NYS Assemblyman David DiPietro's Voting Record: The “NO” Man of the New York State Assembly

Joseph Zambon

Joseph J. Zambon is a retired university professor, periodontist, microbiologist, senior administrator and Navy veteran. Navigating the politics of a large university prepared him to write about politics in Western New York.

Assemblyman David DiPietro, the Republican representing the 147th Assembly District in Western New York, has a staggering record of voting “No” over 90% of the time on key bills in the New York State Assembly. DiPietro holds one of the highest “No” voting records of any member of the Assembly, consistently standing in the way of progress.

Check out the numbers: on “key bills,” Assemblyman David DiPietro has voted “No” a whopping 91% of the time, “Yes” just 6% of the time, and “Did Not Vote” 2% of the time. It seems like DiPietro, the Republican Deputy Whip in the New York State Assembly, has his “No” button stuck on repeat.

Votes “No” over 90% of the Time

“Key votes” are defined by several criteria: (1) they clearly show a member’s stance on an issue, (2) they’re easy for anyone to understand, (3) they’ve garnered media attention, and (4) they generate numerous inquiries. This sample reflects DiPietro’s overall voting record.

DiPietro’s extreme “No” voting pattern over the past decade hasn’t gone unnoticed. His rival for the June 25th Republican primary in the 147th Assembly District, Mitch Martin, had this to say on his campaign website: “The 147th District has unfortunately been neglected for the past decade. Besides social media bluster and voting no on anything and everything – our current representation is nowhere to be found. They aren’t out in our communities and they aren’t securing tangible results to set our region up for success.”

List of Key Votes

Check out the complete list of key votes in the spreadsheet below, detailing the bill number, bill title, DiPietro’s vote, and the Assembly vote. Remember that Assembly vote totals don’t always add up to 150 due to absenteeism. The key votes are listed chronologically, from oldest to newest.

In the 150-member New York State Assembly, there are currently 102 Democrats and 48 Republicans. The New York State Senate comprises 41 Democrats and 21 Republicans. With Democrats controlling both the Assembly and the Senate, as well as the governorship, it’s nearly impossible for legislation solely sponsored by Republicans to become law in New York State., while bills solely sponsored by Democrats have a much easier path.

As shown below, almost all of DiPietro’s votes align with those cast by Republicans in the Assembly. On rare occasions, DiPietro votes contrary to the majority of Assembly Republicans.

For example, during his second year in the Assembly (he assumed office on January 1, 2013) in 2014, DiPietro voted against bill A10144 “Reducing the Speed Limit in New York City” together with 11 of his Republican colleagues while 28 Republicans voted in favor of the bill. Also, the same year, DiPietro voted against A6357E, “Authorizes Medical Marijuana” and against S6617B, “Requires State-Funded Projects to Consider Climate Change Effects” both “No” votes contrary to the majority of Assembly Republicans.

His 2014 vote against A6357E, “Authorizes Medical Marijuana” was particularly idiotic and cruel.

Voted “No” on Medical Marijuana

David DiPietro’s “No” vote was downright idiotic, flying in the face of polling that showed overwhelming support for the legalization of medical marijuana and the decriminalization of marijuana. It’s as if he was completely out of touch with what the people wanted!

In a striking example of how far the cannabis debate has come, a dispensary has just been greenlit in East Aurora—the village where David DiPietro once held the mayor’s office. How’s that for a plot twist?

Votes “No” to Relieving Suffering

David DiPietro’s 2014 “No” vote on medical cannabis was a particularly heartless move, aiming to deprive people across New York State—including his constituents in the 147th Assembly District—of the benefits of medical cannabis. Despite DiPietro’s opposition, the bill triumphed, winning approval from the Assembly and Senate before being signed into law.

The language of the bill, “Authorizes a “practitioner” to treat a patient using medical marijuana if the patient is diagnosed with a certain medical condition that includes, but is not limited to…AIDS; Epilepsy; Multiple Sclerosis; Cancer; or Glaucoma.”

David DiPietro cast a “No” vote despite undeniable evidence that medical marijuana can: (1) control nausea in chemotherapy patients, (2) reduce pain for those suffering from nerve damage, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis, and (3) alleviate muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis patients. Additionally, there’s promising evidence that medical marijuana boosts appetite and curbs weight loss in AIDS patients and, eases PTSD symptoms, a critical need for many veterans. Yet, DiPietro chose to ignore these benefits entirely.

How is it even possible that a legislator like David DiPietro, who claims to work for the benefit of his constituents, would vote to deny them something that could reduce their suffering and improve their lives? It’s mind-boggling and downright outrageous!

