A Champion for Workers' Rights and Union Solidarity

Pat's unwavering support for union workers and their rights is evident through his active involvement and legislative efforts. Proudly endorsed by 21 different union groups and as a union member himself, Pat stands in solidarity with the workforce by attending union meetings, joining picket lines, and aiding in negotiations.

His commitment extends beyond symbolic support to meaningful legislative action. Pat has sponsored key legislation to:

• Reduce Caseloads for Preventative Services Caseworkers: Limiting the number of cases these essential workers must handle to ensure they can provide better, more focused care.

• Grant Park Rangers Peace Officer Status: Elevating the status of park rangers to enhance their ability to protect and serve.

• Make Striking Workers Eligible for Medicare: This will ensure that workers exercising their right to strike are not left without critical healthcare coverage.

Pat’s dedication to improving workers’ conditions and advancing their rights reflects his deep respect for the labor movement and its vital role in our society.

ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY’S PUBLIC SPACES & SERVICES

Throughout his tenure, Pat has been committed to enhancing the quality of life in our district. His efforts have led to various impactful initiatives to improve public spaces and services. Here’s a snapshot of his key achievements:

• Paint Your Town Project: This innovative initiative beautifies public areas, fostering community pride and revitalizing local neighborhoods.

• Library Funding: Pat secured over $100,000 for district libraries, ensuring they remain vibrant centers for learning and community engagement.

• Senior Care Oversight: He has strengthened oversight of senior care centers to ensure our elderly receive the high-quality care they deserve.

• Plastic Removal Program: Pat established a program to remove plastics from SUNY schools, promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility among students.

Pat has been instrumental in addressing the unique needs of each area within our district. Here’s how his initiatives have made a difference in specific areas:

Lackawanna:

• Fire Department Support: Provided essential equipment and vehicles to enhance fire department capabilities.

• Splash Pad Installation: Funded a splash pad to offer families a new recreational option.

• Library Programming: Provided funds for various programming for all ages run through the Lackawanna Public Library

• Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens: Secured free night entry to our local botanical gardens, making it accessible to all.

• Access to WNY: Funding for this important group who helps families with legally navigating through the immigration system and community advocacy.

• Sports Field Renovations: Upgraded baseball and football fields to support local sports activities.

• Firefighter Safety: Funded protective equipment to reduce cancer risks for firefighters.

South Buffalo:

• Afterschool Programs: Secured funding for afterschool programs at Dog Ears, enriching educational opportunities for students.

• Library Funding: Secured funding dedicated to the Dudley and East Clinton Libraries to allow for technology upgrades, building improvements, and programming.

• Buffalo Irish Center Enhancements: Funded improvements at the Buffalo Irish Center, a staple in the Buffalo community.  

• Old First Ward Parade: Ensured the continuation of the beloved Old First Ward parade.

• Cazenovia Park Preservation: Provided funding for the restoration and preservation of Cazenovia Park through funds to the Buffalo Olmsted Park Conservancy. 

• Recreational Improvements: Secured over a million dollars for the capital improvements needed for the Cazenovia Pool and Ice Rink, allowing for continued community usage for youth and adult recreation. 

West Seneca:

• Walkable Urban Planning: Secured funding for a study and working with Go Bike Buffalo to make West Seneca more walkable and promote healthier lifestyles.

• Safety Equipment: To allow for the purchase of  Lucas CPR Machines to disperse to emergency services. 

• YMCA Security Upgrades: Enhanced security measures at the YMCA for safer community spaces.

• Lifeguard Training: Funded lifeguard training programs to ensure water safety.

• Police Communication Systems: Improved radio communication systems within the police department.

• Senior Center Programs: Expanded programs at the senior center to better serve our elderly residents.

• SPCA Program Support: Provided funding for the SPCA “Keeping Families and Pets Together” Program.

Orchard Park:

• Street Lighting Upgrades: Updated street lighting to enhance safety and visibility.

• Library funds: Purchased STEM-related materials for public use at the library, supporting educational growth.

• Special Needs Programming: Collaborated with Orchard Park Recreation Department and the Special Olympics NY to provide programming for individuals with special needs.

