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2012 Senate "Woman of Distinction"
Thomas F. O'Mara
May 17, 2012
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From left to right: Assemblyman Chris Friend, Judy Phillips of Watkins Glen, senator O'Mara, 2012 Senate Woman of Distinction Virginia Houseknecht, and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano.
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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)