SC New York News

State Senator Tom O'Mara announced that joint Senate-Assembly hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed 2025-2026 New York State budget will proceed with a focus on Transportation this Thursday. These hearings are part of a month-long series reviewing the governor's budget proposals.

The budget hearings began earlier this week and are set to cover various policy areas. The full schedule is available for those interested in following the proceedings.

Today's hearing, which centers on Human Services, can be accessed online starting at 9:30 AM. Archived videos will be provided after each session concludes.

Throughout these hearings, members of the Legislature’s fiscal committees will receive testimonies from top officials within the Hochul administration, state agency leaders, local authorities, and representatives from diverse stakeholder groups affected by the state's annual budget.

Senator O'Mara emphasized the role of Senate Republicans during these sessions: “Senate Republicans will continue to be a voice for lower taxes, less regulation, greater accountability, affordability, economic growth, job creation, and more common sense on state fiscal practices. We welcome this year’s budget hearings, at this critical time, for direct input and critique on a range of policy areas that will decide the short- and long-term future and strength of our local communities and economies.” O'Mara represents New York's 58th Senate District.