Paul Tonko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Paul Tonko
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York |
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| Assumed office January 3, 2009 |
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| Preceded by | Michael McNulty |
| Constituency | 21st district (2009–2013) 20th district (2013–present) |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 105th district |
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| In office April 1983 – June 2007 |
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| Preceded by | Gail S. Shaffer |
| Succeeded by | George A. Amedore Jr. |
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| Born | June 18, 1949 Amsterdam, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Clarkson University (BS) |
Paul David Tonko (born June 18, 1949) is an American politician. He serves as a U.S. Representative for New York. This means he is a member of the U.S. Congress, helping to make laws for the country.
He has represented New York's 20th congressional district since 2013. Before that, he represented the 21st district from 2009 to 2013. Paul Tonko is a member of the Democratic Party. Many people see him as a strong supporter of progressive ideas.
From 1983 to 2007, Tonko was a member of the New York State Assembly. This is like the state-level version of Congress. Later, he led the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. He then decided to run for Congress and was elected in 2008.
Today, Tonko is a top Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee. This group looks at environmental issues, manufacturing, and important materials. They also oversee the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Contents
Paul Tonko's Early Life and Education
Paul Tonko grew up in Amsterdam, New York. He is of Polish background. He finished high school in 1967.
In 1971, he earned a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering. He studied at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
Starting His Career
After college, Tonko worked as an engineer. He also became involved in local politics. In the early 1970s, he ran for a position on the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors.
He served on this board from 1976 to 1983. He was even the chairman of the board from 1981 to 1983. Paul Tonko was the youngest person ever elected to this board in Montgomery County.
Serving in the New York State Assembly (1983–2007)
In 1983, Paul Tonko won a special election. He became the representative for the 105th district in the New York State Assembly. He was reelected 13 times, serving until 2007.
While in the Assembly, Tonko focused on energy issues. He led the Energy Committee from 1992 until he left. He also worked on committees for agriculture, transportation, and education.
He helped create the College Tuition Savings Program in 1997. This program helps families save money for college. He also supported "Timothy's Law" in 2006. This law made health insurers cover mental health treatment.
In June 2007, Tonko left the Assembly. He became the President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. This agency works on energy research and development for New York State.
Paul Tonko in the U.S. House of Representatives (2009–Present)
In 2008, Paul Tonko decided to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. The current Congressman, Michael McNulty, was retiring. Tonko won the Democratic primary election.
In November 2008, he won the general election. He became the U.S. Representative for New York's 21st district. His experience and work in the state legislature helped him win.
Later Elections and District Changes
Paul Tonko has been reelected many times since 2008. In 2010, he won against Ted Danz. He focused on issues like healthcare and energy.
After 2010, the district boundaries changed. His district was renumbered from the 21st to the 20th. It now includes parts of Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Rensselaer Counties. He has continued to win elections in this new district, including against Liz Joy in 2020 and 2022, and Kevin Waltz in 2024.
What Paul Tonko Does in Congress
Paul Tonko is known for his focus on energy policy. He has worked on bills to support wind energy research. He also wants to improve how power plants use energy.
After the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Tonko helped pass a bill. This bill aimed to prevent future spills and help small businesses. He also works to protect the Environmental Protection Agency's power to control carbon emissions.
Tonko has spoken about the importance of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers. He works to protect them from flooding. He introduced a plan in 2012 to help with flood control and economic growth in the area.
In 2015, he opposed the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. He was concerned about trade deficits and the use of child labor in some countries.
In 2019, Tonko became the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on the Environment and Climate Change. This shows his continued leadership in environmental issues.
In 2020, he spoke out about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. He condemned attacks against Armenians in the area.
In 2022, he helped pass parts of the CHIPS and Science Act. This law supports making computer chips and scientific research in the U.S.
In 2023, Tonko voted to remove U.S. troops from Syria.
Committees and Groups Paul Tonko Belongs To
Paul Tonko is a member of important committees in the House of Representatives:
- Committee on Energy and Commerce
- Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing and Critical Materials (He is the top Democrat here)
- Subcommittee on Energy, Climate and Grid Security
- Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations
- Committee on Science, Space & Technology
He is also part of many different groups in Congress, called caucuses. These groups focus on specific topics. Some examples include:
- Congressional Progressive Caucus
- Congressional Addiction, Treatment and Recovery Caucus
- Congressional Caucus on Parkinson's Disease
- Congressional Army Caucus
- Congressional Arts Caucus
- Congressional Solar Caucus
- Congressional Mental Health Caucus
- Medicare for All Caucus
- Rare Disease Caucus
Images for kids
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Paul Tonko, U.S. Representative for New York.
See also
- Energy law
