BUFFALO, N.Y. — Add Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul to the list of elected leaders calling for Bishop Richard Malone's resignation.

She joins Congressman Brian Higgins, who was one of the first to do so. Higgins watched Bishop Malone deliver a statement Sunday, announcing he will establish a task force to review the handling of sexual abuse claims.

The congressman says Malone's comments only confirm he needs to step aside. Higgins says Malone waited too long to act, and has not properly protected children.

Hochul and Higgins are now calling for an external investigation of the Buffalo Catholic Diocese.

Higgins and Hochul are also calling for the state legislature to pass the Child Victims Act, which would make it easier for survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file lawsuits. The Catholic Church has publicly opposed that legislation, which would also expand the statute of limitations for criminal and civil cases against those accused of molestation and sexual misconduct.

As for an investigation, Acting State Attorney General Barbara Underwood has her staff reaching out to district attorneys to discuss a potential partnership, since the AG's office does not have the jurisdiction to convene a grand jury.

The Erie County DA's Office confirms it is looking into such a partnership.