Senator Tom O’Mara is heading into the 2026 legislative session with a familiar warning: New York is on the wrong track — and taxpayers are paying the price.
In his weekly column for the week of December 1, O’Mara says state government under one-party control has grown too costly, too burdensome, and too out of touch with everyday New Yorkers.
O’Mara criticizes Albany Democrats for enacting billions in new spending, calling it a “disaster” that’s led to higher taxes, increased borrowing, and what he sees as little to no progress on public safety, affordability, or economic recovery.
He also renews support for the Senate Republican Conference’s “Liberate New York” agenda, which pushes for bail reform repeal, tax cuts, support for law enforcement, and a major shift in the state’s energy policy.
“New Yorkers are looking for a redirection of priorities and resources,” O’Mara wrote. “It’s time to get this state back on track towards a safer and stronger future.”
The senator lists several goals he says should be top priorities in 2026, including:
- Repealing bail reform and backing law enforcement
- Cutting taxes to lower the cost of living
- Reshaping the state’s energy mandates to ensure affordability
- Reducing regulations and reviving manufacturing
- Making broadband and infrastructure spending more equitable
- Restoring local decision-making after years of executive overreach
O’Mara also points to a recent report from the Tax Foundation that ranks New York dead last in tax climate among all 50 states — citing high corporate, income, and property taxes.
He warns that Democrats are already floating the idea of raising taxes again to fund new programs, despite state spending ballooning nearly $90 billion since 2019.
“The bottom line should be clear: New York’s taxpayers can’t afford it anymore,” O’Mara wrote. “They’re already at the breaking point.”
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