The New York State Senate

New York State Senator Monica R. Martinez is a Brentwood High School alumna and a graduate of Binghamton University, having earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology and History in 1999. Monica later attended New York University, obtaining a Master’s degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies. Monica obtained her administrative degree at Stony Brook University in 2008. In 2010, Senator Martinez was selected to lead the administration of Brentwood’s East Middle School as Assistant Principal where she dedicated much of her time enriching the lives of her students. 

Senator Martinez began her career in government as County Legislator for Suffolk County’s Ninth Legislative District in 2014, where she faithfully served for five years. During her tenure as a Legislator, Monica worked tirelessly to improve the communities she represented throughout the District including Brentwood, Central Islip and North Bay Shore. Monica championed legislation supporting animal rights, funded numerous anti-gang/anti-violence programs, and established the first Suffolk County Child Care Commission. In addition, as a Legislator, she worked to secure a $125k grant for a STEM research program and raised awareness towards toxic illegal dumping that was occurring in Brentwood and Central Islip. 

Monica’s legislative accomplishments prompted her to seek higher office by running for the New York State Senate. 

In her first legislative session, she was the prime sponsor of 80 pieces of legislation, of which 19 have already been signed into law. Through her first year, and now in her second year, Senator Martinez has introduced several pieces of legislation to ensure the welfare and safety of all New Yorkers, which include monumental chapter amendments such as outlawing the dissemination of intimate images without consent and anti-sextortion protection for victims of non consensual dissemination of explicit images; increasing access to mammograms and menstrual health resources for the protection of women’s health; subjecting state and federal background checks for all operators of for-hire vehicles and mandating background and fingerprint checks for workers who perform services on school property. Senator Martinez has cosponsored important environmental legislation such as the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and the Child Safe Products Act. Monica has championed to secure more funding from the state for local school districts and making healthcare affordable. The Senator has also authored legislation to protect the animals- keeping pets safe from being left outside in inclimate temperatures and ensuring they are properly handled when found on vacant or abandoned property, banning the sale of animals through puppy mills, and protecting the marine mammals that depend on the habitats of our local islands to thrive. 

As Suffolk County’s New York State Senator serving the Third Senatorial District, she remains committed to being the voice of voiceless and most vulnerable populations. She has carved herself as an independent thinker and leader who serves on multiple committees including chairperson of the Domestic Animal Assistant Majority Leader on Intergovernmental Affairs; member of the Education; Insurance; Alcoholism and Substance Abuse; Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs; Labor; Rules; and Budget and Revenues. Senator Martinez’s top priority has always been in her commitment to her constituents, ensuring public safety, and implementing beneficial policies for all New York State residents.