Patrick Burke’s Vision, Policy Positions, and Allies: Digital Equity Advocacy

Vision & Regional Goals

Assemblymember Patrick Burke represents New York’s 142nd Assembly District, which covers South Buffalo, Lackawanna, West Seneca, and Orchard Park in Erie County. Burke’s leadership is marked by a strong commitment to public health, community resilience, and responsive government. His vision includes fair access to opportunity, better public infrastructure, justice for all, environmental sustainability, and providing communities with the digital tools needed to thrive in a modern economy.

Core Vision and Priorities

• Community Health & Resilience: Burke advocates strongly for mental health access, supports public health research (including pioneering psychedelic treatments for veterans and first responders), and prioritizes policies that help families and vulnerable populations.
• Education and Youth Opportunity: Champions robust funding for public schools, career and technical education programs, and digital literacy as essential tools for preparing youth for the workforce and closing opportunity gaps.
• Responsive & Transparent Government: Emphasizes reform that makes state and local government more accountable, transparent, and attentive to constituent needs.
• Environmental Protection: Introduced landmark legislation including a Great Lakes Bill of Rights to safeguard water quality and natural resources for current and future generations[1].
• Equity & Inclusion: Advocates for fair access to economic opportunity, housing, and government programs—especially for marginalized and low-income groups.
• Digital Access & Modernization: Recognizes digital equity as fundamental to effective public service, education, and community connection.

Policy Positions (Comprehensive List)

• Digital Equity & Broadband:
  • Supports universal, affordable, high-speed broadband as a necessity for education, health care, workforce development, and civic engagement.
  • Works with federal and statewide initiatives to expand and improve digital infrastructure in Erie County and Western NY.
  • Backs targeted funding for public schools, libraries, mental health agencies, and first responders to close the digital divide[2].
  • Promotes practical partnerships between government, local service providers, and community organizations, tailoring solutions to local needs rather than blanket state mandates.
• Education & Workforce:
  • Fights for increased investment in schools and technical education, digital literacy programs, and affordable higher education.
  • Supports reforms to strengthen NYS Teachers’ Retirement System, with attention to equitable workforce support[1].
• Mental Health, Public Health & Safety:
  • Introduced and backs bills promoting new treatments for veterans and first responders; works closely with agencies to address health disparities[2].
  • Opposes policies and budget cuts that undermine public safety, schools, and community health.
• Government Reform & Accountability:
  • Consistently pushes for transparency, constituent service, and practical accountability in state government.
• Environmental Action:
  • Sponsors key bills to safeguard the Great Lakes, regional water resources, and community resiliency against climate threats.

Opportunities in Digital Equity

• Economic Opportunity: Broadband and digital literacy empower local entrepreneurs, attract new business, and support remote work.
• Education & Youth Outcomes: Reliable access helps students succeed and prepares them for 21st-century jobs.
• Healthcare & Social Services: Expands telehealth and mental health support for families, veterans, and seniors.