Phillip Burton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California | |
| In office February 18, 1964 – April 10, 1983 | |
| Preceded by | John F. Shelley |
| Succeeded by | Sala Burton |
| Constituency | 5th district (1964–1975, 1983) 6th district (1975–1983) |
| Member of the California State Assembly from the 20th district | |
| In office January 7, 1957 - February 24, 1964 | |
| Preceded by | Thomas A. Maloney |
| Succeeded by | John Burton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1, 1926 Cincinnati, Ohio, US |
| Died | April 10, 1983 (aged 56) San Francisco, California, US |
| Resting place | Presidio of San Francisco |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Sala Lipschultz |
| Relatives | John Burton (brother) Kimiko Burton (niece) |
| Education | University of Southern California (BA) Golden Gate University (LLB) |
Phillip Burton (June 1, 1926 – April 10, 1983) was an American politician who served in the United States House of Representatives from California from 1964 until his death in 1983. He was a member of the Democratic Party and represented California's 5th congressional district.
During his time in Congress, Burton was known for his liberal views and his strong support for civil rights, environmental protection, and social welfare programs. He was a key author of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which later became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and he worked to expand access to healthcare and education for all Americans.
Burton was also a strong advocate for environmental protection, and he played a key role in the creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California. He was also involved in the establishment of the Point Reyes National Seashore, a protected area of coastline and wilderness in Northern California.
In addition to his work in Congress, Burton was also a powerful figure in California politics, and he played a key role in shaping the state's Democratic Party. He was known for his ability to build coalitions and get things done, and he was respected by both his colleagues in Congress and his constituents in California.
Burton died in 1983 at the age of 56, and he was succeeded in Congress by his wife, Sala Burton, who served until her own death in 1987.