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Senator O'Mara's weekly column "From the Capitol..."
Thomas F. O'Mara
April 19, 2011
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It's going to be a pivotal year in New York State government. That's one thing most Albany observers already agree on. The challenges have never been greater. Throughout 2011, Senator O'Mara will offer his weekly perspective on many of the key issues, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and so much more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column "From the Capitol..."
This week, "New York's not all big cities"
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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)