A month-long series of public hearings on Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed state budget kicked off on Monday. State Senator Tom O’Mara, a Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, is expected to play a major role in the process as he will have a direct voice on the legislative committee most responsible for overseeing the adoption process.
Conducted jointly by the Senate Finance Committee, and the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, the forums will examine the governor’s proposal in detail and solicit testimony from state agency officials, public policy and fiscal experts, local government representatives, business leaders, educators, farmers, and many others advocates.
“Senate Republicans will continue to be a voice for lower taxes, less regulation, greater accountability, economic growth, job creation, and more common sense on state fiscal practices. I welcome the start of 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 O’Mara, who represents the 58th Senate District comprised of Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates counties.
The hearings can be viewed on O’Mara’s state Senate website, www.omara.nysenate.gov, and on the state Senate website at www.nysenate.gov/events. Archived video of each hearing will be available.
The following hearings schedule has been released:
February 6, beginning at 11:30 a.m., Transportation
February 7, 9:30 a.m., Public Protection
February 8, 9:30 a.m., Elementary and Secondary Education
February 9, 9:30 a.m. (Economic Development) and 2:00 p.m. (Taxes)
February 13, 11:30 a.m., Human Services
February 14, 9:30 a.m., Environmental Conservation
February 15, 9:30 a.m., Local/General Government
February 16, 9:30 a.m., Mental Hygiene
February 27, 11:30 a.m., Higher Education
February 28, 9:30 a.m., Health
March 1, 9:30 a.m. (Housing) and 2:00 p.m. (Workforce Development/Labor)
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