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This is a transformational moment for volunteer emergency services in New York State. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column... This week, "On the doorstep of a big step forward for protecting the future" An economic impact study commissioned by the Firemen

On this Patriot Day, we continue, in the immortal words of President George W. Bush, to "honor the memory of the 11th day." Watch this morning’s 25th Anniversary ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City, beginning at 8:40 a.m.: https://911memorial.org I shared some additional thoughts in this week’s column: https://odessafile.com/government-OMara342nd.htm

As always, I also take the opportunity to recall the many firefighters, law enforcement officers and emergency services volunteers, not-for-profit organizations, school classrooms, business leaders, and individual citizens and communities from across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions who responded in such strong, uplifting ways in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legisl

'It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pays tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation’s strength, freedom, and leadership – the American worker.' Labor Day has always been a meaningful and steadfast day of tribute across this region, a region that has been built on and where we have long honored a deep-rooted respect for so many of the foundations of this nation: agriculture and craftsmanship, manufacturing and small business, tourism and hospitalit

We are grateful for your dedication, perseverance and excellence. Labor Day is an opportunity to pay tribute to workers across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions -- and throughout this state and nation -- who build, care for, educate, grow, manufacture, protect, serve and strengthen our communities in so many different ways through so many important walks of life. We are grateful for your dedication, perseverance and excellence. My very best wishes to all of the worke

Child Advocacy Centers are absolute lifelines for the child crime victims and families they serve, and provide critical support to deal with the trauma and assist in criminal prosecutions of the offenders. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column... This week

We keep working to raise awareness and education, as well as enhance prevention, reporting, and treatment strategies. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column... This week, "Ticks here, ticks there, still ticks everywhere" Earlier this year, the state Senate

It's unthinkable that Governor Hochul has failed to provide the funding needed to ensure that Child Advocacy Centers across the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions, and throughout New York State, can continue providing their essential services. Albany, N.Y., August 21- State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) today joined Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, on a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging her to restore cri

"These Centers are absolute lifelines for child crime victims and families they serve and provide critical support to deal with the trauma and assist in criminal prosecutions of the offenders," said Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano. Corning, N.Y., August 20—Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats)and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) were joined today by Theresa Roth, Director of NYS Children’s Alliance, Inc., Ashley Davoli, Director of the Child Advocacy Center (CAC

At a news conference today in Corning, Senator O'Mara and regional child advocates and law enforcement leaders will continue to call on Governor Hochul to restore funding for Child Advocacy Centers. Joined my Finger Lakes colleague Senator Pam Helming at a news conference yesterday in Canandiagua to highlight the impact of state funding cuts to the continued operation of Child Advocacy Centers regionally and statewide, and to call on Governor Hochul to restore the funding:...

Many New Yorkers are looking for a redirection of priorities and resources to begin truly addressing unmet challenges and crises, as well as charting a course for a more sane, more sensible, and more sustainable state government. It's time to get this state back on track towards a safer and stronger future. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state p

Congratulations to Cayden Bowman, a sophomore at Horseheads High School, upon the occasion of capturing the New York State Public High School Athletic Association Division I Bowling Championship in March at AMF Syracuse Lanes. To mark Cayden’s accomplishment, it was my great pleasure, together with Assemblyman Chris Friend, to sponsor an official Legislative Resolution honoring his championship. The Resolution was approved by the Senate and Assembly earlier this year. Cayden

Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the Corning Community College EOP Summer Academy – a program offered across the SUNY system to help new students prepare for the upcoming fall semester. I enjoyed and welcomed the opportunity to join everyone this week to discuss the importance of education, public service, and some of the critical issues facing local communities and the State of New York. It was great being around these young people so engaged in the

Great day at the 171st Tioga County Fair, Owego NY, with legislative colleagues Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend and Donna Lupardo! New York State enjoys a long and proud history of county fairs and Tioga is the oldest (as well as the second oldest Fair overall, trailing only the New York State Fair) and one of our finest! Thank you to all of the community leaders, organizers, participants, and volunteers who make it possible! Read more: https://tiogacofair.com

Listen to Senator O'Mara's August 10th '607 This Morning' interview on WHCU Radio with a discussion of energy affordability in New York, and the recent announcement by Corning Incorporated and the LPGA that The Classic will return to Corning in 2027! Listen HERE.

Thank you to everyone throughout the New York State wine industry for all that you do to strengthen our communities, your excellence, and your quality! Congratulations Ryan William Vineyard (winner of the Governor's Cup), Weis Vineyards (Winery of the Year for the 3rd consecutive year) and many other Finger Lakes winners at the 2026 New York Wine Classic! Great showing! Thank you to everyone throughout the New York State wine industry for all that you do to strengthen our

Most importantly, New York government must continue to take commonsense steps and regulatory reforms that recognize the ongoing need to support these vibrant industries and help them continue to grow, create more jobs, and spark regional growth through the unlimited economic spin-off opportunities they offer. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state

We face an affordability crisis. New York, on its current path, fails to produce hope for a long-term, sustainable future for communities and families, businesses and industries, or taxpayers and workers. Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column... This week,

At the Allegany County Fair recently, Senator O'Mara took part in the Ribbon Cutting ceremony launching the county's propane bus fleet -- becoming the first public transit system in New York State to convert to propane-powered buses. Brooke Harris, chairman of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, said, "We took a chance on this project, and I think it's going to end up being a wise decision. It seems like in Albany that can continues to be kicked down the road, and so it

From left to right: Diocese of Rochester Bishop Brian Bonnici, Father Stanley Kacprzak, Assemblyman Palemsano, and Senator O'Mara. O'Mara, Palmesano, and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski sponsored a Legislative Resolution honoring the 175th Anniversary! Assemblyman Phil Palmesano and I welcomed the opportunity on Sunday to join Bishop John S. Bonnici, Father Stanley Kacprzak, and members of Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Hornell at a special Mass honoring the 175th anniversary o