Education
Martins graduated from Chaminade High School, received a bachelor"s degree in political science from American University in 1988, and a Juris Doctor from Saint John"s University School of Law in 1991.
Martins graduated from Chaminade High School, received a bachelor"s degree in political science from American University in 1988, and a Juris Doctor from Saint John"s University School of Law in 1991.
Martins is a first-generation American, born to parents who emigrated from northern Portugal in the 1960s. He is a resident of Mineola, where he served as mayor for eight years prior to be elected to the Senate. Martins was elected Mayor of the Village of Mineola in 2003.
During his eight years as Mayor, Martins instituted a debt management plan, encouraged economic growth and passed balanced, fiscally-responsible budgets.
During a difficult economic time, when most governmental entities were struggling, the Village of Mineola operated on solid fiscal ground while seeking ways to expand its tax base. As a Senator, Martins supported numerous tax relief measures.
He voted for the law creating New York State"s property tax cap, voted to cut income taxes for middle class homeowners, voted to repeal the MTA payroll tax for small businesses and schools, and continues to support repealing the tax in its entirety. He has authored laws reducing busing costs for school districts.
Creating a truss notification system to improve safety for volunteer firefighters.
Establishing a new state fund to help homeless veterans. Enhancing law enforcement’s ability to investigate opioid prescription fraud. And expanding education provided to children about the dangers of heroin and other illegal drugs.
Martins has repeatedly led Long Island"s 31 state legislators in the number of bills sponsored which were ultimately passed by both houses of the State Legislature.
Martins has also been highly critical of the New York State Education Department"s implementation of Common Core and called for the resignation of the State"s Commissioner of Education for cancelling public forums on the issue with parents and teachers. In 2011, Martins voted against the Marriage Equality Acting, which the Senate passed 33-29. roll call
Martins currently serves as Chairman of the Senate"s Labor Committee and Company-Chair of the Senate"s Task Force on Workforce Development.
He previously chaired the Senate"s Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee and the Senate"s Local Government Committee. November 2014 general election, New York State Senate, 7th South Dakota
November 2012 general election, New York State Senate, 7th South Dakota
November 2010 general election, New York State Senate, 7th South Dakota.
In addition to Chairing the Labor Committee, Martins is currently a member of the following Senate Committees: Finance, Health, Insurance, Transportation, Energy & Telecommunications, Banks, Civil Service & Pensions, Corporations, Authorities & Commissions, and Social Services.