Stay tuned for a deeper dive into David DiPietro’s voting record—there’s plenty more to uncover!

Assemblyman David DiPietro's Voting Record on Key Bills, 2014-23

BILL NUMBER	BILL TITLE	DIPIETRO VOTE	ASSEMBLY VOTE
A 9583A	Authorizes Demonstration Program for Red Light Cameras	No	91-37
A 10144	Reduces New York City Speed Limit	No	113 -16
A 6357E	Authorizes Medical Marijuana	No	117-13
S 6617B	Requires State-Funded Projects to Consider Climate Change Effects	No	119-16
A 3870	Requires Employers to Provide Paid Family Leave	No	97-48
A 6221	Prohibits the State from Prohibiting Access to Abortion Services	No	95-51
S 2006B	Establishes Annual Teacher Evaluation Program	No	92-55
S 4610	2015-2016 Budget	No	99 47
A 6937	Amends Existing Labor Laws	No	97-44
A 4958	Classifies Conversion Therapy on Minors as Professional Misconduct	Did Not Vote	111-26
A 7257	Increases Minimum Wage	No	97-43
A 3870	Requires Employers to Provide Paid Family Leave	No	97-44
A 4738	Establishes New York Health Plan	No	94-46
A 516	Expands Cigarette Legislation to Apply to Electronic Cigarette	No	92-36
S 5682	Authorizes Phone Call After Prison Transfer	No	107-29
S 7295	Authorizes Certain Actions by the Health Commissioner	No	101-33
S 8121	Prohibits Individuals Convicted of Domestic Abuse from Purchasing Firearms	No	94-34
A 3223	Amends Penal Law for Victims of Human Trafficking	Yes	131-0
A 10475	Prohibits State Test Scores from Teacher Evaluations	Yes	133-1
A 3557	Requires Public Education about Veterans’ Mental Health	Yes	1370
A 2142	Requires Certain Marijuana Convictions be Sealed	No	98 -41
A 10828	Amends Housing Finance Laws	No	107-33
A 9016	Authorizes Medical Marijuana for Opioid-Use Disorder	Yes	108-28
A 11148	Authorizes Extreme Risk Protection Orders	No	108-30
A 6823	Amends Sex Trafficking Definition	Yes	137-0
A 4738	Establishes New York Health Plan	No	91-46
S 2484	Prohibits Auto Lenders From Remotely Disabling Vehicles	No	109-34
S 1250	Expands Aid For Higher Education to Undocumented Children	No	97-42
A 774	Authorizes Voter Pre-Registration	No	107-39
S 1102	Establishes Early Voting Period	No	110-33
A 775	Requires the Transference of Registration and Enrollment of Voters after Moving	No	114-32
A 776	Limits Campaign Contributions by Closing LLC Loophole	No	133-13
S 1047	Prohibits Discrimination Based on Gender Identity or Expression	No	105-43
S 240	Authorizes Comprehensive Abortion Coverage	No	95-49
S 2374	Amends Background Check Regulations	No	85-52
S 2451	Establishes Extreme Risk Protection Orders	No	100-37
S 101	Prohibits Firearms on School Campuses	No	104-40
S 2449	Establishes a Firearm Buyback Program	No	108-36
S 2450	Increases Penalties for Improper Gun Storages	No	91-52
A 558	Increases Age for Tobacco Sale Regulations	No	120-26
A 6449	Increases Number of Speed Cameras in School Zones	No	100-46
A 6188	Prohibits Harassment of Rent Regulated Tenants	No	108-39
S 1505	Amends Criminal Justice Regulations	No	92-56
S 1508	Prohibits Retail Stores from Using Plastic Bags	No	103-45
S 1507	Establishes a Healthcare Budget for FY 2019-2020	No	111-36
A 2000	Establishes $175.5 Billion Budget for FY 2019-2020	No	111-37
S 1414	Prohibits 3D Printed Firearms	No	122-22
S 4572	Establishes Parameters for Exemptions to Presidential Pardons	No	91-54
S 5072	Amends State Tax Laws Regarding Presidential Tax Return Requests	No	87-58
A 2432	Requires Internet Service Providers to Comply with Net Neutrality Rules	No	109-37
S 5532	Prohibits Declawing Cats	No	113-31
A 264	Establishes Patient Protections from Emergency Care Charges	Did Not Vote	90-49
A 3675	Authorizes Driver’s Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants	No	87-61
A 2371	Prohibits Exemption from Vaccinations Based on Religious Beliefs	No	84-61
S 6458	Increases State Rent Control Protections and Stabilization Rules	No	95-46
S 4203	Authorizes Foster Care Adoptees to Have Contact with Their Parents	No	99-49
A 8421	Amends Requirements for Workplace Harassment Claims	No	128-20
S 6579	Amends Marijuana-Related Laws and Violations	No	94-44
S 6532	Extends Voter Registration Cutoff	No	106-41
A 6787	Prohibits Use of Biometric Identifying Technology in Schools	No	128-19
