Albany, N.Y., February 24—State Senator Tom O'Mara (R,C-Big Flats), Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee, is again joining legislative colleagues in Albany this week to continue a monthlong series of joint Senate-Assembly hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026-2027 New York State budget. 

On Tuesday, the hearing is examining the governor’s specific proposals for Higher Education.

Today’s hearing included testimony from State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor John King Jr., who faced questioning from legislators, including O’Mara, on a range of concerns and issues.

O’Mara focused his questioning on proposals in the governor’s proposed budget to bolster New York’s “Empire AI” initiative, a public-private partnership to foster AI research in areas like education and health care, as well as to establish national safety standards. The senator also raised the possibility of broadening state support for community colleges to attract and provide opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and other high-demand fields.  

[Watch Senator O'Mara's questioning at today's budget hearing HERE]

Senator O'Mara has served as the Ranking Member on the Senate Finance Committee since 2021. 

"We welcome this year’s budget hearings, at this critical time, for direct input and critique on a range of policy areas that will decide the short- and long-term future and strength of our local communities and economies.” said Senator O’Mara, who represents the 58th Senate District comprised of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and a part of Allegany County.