![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/02-10-15_official_hs_omara-hs-040_0.jpg?itok=gJ9N77KJ)
GROWN IN NEW YORK
Thomas F. O'Mara
June 20, 2013
![](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/ag_button_0_0.jpg?itok=ak4mkwuW)
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.
Share this Article or Press Release
Newsroom
Go to Newsroom![Senator O'Mara (far left) and Assemblyman Palmesano (far right) join participants at the 4th Annual "Sip and Sample" in the Legislative Office Building: NYWIA President Suzy Miles, Lawrence Doolittle (Proprietor, Frontenac Point Vineyard and Estate Winery), John Martini (Owner, Anthony Road Wine Company), Chad Hendrickson (Viticulturalist, Lakewood Vineyards), Sam Filler (Executive Director, New York Wine & Grape Foundation), and Carol Doolittle (Proprietor, Frontenac Point Vineyard and Estate Winery).](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/sipsample_newweb1.jpg?itok=yWW0Ojtr)
![NYWIA President Suzy Hayes said, "’Sip and Sample’ has become one of the favorite events for legislators and their staff because they get the chance to try wonderful New York products while meeting the producers themselves in a festive, informal setting."](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/sipandsample2017_newweb.jpg?itok=mC0ntCj9)
![Senator O’Mara (second from the right, back row) and Senate colleagues participate in the “Take a Bite Out of Lyme Disease” challenge today at the Capitol. Read more about the challenge at http://lymediseasechallenge.org/join-lyme-disease-challenge/.](/sites/default/files/styles/760x377/public/article/main-image/biteoutoflyme_newweb.jpg?itok=nr4Dds17)