GROWN IN NEW YORK

Thomas F. O'Mara

June 20, 2013

It may not be getting the widespread public notice it deserves, but we've just taken a big step toward delivering long-awaited and badly needed property tax relief for New York State's farmers.

That's because both houses of the Legislature have unanimously approved legislation I co-sponsor to place a 2% cap on annual agricultural land assessment increases.

This legislation was a cornerstone of “Grown in New York,” a comprehensive economic development strategy for New York State agriculture that I unveiled with my Senate Republican colleagues earlier this year.

For too long, property tax increases have been crushing our family farms and driving too many of them out of business. New York farmers have long labored under the second highest property tax burden in America and it’s been an unfair competitive disadvantage.

It’s about time we took this action and we’re hopeful that it will make a difference for our next generation of family farmers to help them grow, prosper and stay competitive.

O’Mara and Palmesano celebrate Corning-Painted Post state championships at the Capitol: State Senate and Assembly adopt Legislative Resolutions paying tribute to Cross Country and Competition Band champs

March 26, 2018

Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano welcome the Corning-Painted Post state champions in The Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany. "They exemplify the finest qualities of achievement, commitment to excellence, hard work and success, and they have made their school, their families, their community and our entire region very proud,” the legislators said.

Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' ~ for the week of March 26, 2018 ~ 'Targeting those turning a profit on misery'

March 26, 2018

Senator O'Mara shares his weekly perspective on issues facing New York State government.

Senate approves legislation O'Mara co-sponsors to allow drug dealers to be charged with homicide: O’Mara, colleagues continue multi-pronged response to heroin and opioid crisis

March 21, 2018

"I agree that we can’t arrest our way out of this crisis, but we shouldn’t hesitate to throw the book at the pushers and suppliers of deadly drugs,” said Senator O’Mara, a member of the Senate Task Force on Heroin and Opioid Addiction.

O’Mara joins colleagues in co-sponsoring 'Communities Heroes Protection Act'

March 21, 2018

“They are doing their jobs in an increasingly dangerous, hostile and, far too often, deadly environment where they are being targeted for violence simply because of the uniform they wear. It cannot be tolerated,” said Senator O'Mara.