• Boys and Girls Club Funding: Supported athletics and educational programs at the Boys and Girls Club.

• Inclusive Playgrounds: Funded the construction of inclusive playgrounds to ensure play areas are accessible to all children.

• Rachel Warrior Foundation: Expanded education programs through the Rachel Warrior Foundation to benefit local students.

• Playing Fields: Secured funding for necessary upgrades to the baseball diamonds in the Town. 

Pat’s targeted efforts reflect his commitment to addressing the specific needs of each town, fostering growth, safety, and community well-being across our district.

Committed to Protecting Our Environment and Great Lakes

Pat is a staunch advocate for safeguarding our environment and the Great Lakes, recognizing their vital role in our ecosystem and daily lives. As the sponsor of the Great Lakes Bill of Rights (A3604), Pat aims to secure legal rights for the entire ecosystem, empowering both people and nature to influence decisions on projects that affect our environment. This landmark legislation ensures that the people and natural ecosystems of New York, including the Great Lakes, have the right to a clean and healthy environment.

Driven by a deep commitment to preserving our planet for future generations, Pat introduced the Great Lakes Bill of Rights to prevent activities that could cause irreversible harm to Earth’s natural cycles or undermine biodiversity. He believes no individual, institution, or nation should jeopardize the health of our environment.

Pat's environmental leadership extends beyond this bill. He has championed legislation to create a commission dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics and played a key role in passing the historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandates 100% clean power by 2040.

In recognition of his efforts, Speaker Carl E. Heastie appointed Pat as Chair of the Great Lakes Watershed Task Force and a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee. These roles enable Pat to address both economic and environmental challenges unique to communities within the Great Lakes watershed.

Pat’s dedication to protecting our natural resources and advancing environmental sustainability underscores his commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier future for all.

Empowering Education and Enhancing School Safety

As a committed parent and advocate for our children’s education, Pat understands that their safety and success are our top priorities. That’s why he has secured $1 million in funding for critical safety upgrades across West Seneca and Orchard Park school districts, ensuring our schools are safe environments for learning.

But Pat's dedication doesn’t stop there. He has also provided millions in additional aid to Lackawanna and Buffalo schools, addressing their financial needs and supporting their growth. To tackle the teacher shortage, Pat championed a bill that offers incentives for retired teachers to return to the classroom, helping to fill crucial gaps in our schools.

In 2024, when state education budget cuts were announced, Pat worked tirelessly to secure foundation funding for local district schools, ensuring they continued to thrive despite budgetary challenges.

Pat’s unwavering commitment is focused on creating safer schools and providing robust support for our educators and students. Your support will help him continue this important work.

Dedicated Support for Our First Responders

Pat is deeply committed to supporting our first responders by ensuring they have the necessary equipment, funding, and resources to perform their crucial roles effectively and safely. He has secured $1 million for the Erie County Sheriff rescue helicopter, which significantly enhances emergency response capabilities. In addition, he has provided essential funding for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to ensure the safety of our volunteer firefighters and improved protective equipment for professional firefighters to reduce cancer risks.

Pat has also invested in advanced communication systems for local police, supporting their operations and enhancing their safety.

Recognizing the critical importance of mental health, Pat is focused on the emotional well-being of our first responders. He is sponsoring a study aimed at improving mental health services within the district and has introduced a bill to provide dedicated mental health coordinators for law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Pat has coordinated a bill for a pilot program to explore the use of psilocybin treatment for addressing PTSD in veterans and first responders.

Pat’s comprehensive approach to supporting first responders reflects his dedication to their safety, effectiveness, and overall well-being.

Middle-Class Fair Deal

Pat has delivered more resources to District 142 than any other assembly member in the past 50 years. His commitment to supporting middle-class families is evident in his efforts to lower taxes, reduce utility costs, and combat price gouging. Pat has also expanded access to free school meals, increased the child tax credit, and broadened TAP eligibility to benefit more families.

Pat works tirelessly to ensure that Western New York receives its fair share of resources and is safeguarded from unfair practices. His dedication to these issues underscores his commitment to creating a fair and supportive environment for all middle-class residents.