

The Associated Press Contributed to this report.