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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!["We have worked to ensure that Upstate New York is not left behind under this initiative. There are some incredible local efforts underway, including the Southern Tier Network, making great strides to expand and improve our regional access," said Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/broadband.jpg?itok=JvdbYWLm)
![“Eileen Collins is an American hero, one of our nation’s most distinguished citizens, and we’re extremely proud of her as a native of Elmira and New York State. It’s a remarkable career and an inspirational life,” said Senator O’Mara.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/eileencollins_newweb.jpg?itok=ktqwgdK7)
!["We're moving forward to ensure that the development and growth of the industrial hemp industry will provide valuable new economic opportunities and a competitive edge for Southern Tier and Finger Lakes farmers and agribusinesses," said Senator O'Mara, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/hemp-industrial-farming_newweb.jpg?itok=fFIBngZb)