Thomas J. Burch (born July 19, 1931) is an American politician in the state of Kentucky.[1]
Tom Burch | |
|---|---|
 Burch in 1969 | |
| Member of the Kentucky House of Representatives from the 30th district | |
| In office January 1, 1978 – January 1, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Jon Ackerson |
| Succeeded by | Daniel Grossberg |
| In office January 1, 1972 – January 1, 1976 | |
| Preceded by | Joseph Keene (redistricting) |
| Succeeded by | Jon Ackerson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 19, 1931 Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Patty McDevitt |
| Residence(s) | Louisville, Kentucky |
| Occupation | former production control manager |
Burch, born in Louisville, attended Bellarmine College, graduating in 1959 in business.[2] He served in the United States Navy and United States Naval Reserve from 1948 to 1956, and also worked for General Electric from 1953 to 1991 as a production control manager.[3] In 1969, Burch unsuccessfully ran for the Kentucky Senate, losing to incumbent Republican senator Walter Reichert. He was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives initially in 1971, serving two terms. He was defeated for reelection by Republican Jon Ackerson in 1975. He was elected again in 1977 when Ackerson retired to run for the Kentucky Senate.[3] Committees he served on currently are: Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources, Health and Welfare (Chair) House Budget Review Subcommittee on Human Resources, Interim Joint Committee on Health and Welfare (Co-chair), Interim Joint Committee on Licensing and Occupations, Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection, Licensing and Occupations, and Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Safety.
Awards received include:[3]
- Distinguished Service Award, Jefferson County Health Board
- Kentucky Association of Homes for Children Circle of Love Award
- Kentucky Outstanding Legislator Award for Health Legislation
- Kidney Foundation Legislative Award
- Legislator of the Year Child Support Enforcement 1990
A Catholic by religion, Burch is married to Patty McDevitt and has five children and resides in Louisville.[3] He is a member a board member of Brooklawn Youth Services, and a member of the Home of the Innocents, Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, Kentucky Organ Donor Council, Kentucky Welfare Reform Coalition, Kosair Children's Hospital, Lions Foundation, and the National Organization for Women.[2][3]
In 2010, Burch released a statement regarding alleged sexual abuse he experienced as a youth by a Catholic priest.[4]
In 2022, Burch was defeated by Daniel Grossberg in the Democratic primary election.[5]
References
edit- ^ http://www.lrc.ky.gov/legislator/h030.htm
- ^ a b About Democrat Tom Burch
- ^ a b c d e Thomas Burch's Biography – Project Vote Smart
- ^ State Rep. Tom Burch speaks publicly about his sexual abuse by a priest | Politics and Government | Kentucky.com
- ^ Sonka, Joe (May 17, 2022). "Northern Kentucky House committee chairmen lose primaries; Rep. Burch ousted in Louisville". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2022.