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From the Capitol
Thomas F. O'Mara
January 10, 2011
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It’s going to be a pivotal year in New York State government. That's at least one agreement that's already been reached here at the start of the 2011 legislative session. Throughout the year ahead, I'll be offering a weekly perspective on many of the key issues, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and services, and much more. So check in every Monday for my latest column “From the Capitol…”
This week, “Beginning My Senate Service.”
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Go to Newsroom![Senator O'Mara shares his weekly perspective on issues facing New York State government. Senator O'Mara shares his weekly perspective on issues facing New York State government.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/chambergavel_70.jpg?itok=Wd0kjp0L)
!["One thing is absolutely clear, Upstate needs to reclaim a voice in this state government,” said Senator O'Mara. "One thing is absolutely clear, Upstate needs to reclaim a voice in this state government,” said Senator O'Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/capitolpanorama_0_7_1.jpg?itok=gB0bCJcA)
![The lawmakers stressed that now is not the time for the state to begin requiring counties and local property taxpayers to cover a larger share of a Medicaid system that already costs taxpayers more than $70 billion a year. The lawmakers stressed that now is not the time for the state to begin requiring counties to cover a larger share of the Medicaid system that already costs taxpayers more than $70 billion a year.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/capitolpanorama_0_1_1.jpg?itok=8om1fLJv)