Leading small business group gives O'Mara 100% rating on legislative scorecard

Albany, N.Y., September 14—New York’s leading small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business of New York (NFIB/NY), today gave State Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) a 100% rating on its two-year review of the State Legislature.

O’Mara was one of 11 state senators who received a grade of 100 on the organization’s review of state legislative actions during the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions that were identified as priority issues by small business owners across New York.

The NFIB/NY released its “2011-2012 New York Voting Record” this week.  It can be viewed online at http://www.nfib.com/new-york/

“What’s encouraging about this year’s Voting Record is that it shows a sustained commitment by the Senate Majority and the Assembly Minority to reduce business costs, reduce taxes and improve New York’s economy for small businesses,” said NFIB/NY Director Mike Durant.  “There has been progress over the past two years, from the property tax cap to pension reform, but a tremendous amount of work remains. I applaud those lawmakers that have scored well this cycle.  Their commitment to New York’s small businesses is commendable and as Election Day comes and goes, I would urge them to maintain the focus on reducing New York’s high cost of doing business.”

O’Mara, a previous recipient of NFIB/NY’s “Guardian of Small Business Award,” was elected to represent New York’s 53rd Senate District (Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties, and a portion of Tompkins County) in 2010.   Prior to that, he represented Chemung and Schuyler counties in the 137th District for three consecutive terms beginning in 2004. 

“I take great pride in being a strong and steady voice in the state Legislature for our small, independent businessmen and businesswomen. Small business is the economic lifeline for thousands of local workers in these tough times.  Governor Cuomo and the Legislature have taken important steps over the past two years to help create a business climate that encourages economic growth through cutting costs, cutting taxes and eliminating job-killing regulations.  But we need to keep going.  The surest way to revitalize upstate communities is through private-sector, manufacturing, small business job creation,” said O’Mara. “I’m grateful for this recognition of my commitment to a future of economic development and job creation.  Priority number one in the 2013 legislative session will be to stay focused on the upstate economy, upstate jobs and the long-term economic security of upstate workers and their families.”

O'Mara also recently received high marks from two other pro-economic growth, pro-jobs advocates -- Unshackle Upstate and The Business Council of New York.