With the new legislative session just weeks away, State Senator Tom O’Mara is urging Albany to shift course in 2026—calling for a return to “saner, more sensible” government priorities.
In his year-end column, O’Mara warned that state government is at a crossroads, pointing to rising costs, increased regulation, and what he called a “less safe, less affordable, less free” New York. His message focused heavily on the economic struggles facing upstate residents and the need for lawmakers to listen more closely to rural communities.
“The start of 2026 arrives during what continues to be an incredibly long and hard road back to community and economic renewal,” O’Mara wrote. He stressed that families and workers in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes are still trying to get back on solid ground.
O’Mara represents the 58th Senate District, which spans seven counties across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes. He said the state’s priorities must shift to better reflect the needs of those communities—particularly small businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and tourism-driven economies.
Calls for fiscal restraint and regional fairness
O’Mara expressed concern that state spending continues to outpace what New Yorkers can afford. He called for reduced taxes, regulatory relief, and more balanced attention from Governor Kathy Hochul and the Democrat-led Legislature.
“We’re going to find out if the forces aligning behind a state government that continues to spend and tax beyond the means of New Yorkers… will continue to win out,” he wrote.
The senator also emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and strong regional teamwork to push for shared goals like infrastructure, job growth, and public safety.
Looking ahead to the State of the State
Governor Hochul is set to deliver her State of the State address on January 13, followed by the release of her 2025–2026 executive budget. O’Mara said these early moves will signal whether Albany intends to continue on its current path—or chart a new one.
“Will it be business as usual next year?” O’Mara asked. “Or will there be a redirection of priorities and resources?”
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