Michael H. Ranzenhofer, Republican-Conservative-Independence, was elected to a fifth term in the New York State Senate on November 8, 2016. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, he served as an Erie County Legislator, from 1989 to 2008.
Shortly after being elected, Senator Ranzenhofer established himself as one of the most outspoken State Legislators in opposition to record increases in taxes and spending in both the 2009 and 2010 State Budgets. His budget priorities have been to fix New York’s fiscal challenges by cutting spending and lowering taxes, creating a more favorable business environment so that the private sector can create jobs.
As Chairman of the Senate Corporations Committee, he has worked with many non-profit organizations and the New York State Bar Association to pass legislation to overhaul the State’s not-for-profit laws for the first time in over forty years. Additionally, he has authored numerous laws to eliminate dormant, unnecessary public authorities.
For his legislative efforts, Senator Ranzenhofer has been recognized with numerous awards, including: Legislator of the Year Award by the New York State Magistrates Association (2013); 2012 State Legislator Recognition Award on behalf of the New York State Ophthalmological Society; 2010 Business Advocate of the Year Award by the Amherst Chamber of Commerce; Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Business; and a member of the Farm Bureau’s Circle of Friends. He has also been recognized for his unwavering support of the Second Amendment in New York State by the Genesee County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E.
Senator Ranzenhofer serves as a citizen legislator, a dedicated public servant who still works and volunteers in the community. He represents businesses and individuals in Erie, Genesee and Monroe County as a partner at Friedman & Ranzenhofer, P.C. As an attorney, Senator Ranzenhofer has an increased awareness of the impact that legislation from the State Capitol has on residents and businesses in the Western New York community.
In addition to Senator Ranzenhofer’s efforts at the State Capitol and in the private sector, he is constantly working to better his community. He organizes and sponsors Erie County’s largest Family Health Fair, providing dozens of free screenings and services to over 1,000 residents annually. He also sponsors electronics recycling and drug take back events for constituents throughout the 61st District.
A longtime resident of the Town of Amherst, he and his wife, Sue, have two children. He graduated from SUNY at Albany in 1976, then continued on to receive a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from SUNY at Buffalo Law School in 1979.