Press Releases

Our Community Will Overcome COVID-19

Several months ago, I would not have guessed I would be writing this column about the coronavirus pandemic sweeping through our state and our nation. None of us would have imagined that we would be practicing social distancing, isolating in our homes,...

Fighting for the Environment as Chair of DEC Oversight Subcommittee

As a Member of the New York State Assembly, I serve on five committees where we host hearings, report on legislation, and meet and vote on whether to send bills to the Assembly floor: Banks; Children and Families; Local Governments; Tourism, Parks, Arts...

Assemblyman Burke and Councilmember Scanlon Unveil Irish Immigrant Monument at Buffalo Irish Center

New York State Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) and Buffalo Common Councilmember Chris Scanlon (D-South Buffalo) were joined by friends, colleagues, and members of the community at the Buffalo Irish Center this morning to unveil the new Irish Immigrant...

Assemblyman Burke Announces Funding for Critical Cazenovia Rink Roof Repair

Today, Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) was joined by South District Councilmember Chris Scanlon (D-South Buffalo), Hasek’s Heroes Board of Directors President James Hornung Jr., Cazenovia Youth Hockey Board of Directors President Meg Gifford, SABAH...

Assemblyman Burke: NY Bail System is Broken, But Bail Reform Must Be Fixed

I have heard varying opinions from my constituents and fellow Western New Yorkers about the bail reform law that recently went into effect in New York State. As your representative, it is my responsibility to inform you of my position and my plan to fix...

Assemblyman Burke Proposes Comprehensive Plan Addressing Single-Use Plastics

It is no secret that single-use plastics, such as styrofoam, are pervasive in our society and that they poison and pollute our waterways. The governor’s proposal to ban the distribution and use of Styrofoam food containers and packing peanuts is a well-intentioned...

Assemblyman Burke Announces Dangerousness Hearings Legislation

Today, Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-South Buffalo) announced his intent to introduce a new iteration of his “Justice for Rachael” legislation that will allow criminal prosecutors to request a dangerousness hearing to determine whether or not defendants...

Western New York Legislators Pass Legislation to Eliminate ‘Gay Panic’ and ‘Trans Panic’ Defenses

Assemblymembers Pat Burke (D-Buffalo), Karen McMahon (D-Amherst/Pendleton), Sean Ryan (D-Buffalo) and Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced passage of legislation to ban the use of the so-called “gay panic” defense. The legislation prevents...

Assemblyman Burke: Let Local Brewers and Distillers Concentrate on Their Work, Not Paperwork

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that he sponsored and helped pass legislation that would allow breweries and distilleries in New York to file tax returns electronically (A.6642). “There’s nothing better while watching the Bills...

Assemblyman Burke: Vaccinations Protect Our Children from Dangerous Diseases

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that legislation he co-sponsored to repeal all nonmedical exemptions from vaccination requirements for children passed the Assembly (A.2371-A). “Children across New York State are falling prey to preventable...

Assemblyman Burke: Summer Reading Challenge Helps Young Readers Explore New Worlds

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) is encouraging Buffalo children to participate in the Assembly’s Summer Reading Challenge, held in partnership with New York State libraries and local schools. The event starts in July and invites young readers to...

Assemblyman Burke: Free Sportsman Licenses Shows Gratitude to Veterans and Their Families

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that legislation to provide veterans and their families access to free hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, including one Burke sponsored befitting Gold Star families, have passed out of the Assembly Environmental...

Assemblyman Burke and Assemblymember Wallace Express Opposition to Green Light Bill

In a statement expressing opposition to the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act (A.3675-A), otherwise known as the Green Light bill, Burke and Wallace call on federal government to find solutions to immigration system. “The ‘Green...

Assemblyman Burke’s Bill Extends DEC Oversight of Fishing in State Waters

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that legislation he sponsored to help protect freshwater resources in New York passed the Assembly (A.7689). The measure would allow the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to continue...

Assemblyman Burke Passes Legislation Strengthening Rights of New Yorkers with Disabilities

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that he helped pass a series of bills to strengthen the rights of New Yorkers with disabilities in recognition of this year’s Legislative Disabilities Awareness Day, May 29. “Far too often, people...

Assemblyman Burke Continues Environmental Protection Efforts

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that he helped pass a series of bills to protect our environment and promote a more sustainable future for New York State in recognition of Earth Day, which was April 22. “This planet is our home, and...

Assemblyman Burke Spearheads Legislation to Expand Support for Child Victims

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that he introduced and passed legislation allowing more child victims to receive compensation from the state Office of Victim Services (OVS) for costs such as mental health counseling (A.7051). “Child...

Assemblyman Burke: Assembly Budget Proposal Supports Students, WNY Communities

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that the Assembly budget proposal boosts education spending, protects a critical state funding source for town and village governments and finances infrastructure projects across the state. “Our budget...

Assemblyman Burke Proposes ‘Lake Erie Bill of Rights’ to Protect Lake From Harmful Pollution

Assemblyman Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that he introduced legislation granting Lake Erie the legal right to exist, which would allow citizens to sue on the lake’s behalf if it is in danger of major environmental harm (A.6313). “Lake Erie...

Assemblymember Burke Named Chair of Subcommittee on DEC Oversight

Assemblymember Pat Burke (D-Buffalo) announced that he has been appointed chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Oversight of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). “In the Assembly, we want to ensure that New York State is taking every...