State Senator Thomas F. O'Mara (NY)
Recent News About State Senator Thomas F. O'Mara (NY)
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Senate Republicans Demand Answers from Columbia University President in Light of Pro-Hamas Protests
Albany, N.Y., May 1--Senate Republicans have called on Democratic committee chairs to demand answers from Columbia University President Minouche Shafik regarding the ongoing pro-Hamas protests on campus. The Republicans, led by Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, are urging President Shafik to present her plan of action to defuse the protests and ensure the safety of all students.In a letter addressed to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and committee chairs Toby Stavisky and James Skoufis, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt emphasized the importance of...
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Welcome to New York under one-party control
Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' for the week of April 29, 2024, sheds light on the current state of affairs in New York under one-party control. The column reflects on the recent $237 billion spending plan enacted by Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature's all-Democrat supermajorities.According to the Empire Center, a state fiscal watchdog, New York's spending has reached unprecedented levels, with a 33 percent increase in total spending over just four years. The Empire Center warns that the state is becoming more reliant on volatile Wall Street...
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O’Mara on late state budget: ‘Most bloated and wasteful government budget in America’
Albany, N.Y., April 22—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R-C, Big Flats) criticized the final 2024-2025 New York State budget as he called it "the most bloated and wasteful government budget in America." O’Mara, expressing concern over the budget increase and lack of meaningful relief, highlighted the implications for New York taxpayers and the state's economy.O’Mara emphasized the financial strain on taxpayers, stating, “New York State taxpayers today and long into the future already face trying to afford, and live, and work under the most bloated and wasteful government budget...
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Syracuse Tragedy Sparks Concern Over Lawlessness in New York State
Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' for the week of April 22, 2024, delved into the ongoing challenges and issues faced by law enforcement in New York State. In light of recent events, the Senator highlighted the tragic loss of two Syracuse law enforcement officers, Onondaga County Sheriff Lieutenant Michael Hoosock and Syracuse Police Officer Michael Jensen, who were fatally shot in the line of duty on April 14.Reflecting on the devastating incident, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter expressed his emotions, stating, "I’m frustrated. I’m angry. I’m hurt....
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State Senator Tom O'Mara Criticizes Delayed State Budget in Albany
Albany, N.Y., April 17--State Senator Tom O'Mara, Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, expressed strong criticism towards Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature's Democratic leadership for the delay in enacting a new state budget. During a news conference at the State Capitol today, O'Mara, alongside Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and other members of the Senate Republican Conference, voiced his frustration over the ongoing budget impasse."I wish we had more to report on the status of the budget, but we're still in the dark here in Planet Albany,"...
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Decline in Volunteer Firefighters Raises Concerns in New York State
Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of April 15, 2024 -- focused on the importance of the annual “RecruitNY” campaign in addressing the recruitment and retention challenges faced by local volunteer fire departments in New York State.John D’Alessandro from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) highlighted the significant decrease in the ranks of volunteer firefighters over the past two decades, attributing this decline to challenges such as the turbulent economy and busy schedules. D’Alessandro emphasized the critical...
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O'MARA, PALMESANO EXPRESS OPPOSITION TO PADUA GRAVEL PIT EXPANSION
Albany, N.Y., April 11--Joining opposition from local citizens and communities, Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) today submitted public comment to the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in opposition to an application to expand the Padua Gravel Pit in the town of Dix, Schuyler County.The DEC's public comment period on the proposed, 61-acre expansion of the quarry operation near Watkins Glen closes tomorrow.In their April 11 letter to the DEC, Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano expressed...
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O’Mara reminds area residents of ‘Recruit NY’ weekend
Albany, N.Y., April 11—State Senator Tom O’Mara has urged area residents to take part in the upcoming “RecruitNY” campaign organized by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) this weekend. The annual initiative aims to promote the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters and EMTs.O’Mara emphasized the importance of recruiting and retaining volunteer emergency services personnel, especially in rural communities, stating, "Keeping our corps of emergency services volunteers strong must be a statewide priority." He highlighted the significant...
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Senator O'Mara Discusses State Budget and Key Issues on WHCU Radio Interview
Senator O'Mara recently sat down with WHCU Radio's Joe Salzone for the April 8th "Newsmaker" interview to delve into pressing matters concerning the state budget and other critical issues. During the interview, Senator O'Mara emphasized the importance of addressing key outstanding issues such as housing, education, and crime.The Senator's insights shed light on the urgency of tackling these issues that directly impact the lives of New York residents. O'Mara's participation in the interview underscores his commitment to keeping the public informed and engaged in the...
