Senator O'Mara's weekly column 'From the Capitol' -- for the week of May 4, 2026 -- 'The PROTECT Act equals stronger law and order'

Thomas F. O'Mara

May 4, 2026

PROTECT Act

Senator O'Mara

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

New York remains the only state in America that refuses to allow courts to consider public safety when making pretrial custody decisions. It makes no sense. It ignores the rights of crime victims. It disregards overall law and order.

Senator O'Mara offers his weekly perspective on many of the key challenges and issues facing the Legislature, as well as on legislative actions, local initiatives, state programs and policies, and more. Stop back every Monday for Senator O'Mara's latest column...

This week, "The PROTECT Act equals stronger law and order"

O’Mara named ‘Legislator of the Year’ by the American Red Cross

February 6, 2019

American Red Cross-Finger Lakes Chapter Executive Director Brian McConnell congratulates Senator O’Mara following this year’s “Legislator of the Year” awards ceremony in Albany. The Finger Lakes Chapter covers Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties.

O’Mara continues to push legislation to end unfunded state mandates

January 31, 2019

Senator O’Mara said the legislation keeps attention focused on the need for New York to provide mandate relief to local governments and school districts.

O’Mara reminds homeowners in Chemung, Schuyler, other regional counties that February 4 is the deadline to apply for state relief funds: State fund open to homeowners hit by August 2018 flooding

January 30, 2019

Senator O'Mara and Assemblyman Palmesano survey last summer's flooding damage.

Local, state and federal agencies issue safety reminders as temperatures plunge below zero

January 30, 2019

Temperatures are expected to plunge well below zero this weekend.