Legislator Burke Calls on Governor Cuomo to Hold Big Pharma Accountable and Veto S.6750/A. 387B

Erie County, NY- Legislator Patrick Burke is calling on Governor Andrew Cuomo to veto S.6750/A.387B a law that if signed by the governor, would strip away local municipalities’ ability to combat the opioid epidemic and ensure clean drinking water for residents. 

“For the past few months I have been working to pass the Erie County Pharmaceutical Water Pollution Act- a bill that would ensure pharmaceutical companies pay their fair share when it comes to the safe disposal of unused prescription drugs. For far too long residents have had to foot the bill of the pharmaceutical lobby by paying for the safe disposal of prescription drugs. Because no robust program exists at the county level, many local towns including some in my own district are left without places to safely dispose of their unused medication. These pills can then get into local drinking water supplies or can fuel the cycle of addiction in the wake of the opioid epidemic” Burke said.

A few months ago, the State Legislature passed a bill that chose to strip away power from local municipalities. Specifically, S.6750/A.387B features a strongly worded preemption clause that bars any local municipalities, including city, town, or county government from issuing any local law or ordinance on “all matters pertaining to drug disposal of controlled substances.” The power now rests solely with the State of New York.

“In light of the evidence provided by local scientists at the Energy & Environment Committee of the Erie County Legislature last month which proved that there are traces of antidepressants in fish brains in the Niagara River- a major conduit between the Great Lakes, and in the wake of the opioid epidemic which has ravaged parts of our communities and has taken countless lives due to the overprescription of opioid drugs, I simply cannot understand how the New York State Legislature could be this reckless in passing this bill. This is nothing more than a heavy-handed power grab by Albany to remove the tools of local government to combat both sides of a public health crisis” Burke said.

“For over two years the pharmaceutical lobby has watched local municipalities pass measures to ensure it pays its fair share with regards to safe drug disposal. Now they want to roll back these measures and keep asking more and more of our residents to pay their own tax dollars to safely dispose of medication. Albany has abandoned its duty to the people it is intended to serve and has chosen to side with industry lobbyists. I call on the governor not to do the same” Burke said.

Legislator Patrick Burke Announces Youth Sporting Goods Drive to Collect Equipment for Kids in Need

Erie County, NY- Legislator Patrick Burke is announcing the start of his Youth Sporting Goods Drive on the steps of Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School today. The drive will collect lightly used sports equipment for children in need.

“There was once a time when neighborhood kids would grab a ball and play outside for hours. In recent years, this has become less and less prevalent. Nowadays, when a child wants to play a sport, they need to join an official team whether at a school, community center, or town league. What this also means is that the nearly free options for parents to have their kids enjoy the benefits of a sport are decreasing, and it can be expensive to purchase all of the equipment a child needs to play. Especially for households that have more than one child playing more than one sport. In 2015, 32% of parents whose households made less than $50,000 a year cited the high cost of sports as a reason their child couldn’t continue playing” Burke said.

Schools and community centers across the area are partnering with Legislator Burke’s office to collect items for those in need. Items can be dropped off until November 15th.

“In many cases, the cost of equipment is limiting the opportunity for youth in sports. Sports help kids remain active, establish a sense of self-esteem and learn how to work with others to achieve a common goal. Unfortunately, for some parents the cost of equipment is so expensive their children can’t play sports. Studies have shown travel-team sports can cost parents as much as $2,266 a year, per child. In today’s economy where costs are rising as wages stagnant, we as neighbors need to be there for each other. No child should be denied the opportunity to play a sport because they can’t afford it.” Burke said. 

Legislator Burke Fights Zombie Housing with Common Sense Reform

Erie County, New York- Legislator Patrick Burke has put forth a resolution to reduce the blight of zombie housing in Erie County. The resolution, which maintains bipartisan support in the Legislature, advocates for a Home Rule Request seeking permission from New York State to amend the Erie County Tax Act. The decision will allow Albany to decrease the allotted time for vacant properties to sit in foreclosure from two years to 1 year. Thereby fighting against the nearly 1,000 vacant homes deemed “zombie houses” in Erie County.

“This is an issue that has long affected much of Erie County, especially my district in South Buffalo and Cheektowaga. Currently a vacant home will sit for up to two years before it is foreclosed upon. During this time the bank isn’t legally responsible for property maintenance, and since the house is vacant homeowners aren’t maintaining the property either. This is what creates the zombie houses we are all so used to seeing: tall unkempt grass, flooded basements, and broken windows. When homes become like this, it often falls to municipalities to do the work- which passes the burden onto taxpayers. These zombie houses negatively impact property values and decrease the curb appeal of neighborhoods. Forcing banks to take responsibility for these properties provides relief and increases quality of life for not only the neighbors, but for all."

“I want to be clear. This resolution will not kick homeowners out of their houses. The language specifically states that the rule change is for homes that have been certified vacant by the municipalities. These are cases in which people choose to walk away from their homes and no longer reside in the dwelling” Burke said.

Tifft Street Bridge a Hazard- Advocating for South Buffalo Resident’s Safe Access to Waterfront

South Buffalo, New York- Today Legislator Pat Burke will hold a press conference documenting the hazardous condition of the Tifft Street Bridge in South Buffalo.

“The Tifft Street Bridge is the only pedestrian entry point for the residents of South Buffalo to access Buffalo’s waterfront. Right now it is an absolute hazard to cross. This is unacceptable.”

“A number of years ago there was development on the Tifft Street Pier but unfortunately the bridge remains unsafe. The speed limit on Tifft Street is 30 miles an hour but the western portion of the road is designed as a 4 lane open highway that encourages cars coming onto and off of Route 5, which has a 55 MPH speed limit, to drive much faster. The eastern portion of Tifft Street is in a residential neighborhood with children often at play. We must ensure the safety of those using the bridge to access the waterfront as well as the safety of those living near it” Burke said.

“I have always fought for the quality of the water here in WNY. The environmental policies I have put forth were meant to ensure the continued enjoyment and existence of our waterways. It is unreasonable for our residents to traverse a dangerous bridge in order to enjoy our water systems. I urge my fellow lawmakers to join me in ensuring a safe route to the waterfront for all area residents.”

Legislator Burke has been a fierce advocate for water quality in the region. His bill outlawing microbeads in Erie County was a model that eventually became federal law. In addition, Burke has demanded federal EPA funding for the Great Lakes remain and has drafted a bill to ensure pharmaceutical companies pay their fair share to keep drinking water safe.

Legislator Burke is calling on the City of Buffalo to implement traffic slowing and pedestrian safety measures in order to enhance the accessibility of Buffalo’s waterfront. Thus ensuring a safe environment for pedestrians as well as those living in the residential portion of Tifft Street in Buffalo.