S 5248	Prohibits Class-Based Wage Differentials	No	138-9
S 4573	Reduces Amount of Time Workers on Strike Must Wait to Collect Unemployment	No	106-30
A 7331	Requires Housing Providers to Make Reasonable Accommodations for the Use of an Animal to Alleviate Symptoms of a D …	No	95-42
A 8349	Increases Protections of Certain Streams and Protected Waterways	No	113-31
S 7919	Appropriates Funds for COVID-19 Coronavirus Response	No	122-12
S 7505	Amends Criminal Justice Laws	No	96-45
S 8192	Extends Eviction Protections for Tenants During Emergency Shutdowns	No	94-50
S 8411	Repeals Certain Provisions of the CARES Act	No	104-40
S 8415	Repeals Anti-Mask Law	No	109-35
S 8275	Authorizes Suspending the Forfeiture of Unemployment Benefits During the COVID-19 State of Emergency	No	97-46
S 8113	Establishes Temporary Moratorium on Utility Termination of Services	No	111-32
S 8182	Authorizes Licensed Pharmacists to Administer COVID-19 Vaccine	No	131-12
S 8419	Establishes the “Emergency Rent Relief Act of 2020”	No	133-10
S 8428	Appropriates Funds for Expenses Related to the COVID-19 Emergency	No	107-35
A 10609	Requires Courts to Compile and Publish Data on Misdemeanors and Violations and Law Enforcement Departments on Arre …	No	100-44
A 10608	Requires Law Enforcement Officers to Report Weapon Discharges to their Superior	No	105-39
A 4615	Prohibits Police Officers from Racial and Ethnic Profiling	No	105-39
A 1531	Prohibits Reporting a Non-Emergency Incident Involving a Member of a Protected Class	No	115-29
S 3253	Authorizes Individuals to Record Law Enforcement Activity	No	128-16
S 8496	Authorizes Disclosure of Law Enforcement Disciplinary Records	No	101-43
S 6601	Requires Police Officers to Provide Medical and Mental Health Attention	No	109-35
S 8493	Establishes the “New York State Police Body-Worn Cameras Program”	Yes	142-2
S 2574	Establishes an Office of Special Investigation Under the Attorney General	No	97-47
S 3595	Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office	No	100-44
S 8075	Amends Tax Law to Include Nuclear Fuel From Ceased Plants	No	114-30
S 8539	Establishes the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office	No	121-23
A 2176	Prohibits Civil Arrest of Individuals Attending Court Proceedings	No	97-44
A 5045	Amends Criminal Procedure Laws to Waive Certain Surcharges and Fees for Defendants Under the Age of 21	No	97-44
A 7463	Prohibits the Suspension of Driver’s Licenses Due to Inability to Pay Traffic Tickets or Fines	No	91-51
A 5630	Amends Various Power of Attorney Laws	No	95-47
A 5991	Amends Civil Rights Law in Relation to “Frivolous” Lawsuits	No	116-26
S 4408	Requires Mortgage Lenders to Provide Notice for Foreclosure Proceedings	No	100-42
S 6502	Prohibits the Use of Glyphosate on State Property	No	100-42
S 8806	Establishes Automatic Voter Registration	No	86-55
S 8015	Authorizes Absentee Voting Due to Risk of Contracting a Disease	No	118-23
S 8617	Requires Public Employers Prepare Public Health Emergency Plans	Yes	141-0
S 8799	Authorizes Ballots to be Postmarked on Election Day	No	101-40
S 9114	Establishes Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Protections	No	96-50
A 2574	Establishes the State University of New York as an Automatic Voter Registration Location	No	99-51
A 3350	Establishes Wage Theft Prevention Measures for Construction Workers	No	123-27
S 1042	Extends Aid to Small Businesses and Restaurants	No	130-20
S 1351	Repeals Previous Law Prohibiting Loitering While Engaging in Sex Work	No	104-45
S 1302	Establishes a Construction Worker Fatal Accident Registry	No	122-26
A 2277	Limits the Use of Solitary Confinement	No	101-49
A 297	Authorizes Residential Tenants Access to Small Claims Courts in the Area the Rental Unit is Located.	No	104-44
S 854	Authorizes the Legalization of Adult Recreational Cannabis Use	No	94-56
S 1453	Extends the Utility Shut-Off Moratorium throughout the Duration of the COVID-19 Pandemic State of Emergency	No	111-35
S 5545	Amends Statute’s Definition of an Absentee Voter	No	138-8
S 2508	Amends the New York Multiple Dwelling Law to Encourage the Conversion of Commercial and Hotel Properties to Reside …	No	106-43
