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Best wishes throughout this Labor Day weekend, and Thank You to our Workers!
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
3 days ago1 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of August 31, 2026 -- 'NYS can never afford to put these children and families at risk'
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
7 days ago4 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of August 24, 2026 -- 'Ticks here, ticks there, still ticks everywhere'
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
Aug 265 min read


O’Mara, Senate Minority Conference call on Governor to restore critical funding for NY’s Child Advocacy Centers, Rape Crisis Centers and Domestic Violence Centers
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
Aug 213 min read


O’Mara and Palmesano join regional child advocates, law enforcement to call for funding Child Advocacy Centers: Advocates, regional law enforcement highlight risk if Centers can no longer provide prog
"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
Aug 205 min read


Sen. O'Mara joined Finger Lakes legislative colleague, Sen. Pam Helming, regional Child Advocacy Center reps and law enforcement to highlight impact of state funding cuts
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:...
Aug 201 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of August 17, 2026 -- 'Restoring commonsense public safety must be a priority'
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
Aug 174 min read


Senator O'Mara honors state high school bowling champion Cayden Bowman
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
Aug 141 min read


Senator O'Mara meets with the Corning Community College EOP Summer Academy
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
Aug 141 min read


Senator O'Mara and colleagues attend the opening of the 171st edition of the Tioga County Fair
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
Aug 121 min read


Listen to Senator O'Mara's August 10th '607 This Morning' interview on WHCU Radio ~ Topics: Energy Affordability and the return of The LPGA Classic to Corning in 2027! (LlSTEN)
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.
Aug 111 min read


'Ryan William Vineyard Earns Governor’s Cup for 2025 Pinot Blanc; Weis Vineyards Named Winery of the Year for Third Consecutive Year' (Read more from the 2026 New York Wine Classic)
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
Aug 111 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of August 10, 2026 -- 'Still one of New York's greatest success stories'
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
Aug 104 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of August 3, 2026 -- 'Affordability still an unsettled concern for New Yorkers'
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,
Aug 33 min read


Senator O'Mara joins Ribbon Cutting ceremony launching Allegany County's propane bus fleet
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
Jul 301 min read


Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano help celebrate the 175th Anniversary of St. Ann's Church in Hornell
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
Jul 282 min read


Senator O'Mara, colleagues continue 'Legislative Day' tradition at the Allegany County Fair!
Angelica, N.Y., July 27--Over the weekend, Senator O'Mara joined colleagues Senator George Borrello and Assemblyman Joe Sempolinski to carry on one of the region’s great traditions: Legislative Day at the Allegany County Fair. The area lawmakers thanked Brooke Harris, Chair of the Allegany County Board of Legislators, and the entire board, for the annual opportunity to attend and exchange some thoughts and updates. They also welcomed the chance to thank all the volunteers f
Jul 271 min read


Senator O'Mara, legislative colleagues help celebrate Corning Incorporated's 175th Anniversary!
From left to right: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, Senator O'Mara, Corning Inc. CEO and President Wendell Weeks, and Assemblyman Chris Friend. The area lawmakers sponsored a Legislative Resolution paying tribute to the company's 175th Anniversary. On Wednesday, July 22, Senator O'Mara, joined by area Assemblymen Phil Palmesano and Chris Friend, helped celebrate Corning Incorporated’s 175th Anniversary! The area legislators sponsored a Legislative Resolution (J2134) during the 2
Jul 231 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of July 20, 2026 -- "Better late than never on regulatory reform in NYS?"
We have long called for creating a more business friendly climate in New York State by encouraging lower taxes, fewer mandates, and less regulation. We have long called for injecting some common sense, fairness, and, maybe most importantly, restraint on state regulatory agencies. 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 mo
Jul 204 min read


Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of July 13, 2026 -- 'The great outdoors helps grow the economy'
New York's unique outdoor experiences and pastimes -- and our region is unmatched in this regard -- are sure to entice increased spending on goods and services provided by local businesses. These expenditures support jobs, generate sales and income taxes, and spark tourism. 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. S
Jul 134 min read
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