Martins Named Chair of Committee on Local Governments

Sen. Jack Martins, R-Mineola, was named chair of the Committee on Local Governments. Martins was appointed by by New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Rockville Centre.

Martins will also serve on the Labor, Civil Service and Pensions, and Corporate Authorities and Commissions Committees. 

Martins, who for eight years served as the mayor of Mineola, began his term as the current New York State Senator for the 7th Senatorial District, which includes Port Washington, on Jan. 4.  

Martins' mayoral experience enables him to know "what it takes for a local government to balance its budget while keeping taxes low as well as how difficult it can be when Albany passes yet another back-breaking unfunded mandate," Skelos said in a statement.

As a member of the Labor Committee, Martins said he aims to explore initiatives for creating jobs in New York. He also credited the many men and women in labor unions in the 7th Senate District as the prime reason for his appointment.

“Organized labor is an important part of our job base," Martins said in a statement. "I really look forward to working with the men and women in our unions.” 

“We face difficult challenges," Martins stated, "but we must ensure that New York is once again put on the path to fiscal responsibility and discipline."