A 3006C	Requires the Public Service Commission to Review State Broadband Services	No	127-22
A 2681	Requires the Creation of an Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Standard	No	95-55
S 830	Extends Voting Rights to Convicted Felons on Parole	No	97-52
A 7127	Extends Small Business Benefits Established under the “COVID-19 Emergency Protect Our Small Business Act of 2021”	No	106-42
A 459	Establishes Proceedings to Vacate Convictions for Offenses Resulting from Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and C …	No	111-36
A 6046	Authorizes the Board of Elections to Accept an Electronic Application for an Absentee Ballot when Submitted by a V …	No	104-43
A 6047	Amends the Deadlines for the Mailing and Receipt of Absentee Ballots from the Day Before the Election to Election …	No	104-43
S 391	Requires Local Building and Planning Operations Accommodate Certain Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources	No	109-38
S 4478	Prohibits the Use of Pesticides at Children’s’ Day and Overnight Camps	No	112-35
A 3149	Establishes Requirements for Healthcare Practitioners	No	102-45
S 4049	Amends the Shared Work Benefits Time Period	No	103-44
A 6193	Requires Utilities to Allow Customers to Use Their Preferred Name and Pronouns	No	99-48
S 346	Requires Independent Contractors of New Hires be Included in the Child Support Enforcement Program	No	103-44
A 3412A	Classifies Threats Against an Individual’s Immigration Status as Extortion or Coercion	No	106-41
S 290	Exempts a Debtor’s Interest in Their Rent-Stabilized Lease from Bankruptcy Proceedings.	No	99-48
S 153	Establishes Consumer Credit Fairness Act	No	103-45
S 4095B	Prohibits the Sale and Use of Pavement Products Containing Coal Tar	No	106-41
S 6917	Authorizes the Increase in the Bonding Authority of the New York City Housing Development Corporation	No	125-24
S 7196	Authorizes the State to Sue Gun Manufactures for Damages Caused by Guns	No	94-55
S 14A	Prohibits the Sale of Ghost Guns	No	106-43
A 6522	Amends the Definition of “Disguised Gun”	No	116-33
S 7150	Amends State Congressional Districts	No	103-45
S 1144A	Amends the Standard of Evidence Needed to Revoke the Community Supervision of a Person	No	85-64
S 2523	Amends Existing Law to Decriminalize Possession and Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes	No	98-51
S 7191	Authorizes a Write-in Ballot Cast in a Party Primary to Petition for a Candidate Not Enrolled in Such Party to be …	No	101-48
S 6498	Prohibits the Use of Restrains on Children Under the Age of 21 Appearing Before Family Court	No	105-44
S 4306B	Expands Early Voting Access	No	108-41
S 4394A	Establishes Protections for Employees and Former Employees that Report Dangerous Business Activities	No	110-38
S 661	Establishes a Claims Filing Opportunity for Widows and Dependents of Workers Who Died as a Result of Cancer	No	113-36
S 7228	Expands the Number of Eligible Crimes Committed by Individuals with a Substance Use Disorder	No	100-49
S 50001	Authorizes New Yorkers to Participate in State and Local Government Meetings Virtually	No	81-60
S 2630	Relates to certificates of relief from disabilities and certificates of good conduct upon discharge.	No	102-47
A 6319	Amends the State Definition of Rape to Include Additional Forms of Non-Consensual Sexual Conduct	No	129-16
A 9167	Amends State Congressional Districts	No	104-44
S 7696	Prohibits Pesticide Use at Children’s Camps	No	103-41
A 7363	Prohibits Health Care Providers from Placing Home-Liens or Wage Garnishments in Collection of Medical Debt	No	106-41
A 6052	Requires Residential Health Care Facilities to Update Residents, Family Members, and Guardians of Residents of the …	No	145-2
S 8006	Appropriates Funds for the 2022-2023 State Budget	No	88-56
A 7389	Establishes Restrictions on Cryptocurrency Industry	No	91-56
A 9279	Establishes a Carpet Collection Program	No	106-38
S 5024	Expands Policy Regarding Child Exposure to Lead	Yes	146-1
S 3448	Amends Education Law to Prevent Opioid Overdoses on College Campuses	Yes	143-1
A 10001	Authorizes a Study on the Impact of the Urban Heat Effect on Disadvantaged Communities	No	143-2
