Whether the Illinois House and Senate can pass an assault weapons ban – or any other kind of gun control measure – during these few remaining lame duck days, members of both parties agree: the killing has to stop.

The latest proposal is borne of the Highland Park July 4 parade massacre.

“You’ve got to work one member at a time,” said State Rep. Marcus Evans, Jr. (D-Chicago). “I hope it does get done. I represent the south side of Chicago. Just Google the crime in Chicago. Guns are an issue. Poverty is an issue. Other issues exist, but just sending a message that we want dangerous guns off the streets, I think, makes a lot of sense.”

“I think that’s a big discussion,” said State Rep. Mike Marron (R-Fithian). “I think it’s probably more than a three-day discussion. It’s a serious problem. It needs to happen because this is a serious problem, and we need to stop these incidents from occurring in the future. But we’re on a little short notice at this point.”

After today, the General Assembly is scheduled to meet tomorrow, Saturday, and Tuesday. The new General Assembly is sworn in Wednesday.