The gun control issue has taken center stage since the elementary school shooting in Connecticut last Friday. Richard Pearson with the Illinois State Rifle Association says the problem is more a mental health issue than a gun control issue.

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Pearson says tighter gun laws wouldn't have necessarily stopped the shooter in Newtown, Connecticut.

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Pearson says despite the school shooting in Connecticut last week, Illinois needs to move forward with passing a concealed carry law with as few restrictions as possible.

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Pearson says they'd like to see better reporting and monitoring of people who've been diagnosed with mental health issues. He says criminals are going to find a way to commit crime regarless of tighter gun laws, and that's why people need to be able to defend themselves. Politicians across the state are calling for tight gun restrictions as the state prepares to pass a concealed carry law. Some even argue against passing the law, and instead appealing a court ruling requiring Illinois to pass the measure.