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Tom O’Mara
O’Mara cites watchdog reports in criticism of $277 billion state budget
State Sen. Tom O'Mara is renewing his criticism of New York's $277 billion budget, arguing that rising spending, projected deficits and stagnant reserves could leave taxpayers exposed to future financial pressure. In a weekly column ... more
O’Mara blasts Democrats over energy costs, affordability in weekly column
State Sen. Tom O'Mara is accusing New York's Democratic leadership of worsening the state's affordability crisis by continuing what he calls costly and unrealistic energy policies. In his weekly legislative column, O'Mara pointed to the ... more
O’Mara blasts Senate Democrats after proposals to ease utility costs fail again
ALBANY — State Sen. Tom O’Mara says Senate Democrats have once again blocked efforts to deliver immediate relief to New Yorkers struggling with rising utility bills, escalating a partisan divide over how to address energy ... more
Senator criticizes proposed state budget plans
State Sen. Tom O’Mara criticized spending proposals advanced by Senate and Assembly Democrats as part of the ongoing state budget process. Legislative leaders approved “one-house budget resolutions” outlining their priorities for negotiations with Gov. Kathy ... more
O’Mara pushes energy relief plan
State lawmakers say New Yorkers are paying some of the highest energy bills in the country — and they want immediate relief. State Sen. Tom O’Mara, R,C–Big Flats, joined Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and ... more
GOP lawmakers from Finger Lakes push back on Hochul’s record-setting state budget
Republican lawmakers representing the Finger Lakes and surrounding regions are sharply criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed $260 billion state budget, arguing it continues a pattern of unchecked spending while failing to deliver meaningful affordability relief ... more
Lawmakers, watchdogs raise red flags over Hochul’s 2026 agenda despite affordability pitch
Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2026 State of the State address laid out an expansive agenda centered on affordability, public safety, housing, and infrastructure, but reaction from lawmakers, fiscal watchdogs, and advocacy groups shows that the governor’s ... more
Senator O’Mara questions Albany’s direction heading into 2026
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 ... more
O’Mara blasts Albany leadership, calls for tax relief and public safety reforms
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 ... more
O’Mara slams Hochul vetoes, warns of looming budget crisis
State Senator Tom O’Mara is warning that New York’s “spend now, figure it out later” approach is catching up with taxpayers — and the latest wave of vetoes from Governor Kathy Hochul may be a ... more
O’Mara: Let’s keep building for local workers
As Labor Day approaches, Senator Tom O’Mara is urging New Yorkers to reflect on the workers and industries that power the state’s economy — and to renew the push for a stronger future. In his ... more
O’Mara urges New Yorkers to speak out on energy plan
State Senator Tom O’Mara is calling on New Yorkers to raise their voices — and reject what he says are unrealistic and costly clean energy mandates. O’Mara is urging the public to participate in hearings ... more
O’Mara slams NY’s climate plan as unrealistic, calls for energy overhaul
State Senator Tom O’Mara is warning that New York’s current approach to clean energy mandates is unsustainable—and he says the newly released “Draft 2025 Energy Plan” may be the state’s last chance to get it ... more
New York’s Medicaid costs dwarf rest of nation
New York is still spending far more on Medicaid than any other state — and critics say it’s pushing taxpayers to the breaking point. A new federal report shows the state shelled out $98 billion ... more
Senator warns New York energy plan risks blackouts
Senator Tom O’Mara is calling for a sweeping reassessment of New York’s climate agenda, warning that the state’s aggressive push for zero-emissions energy is threatening both grid reliability and economic stability. In his weekly column, ... more
Senator blasts Albany for ignoring affordability crisis
New York State lawmakers closed their legislative session last week, but State Senator Tom O’Mara says they left behind a growing crisis that continues to drive families and businesses out of the Empire State. In ... more
O’Mara urges reflection and resolve this Memorial Day
In his latest column, State Senator Tom O'Mara calls on New Yorkers to honor Memorial Day by remembering the sacrifices of American soldiers and renewing the nation’s commitment to freedom and service. O'Mara’s message, released ... more
O’Mara slams New York budget as ‘bloated’ and ‘unaffordable’
State Senator Tom O’Mara sharply criticized the newly enacted 2025-2026 New York State budget on May 7, calling it “another late, bloated and unaffordable spending spree” under Governor Kathy Hochul and the Legislature’s Democrat majorities ... more
O’Mara slams secretive state budget process in Albany
New Yorkers remain in the dark as Governor Hochul and the Democrat-led Legislature inch toward finalizing a long-overdue state budget, according to State Senator Tom O’Mara. O’Mara, the Senate Finance Committee’s ranking member, criticized the ... more
