BOSTON (WWLP) - Last week, Massachusetts was ranked the safest state to live in in the country for having the lowest rate of gun deaths. This ranking was presented by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, an organization dedicated to reducing gun violence in America by advocating for stronger gun laws. The Bay State received an "A" grade for strong gun laws and ranked 5th in gun law strength in the country. The law center cited a new Massachusetts law as a main reason for their high ranking--an Act Modernizing Firearms Laws--which bans ghost guns, invests in violence prevention programs, and strengthens a statute to take guns away from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. 22News spoke to Governor Healey about how this legislation has led to a safer state. "Strong gun laws save lives and we want peace and safety in all of our neighborhoods and communities and I'm really proud of Massachusetts today," said Governor Healey on Thursday. The Executive Director of the GIFFORDS Law Center, Emma Brown, says Massachusetts' gun death rate is proof that common sense gun laws work. "Americans care about safety—every family wants to know that they are free to live peacefully without the constant fear of gun violence hanging over their heads. Fortunately, we have a roadmap to that reality," said Brown. While Giffords approves of Massachusetts gun laws, they have sparked uproar and lawsuits from some gun owners. 22News will keep you informed about how these lawsuits play out, and their potential effects on the gun law, on air and online. Local News Headlines New England Donor Services seeking more organ donors this holiday season Two men arrested in Holyoke narcotics operation Tips to prevent frozen pipes in extreme cold temps Biden pardons dozens of death row inmates WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.