Having served in both chambers of Ohio's legislature, Burke has played a leading role in many reforms. Burke has been Chairman of the Senate Finance Subcommittee on Health and Medicaid, and in that role has been charged with crafting health policy and funding in the state's budget. In 2010, Ohio was facing a crisis of prescription drug abuse. HB 93 - The Pill Mill Bill was sponsored by Representative Burke to increase accountability on the medical community by putting a stop to "pill mills". These pill mills were over vastly dispensing drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin. The bill also created greater reporting requirements for medical professionals and provided tools to local law enforcement to combat the issue. In 2013, Burke sponsored SB 206, creating The Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee.The committee consists of five State Senators and five State Representatives, Burke currently serves as chairman. The committee provides General Assembly oversight to Medicaid operations, policy, and funding in the state. The committee meets regularly to hear from Medicaid state agencies and stakeholders to evaluate the various programs.
With incumbent Tony Core unable to run for another term in the Ohio House of Representative, Burke was one of three Republicans who sought to replace him, along with Jack Reser and Cameron Wesselbeck. In the end, Burke won the nomination with 46.78% of the electorate, only 400 votes more than Reser. He ran unopposed in the general election, ensuring him a seat at the Statehouse. In 2010, Burke again ran unopposed. In the 129th General Assembly, Speaker of the House William G. Batchelder had named Burke as a member of the Republican majority caucus' Policy Committee.
Ohio Senate
With Senator Karen Gillmor resigning from her seat, Burke had been named as a possible successor. Up against ten others who were vying for the seat, Burke was seen as one of the favorites to obtain the seat. Ultimately, it was announced by Tom Niehaus that Burke would indeed be appointed to fill the vacancy. He was sworn into office on July 13, 2011. Burke successfully ran for a full term to his seat in 2012, defeating Democrat Tanyce Addison 61% to 39%. Burke was reelected in 2016.
132nd General Assembly Committee Assignments
- Finance Committee - Health, Human Services and Medicaid Committee - Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee - Public Utilities Committee - Rules and Reference Committee