A 7425	Amends the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund	Yes	145-1
A 10190	Increases the Amount of Certain Special Accidental Death Benefits	Yes	141-7
S 9039	Prohibits Interference with Protected Rights	No	100-49
S 9077	Establishes Legal Protections for Abortion Providers from Out of State Laws	No	100-49
S 9384	Establishes Address Confidentiality to Protect Reproductive Health Care Workers	No	135-14
S 9405	Establishes Energy Efficiency Standards for New Buildings	No	103-47
S 9458	Requires License for Possession of Semi-Automatic Firearm	No	102-47
S 9079	Expands Legal Protections for Abortion Providers	No	103-46
S 9080	Prohibits Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies from Taking Adverse Action	No	103-46
S 9407	Prohibits Civilian Purchase of Bullet-Resistant Vests	No	105-44
S 1046	Expands Protections for Voters	No	106-43
S 9113	Expands Red Flag Law Relating to Potentially Violent Individuals	No	119-30
S 9465	Expands Monitoring of Social Media Activity	No	144-5
S 9427	Amends State Labor Laws to Require Employers Disclose Compensation Ranges in Job Postings	No	96-48
S 9351	Allows NYC To Award Contracts Up to $1 Million to Minority or Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) Without a Formal C …	No	111-33
S 8922	Establishes Worker Protections for Warehouse Workers	No	119-30
S 9422	Establishes the Utility Thermal Energy Network and Jobs Act	No	143-6
S 7157	Requires the Release of Individuals from Utility, Phone and Television Contracts in Instances of Domestic Violence.	No	146-3
S 9460	Limits Class Sizes	No	147-2
S 74	Expands Recoverable Damages to Include Emotional and Pecuniary Costs	Yes	147-2
S 6443	Requires Judges Inquire About Defendant’s Firearm Possession when Protection Orders are Issued	No	113-31
S 51001	Requires Social Media Account Disclosure for Individuals Applying for a Handgun License	No	90-52
S 831	Requires LGBT Training for Home Health Aides	No	115-28
A 975	Establishes the Crime of Unlawful Dissemination of Anothers Image	No	141-3
A 1283	Authorizes Constitutional Referendum Prohibiting Discrimination on Basis of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, R …	No	97-46
S 1343	Amends Requirements for State Agencies Purchasing Zero Emissions Vehicles	No	108-35
S 819	Requires Food Allergy Awareness be Posted in Non-English Languages	Did Not Vote	97-44
A 3340	Amends State Penal Law to Modify Rape Convictions	Did Not Vote	129-12
S 832	Exempts Runaway Youths From Being Able to Consent to Certain Medical Services	No	105-41
S 1327	Amends Various Voter Registration Laws and Deadlines	No	97 -47
A 2878	Authorizes Filing Motions to Vacate Judgement for Convictions that were Subsequently Decriminalized	No	90-55
S 1353	Exempts Certain Income and Resources in Determining Eligibility for Public Assistance Benefits	No	97-50
S 4000	Appropriates Resources for the State Operations Budget	No	104-46
S 214	Expands Access and Eligibility to the Crime Victims Compensation Fund	No	121-16
A 7691	Establishes a State Commission to Consider Reparations to Address Effects of Slavery	No	105-42
S 7564	Amends Provisions Governing Public Campaign Financing	No	80-66
A 1029	Requires Automatic Sealing of Certain Convictions Records After Specified Periods of Time	No	97-51
S 7537	Establishes the Village Incorporation Commission	No	83-52
S 7538	Authorizes the Immediate Incorporation of Villages into State Code	Yes	86-49
S 2475	Prohibits State Extradition of Minors Seeking Gender Affirming Care	No	97-47
S 995	Requires Limited Liability Companies (LLC) Disclose Their Beneficial Owners	No	89-55
S 7548	Establishes a Streamlined System for Individuals to Overturn Certain Wrongful Convictions	No	94-53
S 3100	Prohibits Non-Compete Agreements from Employers	No	95-52
S 1066	Authorize Legal Protections for New York Abortion Providers who Prescribe Medication to Out-of-State Patients	No	98 -47
S 6218	Authorizes the Connection of Offshore Wind Farms to the State Power Grid on Long Island	No	92-48

Tagged #NYSAssembly, #NYSRepublican, #Trump, #VotingRecord

NYS Assemblyman David DiPietro’s Voting Record: The “NO” Man of the New York State Assembly