DENIS J. BUTLER
Assembly District: 35
Albany office:
LOB 729, ALBANY 12248
518-455-5014
District Office:
43-08 30TH AVENUE, LONG ISLAND CITY 11103
718-932-4052
A lifelong resident of the district he represents, covering Astoria, Long
Island City and Jackson Heights, Denis J. Butler was first elected to the
New York State Assembly in April 1976 and has enjoyed victories in every
Assembly race for the past 19 years. Through his legislation, Mr. Butler
has proven himself to be a strong advocate for the aging, the disabled,
the unborn, the working men and women of the state and the underprivileged.
A graduate of LaSalle Academy and Cathedral College, Assemblyman Butler
also attended St. Joseph's Seminary, Columbia University and State University
at Albany. Prior to his election, Mr. Butler, who holds a Bachelor of Arts
Degree, was an account executive and sales manager in the field of broadcasting,
both in radio and television.
Appointed Assistant Speaker Pro Tempore in 1993, Assemblyman Butler also
serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Special Problems of the Aging
and as a member of five committees--Rules; Aging; Commerce; Labor; and Oversight,
Analysis and Investigation. He previously held the positions of Vice-Chairman
of the Majority Conference, Chairman of the Majority Conference and Chairman
of the Committee on Standing Committees. Assemblyman Butler is also a member
of the Executive Committee of the Eastern Regional Conference of the Council
of State Governments.
During his years as a legislator, Assemblyman Butler has been honored by
numerous organizations including: the Boy Scouts of America, the Veterans
of Foreign Wars Post 2348, the Long Island Chapter Knights of Columbus,
N.Y.C. Drug Prevention and Education Program, the Peter J. Dellamonica,
Jr. Center for Seniors in Astoria, Future Business Leaders of America, the
Jamaica Day Nursery, the Corkmen's Association, the Italian-American Regular
Democratic Association of Queens, Italian-Americans for Better Government
of New York, the Greek-American Homeowners Association, the United Jewish
Appeal, the Catholic War Veterans, the Woodside Tenant Patrol, St. Rita's
Youth Program, N.Y.S. Parole Officers, Catholic Education Human Life Office,
Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks, New York State Right to Life Committee, the Long Island City
Y.M.C.A., Federation of Parents Clubs District 1, and the Brooklyn- Queens
Federation of Catholic Secondary School Parents.
In 1988, he received the Brooklyn Diocese's Pro Vita Award, presented to
him by Bishop Francis J. Mugavero in recognition of his efforts on behalf
of the unborn and in support of life. In 1992, Assemblyman Butler was the
recipient of the New York State Catholic Conference Public Policy Award,
presented by John Cardinal O'Connor and the Bishops of New York State.
A hallmark of the Assemblyman's tenure has been his active involvement in
community affairs. Over the years, he has worked closely with neighborhood
advocates on a host of issues from improving educational and youth programs
to strengthening police protection and other important services. The Assemblyman
maintains a full-time District Office at 43- 08 30th Avenue in Astoria,
Queens.
One of the original founders of the 114th Auxiliary Police Corps, he is
also Past President of St. Joseph's Home School and served as a member of
its Parish Council.
Assemblyman Butler is Vice-Chairman of the Queens Democratic County Committee
and, for 25 years, has been the Executive Member of the Powhatan Regular
Democratic Club, one of the oldest clubs in New York State.
Assemblyman Butler currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Parents Association
for the Handicapped, Friends of Iris Hill Nursery School, St. Mary's Senior
Citizen Center, Athens Square and the National Amputation Foundation. He
has been the organizer for the last 25 years of an annual Toys for Tots
Drive for the Needy.
Married to the former Mary Kerr, Assemblyman Butler and his lovely wife
have three children: Kathleen, a social worker; Denis, an attorney; and
Thomas, an account executive in public relations.