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The plague of lawlessness keeps spreading statewide
Senator O'Mara expressed his concern over the increasing lawlessness in New York, particularly highlighting the impact of rising retail theft in the state. He brought attention to a recent incident involving Chemung County Sheriff’s Investigator Mike Theetge, who was critically injured while pursuing suspects in a retail theft operation.Senator O'Mara emphasized the need for tougher penalties for criminals, stating that the current lenient approach by Albany Democrats is only fueling the surge in crime. He quoted the President of New York’s Bodega and Small Business...
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NY's COVID-19 Response Under Scrutiny for Lack of Transparency
Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of April 1, 2024 -- 'NY's COVID-19 response still clouded in secrecy'Senator O'Mara, along with legislative colleagues and advocates from "Voices for Seniors," gathered at the Capitol to reflect on the devastating impact of Governor Cuomo's March 25, 2020 executive order regarding nursing homes. Senator O'Mara expressed concern over the lack of urgency in conducting a thorough examination of New York's COVID-19 response, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the families affected....
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Warm Easter Wishes from an Unknown Source
On March 31, 2024, a message of well-wishes was shared with readers, expressing, "My very best wishes to all of you and your families for a joyous and meaningful Easter." The source of these warm words remains unknown, but they carry the spirit of unity and celebration that Easter brings to many around the world. As Easter Sunday unfolds, may these sentiments resonate with all who come across them, spreading joy and positivity during this special time of year.
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Welcome to New York's Climate Crisis
Senator O'Mara expressed his concerns about New York's current energy mandates, referring to them as unaffordable and unworkable. He criticized the Albany Democrats for their continuous efforts to impose unrealistic mandates that could have devastating consequences on the state's economy. O'Mara highlighted the approval of the "New York Heat Act," which he believes will not be affordable for New Yorkers despite being labeled as the "Affordable Gas Transition Act" by Governor Hochul.During a news conference, Senate Republicans, including O'Mara, emphasized the potential...
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Senate Republicans and Business Leaders Oppose 'NY Heat Act'
State Senator Tom O’Mara and Senate Republicans, along with business and labor leaders, have come together to voice their strong opposition to the recently approved "New York Heat Act." Senator O’Mara emphasized his concerns about the potential impacts of the legislation, stating, "The New York Heat Act is a disaster on the horizon for the vast majority of middle-class ratepayers." He criticized the Albany Democrats for imposing unaffordable clean energy mandates without considering their affordability or feasibility.Daniel Ortega, Executive Director of New Yorkers for...
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Gruesome crime highlights failed bail reform in New York
Senator Anthony Palumbo from Long Island expressed his disbelief and concern over the recent case of dismembered body parts being found in Suffolk County, where suspects were released without bail. He criticized the Democrats in Albany for their policies that prioritize criminals over public safety.Senator Palumbo has introduced legislation to allow judges to keep dangerous criminals in jail, emphasizing the need to address the broken bail system in New York State. He and other Republican lawmakers advocate for a complete overhaul of the failed bail reform to ensure the...
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Irish Luck and Well Wishes on St. Patrick's Day
"Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you here at home across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, and everywhere! My very best wishes ☘️"Today, on St. Patrick's Day, a day synonymous with Irish culture and celebration, people around the world are coming together to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. The spirit of the Irish is in the air, as communities gather to commemorate this festive occasion.As one famous saying goes, "If you’re enough lucky to be Irish... You’re lucky enough!" This sentiment captures the essence of the day, where being Irish is a source of...
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O’Mara: Senate Democrat ‘one-house’ budget just another tax-and-spend disaster for taxpayers
Albany, N.Y., March 14—State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats), the Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, expressed strong criticism towards the "one-house" budget resolution proposed by the Senate Democrat majority. O’Mara warned that the budget, which proposes billions of dollars in new state spending, is "unsustainable and unwarranted" and will have negative effects on the state's economy and its residents.During the Senate debate, Senator O’Mara highlighted that the Senate Democrats are pushing for a budget significantly higher than the one proposed by...
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Senator O'Mara Discusses Budget Resolutions and State Priorities on WHCU Radio
Senator O'Mara joined WHCU Radio's Joe Salzone on this morning's 'Newsmaker' interview to discuss this week's release of "one-house budget resolutions" and upcoming negotiations over a final 2024-2025 New York State budget.During today's discussion, Senator O'Mara highlighted challenges and priorities for the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, including the restoration of Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed cuts in state aid to local schools, and the need to delay the administration's all-electric school bus mandate.