A monthlong series of public hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025-2026 state budget will begin next week, State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) announced Tuesday. O’Mara, the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, will play a key role in the hearings, which are conducted jointly by the Senate Finance Committee and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
The first hearing, scheduled for January 27 at 1 p.m., will examine proposals related to agriculture and parks and recreation. Subsequent hearings will address a wide range of issues, from education and healthcare to transportation and workforce development. The hearings will feature testimony from state agency officials, policy experts, local government representatives, business leaders, educators, and other stakeholders.
O’Mara, who has served as the Senate Finance Committee’s top Republican since 2021, said he views the hearings as a critical opportunity to shape New York’s fiscal future.
“Senate Republicans will continue to advocate for lower taxes, less regulation, greater accountability, and more affordability for New Yorkers,” O’Mara said. “These hearings provide a forum for direct input and critique on policies that will determine the economic and social health of our state for years to come.”
O’Mara, who represents the 58th Senate District, which includes Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, as well as part of Allegany County, emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as overregulation and high taxes, which he said undermine local economies and hinder business growth.
The hearings, which are open to the public, can be livestreamed on O’Mara’s website (www.omara.nysenate.gov) and the state Senate website (www.nysenate.gov/events). Archived videos will also be available.
Upcoming hearing topics include:
- January 27: Agriculture/Parks and Recreation (1 p.m.)
- January 28: Environmental Conservation/Energy (9:30 a.m.)
- January 29: Elementary and Secondary Education (9:30 a.m.)
- February 4: Local/General Government (9:30 a.m.)
- February 5: Mental Hygiene (9:30 a.m.)
- February 6: Transportation (9:30 a.m.)
- February 11: Health (9:30 a.m.)
- February 12: Human Services (9:30 a.m.)
- February 13: Public Protection (9:30 a.m.)
- February 25: Higher Education (9:30 a.m.)
- February 26: Workforce Development/Labor (9:30 a.m.), Economic Development/Arts (2 p.m.)
- February 27: Housing (9:30 a.m.), Taxes (2 p.m.)
O’Mara encouraged constituents to follow the hearings and engage in the budget process. “The voices of our communities matter, and these hearings are a chance to ensure their concerns are addressed,” he said.
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