SC New York News

State Senator Tom O’Mara has been assigned several significant committee roles as the 2025 legislative session begins. He retains his position as the Ranking Member on both the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee.

O'Mara emphasized that his committee assignments will focus on legislation affecting state fiscal policies, economic strategies, criminal justice, energy development, regulatory reform, and government oversight. "It’s a full plate and Senate Republicans are fighting uphill in a state government squarely under one-party, downstate Democrat control," said O'Mara. He aims to represent the interests of various stakeholders including taxpayers, workers, and law enforcement.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt first appointed O'Mara as Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee before the 2021 session. This committee plays a key role in overseeing New York's budgetary practices. O'Mara has been vocal about issues such as high taxes and overregulation hindering economic growth in Upstate New York.

"We need to keep working against a New York State tax and regulatory mindset that puts our businesses and manufacturers at a competitive disadvantage," stated O'Mara.

In addition to finance responsibilities, O’Mara continues his role on the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee. Since July 2020, he has been involved in questioning former Governor Cuomo's handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes.

As part of his new assignments for 2025, O’Mara joins the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications amid ongoing debates over state energy policies led by Governor Hochul's administration. He has long advocated for broadband expansion critical to rural areas' futures.

Furthermore, he is appointed to committees concerning criminal justice: the Codes Committee and Judiciary Committee. Reflecting on recent legislative trends regarding bail reform and police funding cuts, O'Mara remarked: “New York State has become less safe...we need to keep working against anti-law enforcement policies."

His additional committee roles include positions on the Insurance Committee and Rules Committee.