Burke's Legislative Career in the New York State Assembly
Since winning the election for the 142nd district of the New York State Assembly on November 6, 2018, Burke has established a legislative record focused on civil rights, public safety, and community investment. Serving as a representative in the New York State Legislature, Burke has co-sponsored and introduced a variety of bills aimed at expanding voter access and protecting vulnerable populations.
Key Facts
- District: Represents the 142nd district of the New York State Assembly.
- Key Legislation: Co-sponsored the Child Victims Act and the statewide ban on conversion therapy.
- Leadership Roles: Chair of the Standing Committee on Cities and Chair of the Great Lakes Watershed Task Force.
- Community Impact: Secured millions in funding for school safety, public libraries, and emergency services.
Legislative Priorities and Civil Rights
During the 203rd New York State Legislature, Burke focused heavily on democratic participation and corporate accountability. This included co-sponsoring laws that implemented early voting and no-excuse absentee voting, as well as new regulations regarding political donations made by Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
Burke has also been a vocal advocate for victims of abuse. In 2018, Burke called for the resignation of Diocese of Buffalo Bishop Richard Joseph Malone following allegations of negligence regarding investigations into priests accused of sexual abuse. This advocacy extended to the legislative floor on January 28, 2019, with the co-sponsorship of the Child Victims Act. This landmark legislation allows prosecutors to bring criminal charges until a victim reaches age 28 and extends the window for victims to file civil lawsuits until age 55.
Furthering protections for the LGBTQ+ community, Burke cosponsored Assembly Bill A576. Passed on January 15, 2019, by the Assembly (141-7) and the Senate (57-4), this bill expanded the ban on conversion therapy—the practice of attempting to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity—from Erie County to the entire state. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into immediate effect on January 25, 2019.
Public Health and Environmental Stewardship
Burke's legislative efforts have frequently targeted public health and environmental sustainability. In November 2021, Assembly Bill A7564 was signed into law to encourage the elimination of specific single-use plastics within the State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York (CUNY) systems.
To improve elderly care, Burke introduced Assembly Bill A6057, signed in December 2021. This mandate requires the Commissioner of Health to implement a standardized infection inspection audit and checklist for nursing homes to ensure higher safety standards.
In August 2022, Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie appointed Burke as the chair of the Great Lakes Watershed Task Force, a role dedicated to the oversight and protection of the region's vital water resources.
Community Funding and Local Impact
Beyond statewide policy, Burke has secured significant financial resources for the 142nd district. In July 2022, funding was announced for public libraries to modernize exteriors, update reading materials, and acquire new technology, including projectors and 3D printers.
Safety initiatives have also received substantial support. Burke secured $1 million for the Orchard Park and West Seneca School Districts to enhance overall school safety. Additionally, in September 2022, $160,000 was allocated to the Lackawanna Fire Department for the purchase of essential turnout gear (protective clothing worn by firefighters) for all personnel.
| Category | Initiative/Bill | Outcome/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Rights | Child Victims Act | Extended criminal and civil statutes of limitations for victims. |
| Public Health | Assembly Bill A6057 | Mandated infection audits in nursing homes. |
| Environment | Assembly Bill A7564 | Reduced single-use plastics in SUNY/CUNY systems. |
| Education | School Safety Funding | $1 million for West Seneca and Orchard Park districts. |
| Public Safety | Lackawanna Fire Dept. | $160,000 for new turnout gear. |
Political Milestones and Leadership
Burke's tenure has been marked by consistent electoral success and increasing leadership responsibilities. After the initial 2018 victory, Burke won re-election on November 3, 2020, running uncontested in the Democratic Primary and defeating Republican Matthew Szalkowski in the general election.
Burke has also used the platform to hold executive leadership accountable, condemning Governor Cuomo's budget cuts to Aid and Incentives Municipalities (AIM) funding in February 2019 and calling for the Governor's resignation in March 2021 following sexual harassment allegations.
The trajectory of Burke's leadership culminated in January 2024, when Burke was named the chair of the Standing Committee on Cities in the New York State Assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Child Victims Act?
The Child Victims Act is a law co-sponsored by Burke that extends the time limits for victims of childhood abuse to seek justice, allowing criminal charges until the victim is 28 and civil lawsuits until age 55.
How did Burke impact the SUNY and CUNY systems?
Burke introduced Assembly Bill A7564, which was signed into law in November 2021 to encourage the removal of certain single-use plastics across the SUNY and CUNY university systems.
What funding did Burke secure for local emergency services?
In September 2022, Burke secured $160,000 for the Lackawanna Fire Department specifically to purchase a second set of turnout gear for all firefighters.
What leadership positions does Burke currently hold?
Burke serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Cities in the NYS Assembly and was previously named chair of the Great Lakes Watershed Task Force.
What measures did Burke introduce for nursing home safety?
Burke introduced Assembly Bill A6057, which requires the Commissioner of Health to establish and implement an infection inspection audit and checklist for nursing homes.