Martins Named Chair of Powerful Committee on Local Governments

Senator Jack M. Martins (R-Mineola) is proud to announce that he has been appointed to chair the powerful Committee on Local Governments by New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R,C,I-Rockville Centre).

In addition to chairing the Local Governments Committee, Senator Martins was also named to the Labor, Civil Service and Pensions, and Corporate Authorities and Commissions Committees. These committee appointments were given to Senator Martins based on the needs of the 7th Senate District and his experience in local government. Martins served eight years as the Mayor of the Village of Mineola, where he exhibited a proven record of fiscal responsibility.

“I am looking forward to working with the leaders of our local governments and the residents of the 7th Senate District to meet the important challenges facing us. I want to thank Senator Skelos for appointing me to serve on these committees,” Martins said. “Local governments are the backbone of our communities. I want to thank our local elected officials, volunteer firefighters and emergency workers and organizations for doing so much for us.”

“As the former Mayor of Mineola, Jack Martins understands 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. I look forward to working with Senator Martins to pass legislation that will allow the Legislature and Governor to partner with local governments once again and I know he’ll do an outstanding job as Chair of the State Senate’s Committee on Local Governments,” Senate Majority Leader Skelos said.

As a member of the Labor Committee, Senator Martins is looking forward to exploring initiatives for creating jobs in New York and improving the lives of Long Island families. Martins specifically pointed to 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. I really look forward to working with the men and women in our unions,” Martins said.

Senator Martins believes by working together, the challenges facing New Yorkers can be met head on. “We face difficult challenges but we must ensure that New York is once again put on the path to fiscal responsibility and discipline. I will be working with all of my colleagues, regardless of their political party affiliation, to meet the standards of excellence New Yorkers deserve,” he said.

For more information on individual committees or to see their schedules, visit www.nysenate.gov/committees.