New York State Senator Tom O’Mara has recently used his social media platform to voice concerns about state policies and express gratitude toward public servants. O’Mara, who represents the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, commented on issues ranging from the state’s all-electric school bus mandate to the ongoing budget negotiations.
On April 13, 2026, O’Mara questioned the feasibility of New York’s transition to all-electric school buses, stating in a tweet: “The current timeline for implementing New York State’s all-electric school bus mandate raises far too many troubling questions on affordability, as well as on reliability and safety for student transportation.” He also linked to his weekly column for further discussion.
Later that day, he criticized what he described as a lack of transparency in state budget negotiations. In a post dated April 13, 2026, O’Mara wrote: “It’s not good government. The public is being kept in the dark over what the standstill is all about and what’s being haggled over and why on what, in the end, is likely to be an approximately $270 billion state budget.”
On April 14, 2026, O’Mara expressed appreciation for those serving in roles that protect communities across New York and beyond. He stated: “Thank you for your service and for your commitment to the critical role you play in protecting the safety and security of our communities, citizens, and families here in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, throughout New York State, and across the nation.”
O’Mara’s background includes serving as counsel to community organizations such as the Chemung County Industrial Development Agency and St. Joseph’s Hospital. He has participated in groups like the Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council (official website). A native of Horseheads in Chemung County who resides with his family in Big Flats (official website), O’Mara was elected to the New York State Senate after three terms representing Assembly District 137 (official website). His academic credentials include a Juris Doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law and a B.A. from Catholic University of America (official website).
O’Mara has served on several legislative committees including Finance; Investigations and Government Operations; Codes; Energy and Telecommunications; Insurance; Judiciary; Rules; as well as participating in commissions focused on rural resources (official website).
