Serving his second term representing the New York State Senate’s Seventh District, Jack M. Martins has been instrumental in bringing fiscal integrity to New York State. As a former village mayor, Senator Martins earned the reputation of being a fiscal reformer who provided tax relief during difficult economic times when taxpayers needed it the most by reducing government spending and creating greater efficiencies. Since he has been a member of the New York State Senate, Senator Martins has been involved in the passing of three on-time, balanced budgets, marking the first time that has happened in nearly 30 years.

After an eight-year distinguished career as the Mayor of the Village of Mineola, Jack Martins was elected Senator in January 2011 and immediately got to work on restoring fiscal stability to the state as well as the public’s trust in state government.

Senator Martins immediately earned a reputation as an effective Legislator who works with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get things done for the residents of New York State and particularly the communities within the Seventh Senate District.

In his first year, Senator Martins worked with his colleagues to enact the two percent tax cap to slow the growth of property taxes that were placing a heavy burden on residents and businesses struggling during a national recession. In addition, Senator Martins worked in a bi-partisan fashion with his colleagues and the Governor to enact a middle class tax cut that cut the state income tax rates for New Yorkers to their lowest levels in 58 years and fulfilled his promise to eliminate the MTA Payroll Tax for small businesses and schools.

Senator Martins was also instrumental in the enactment of landmark legislation such as I-STOP, a computer tracking system to combat the abuse of prescription drugs, as well as the expansion of the DNA Database to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to fight crime. He also co-sponsored a new law that expands healthcare treatment for Autism.

Senator Martins has also worked for mandate relief for school districts and local governments. He sponsored legislation to reduce unfunded or underfunded mandates imposed on local governments and school districts and was successful in getting mandate relief measures passed and signed into law by the Governor, including the School Bus Mandate Relief Act, providing school districts with millions of dollars in savings. Senator Martins also supported pension reform legislation that is expected to save taxpayers $80 billion over 30 years as well as mandate relief for local governments, alleviating counties from the growth of Medicaid expenses, expected to save $1.2 billion over five fiscal years.

A strong advocate for revitalization, Senator Martins has been out in the forefront on redevelopment efforts for Belmont Park. His efforts have led to proposals being submitted for development of the south lot, which would stimulate economic growth and create jobs in the area.

His work in Albany as well as in the communities he represents led to a successful campaign for re-election and, upon taking office for another term in January 2013, Senator Martins immediately got to work on the state budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year.

As chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Local Government, Senator Martins has been a tireless advocate for local governments and was able to secure additional funding for villages in the budget as well as increase funding for road maintenance and improvements.

Realizing the importance of education, Senator Martins was successful in getting additional funds allocated to school districts within the Seventh Senate District to help in continuing to provide excellent educational programs and opportunities for students.

Senator Martins also worked with his colleagues and the Governor to provide an additional $350 to families with children, phase out the surcharge on utility bills and provide a tax cut for small businesses for much needed job creation.

In addition to chairing Local Governments, Senator Martins is also on the Senate Standing Committees on Banks; Civil Service and Pensions; Corporations, Authorities and Commissions; Insurance, Labor, Libraries, and Social Services. He has also served on the Governor’s Mandate Relief Council, Long Island Regional Economic Development Council, and Senate Bipartisan Task Force on Hurricane Sandy Relief.

His efforts have been recognized this year by the UJA Federation of New York and the Humane Society of the Unites States, which honored him earlier this year with the Humane State Legislator Award.

Senator Martins resides in the Village of Mineola, where he and his wife Paula are raising their four daughters. He holds a degree from American University and a Juris Doctor from St. John's University School of Law.