Several parents in my district have expressed their worries regarding the upcoming school year. While their concerns varied, the one thing all agreed upon was that the uncertainty of the situation is causing great stress for them and their families. I...

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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 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 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 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...

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 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 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 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 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 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 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...