Dear Neighbor,

Time marches on, and with it, another busy month comes to a close. March was marked by intense budget negotiations in the Senate, where I fought to secure funding that strengthens our communities, invests in education, and improves public safety.  The Senate’s One House Budget, which serves as a key negotiating point in the ongoing discussions, includes increased funding for Long Island’s roads and infrastructure, additional resources for schools, and critical investments in public safety programs. These priorities reflect a strong commitment to protecting our quality of life and ensuring Nassau and Suffolk counties get their share of support from Albany. 

 
As negotiations continue, I remain focused on delivering a final budget that meets the needs of our communities.  I look forward to the month ahead and an April filled with continued advocacy and progress on the issues that matter most to Long Islanders
 
Thank you for your support and I look forward to our continued work together!

As always, please be sure to check out our newsletters and social media pages for updates on upcoming events and other important district news.

Follow me on Facebook, X formally known as Twitter, and Instagram for real-time updates on the State Legislature, local services, upcoming office events, and what I am up to along my district travels.

If my office can ever be of service to you, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are here to help in any way we can.

OFFICE LOCATIONS & CONTACT INFORMATION

Browse bills, upcoming public hearings, and more on the NYS Senate website, and use the message tool on my page to share your thoughts with me on bills and issues facing our district.

Follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram for real-time updates on the State Legislature, local services, upcoming office events, and to see what I am up to in the district.

Fairness for Those Who Protect New York

In Albany, I joined the Police Benevolent Association of NYS to advocate for equity in retirement benefits for its officers.  The members represented by this PBA serve in our parks, patrol our forests, preserve our environment, and protect our state university campuses.  They face the same risks and challenges as other law enforcement members, yet they do not receive the same benefits. 

Unlike most municipal police, these officers must serve 25 years instead of 20 to receive a comparable pension, creating an unfair disparity that makes recruitment and retention more difficult in these specialized roles.  New York relies on them every day, and it is time we provide them with the fairness they deserve. 

Honoring Women Who Shape Our Community

March was Women's History Month, and I was honored to recognize eleven extraordinary female leaders for their contributions to the Fourth Senatorial District.

The Fourth Senatorial District has been shaped by the contributions of these 11 remarkable women. Their influence spans various fields, but they are unified by their unwavering commitment to our community. Honoring these exceptional individuals during Women's History Month highlights the lasting impact of women's leadership in our district and beyond.

The honorees selected were:

Nancy Alvarez | Educational Leader Honoree

Dara Caramanico-Broyles | Law Enforcement Honoree

Ana Crespo | Community Leader Honoree

Sister Mary Anna Euring | Religious Leader Honoree

Tijuana Fulford | Not-For-Profit Leader Honoree

Dr. Brigette A. Herron | Not-For-Profit Leader Honoree

Marcelle Leis | Veteran Honoree

Judith W. Lespinasse | Not-For-Profit Leader Honoree

Mary Reid | Community Leader Honoree

Glenda Sanchez Chin | Business Leader Honoree

Ana Valdez | Student Leader Honoree

READ MORE

Whoever Said 'It's Not Easy Being Green'

Throughout March streets were filled with music, laughter, and a sea of green, as the district hosted several St. Patrick’s Day parades. These celebrations brought neighbors together in celebration of community and tradition.

A Class Act

This year, during the Women’s Legislative Women Caucus, I had the honor of recognizing Dr. Sharon Dungee, Superintendent of the Central Islip School District, for her dedication to education and empowering future generations. She and other exceptional educators were celebrated as trailblazers who inspire us all.

Editing the Lede on Small Business Advertising

"Sen. Martinez, NYS Legislators, Business Leaders, & Local News Organizations Rally in Support of First-of-Its-Kind Small Business Tax Credit."

READ MORE

A Solid Solution to New York’s Waste Issues 

"Sen. Martinez introduces a garbage reduction initiative that strengthens recycling and doesn’t dump on consumers."

READ MORE
 

Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket

I invite you to hop on down to Geiger Park for this year's Egg-ceptional Egg Hunt on Sat. April 19, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event will also provide attendees an opportunity to dispose of unused or expired medications and shred sensitive documents. Remember to bring your basket as you gather your little bunnies for this egg-stravaganza, which is expected to be quite the hoppening!

 

Help with Housing

"Home" is one of the most powerful words in the English language, and access to it is essential for creating stability for New York’s residents and communities.  For those looking for ways to make home a reality, there are opportunities that to help make it possible.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity will begin accepting applications on April 14 for its Home-ownership Program.  Eligibility for the program is income based:

Family Size Minimum Gross Income Maximum Gross Income
1 $70,000 $78,500
2 $70,000 $89,750
3 $70,300 $100,950
4 $78,100 $112,200
5 $84,350 $121,200
6 $90,600 $130,150
7 $96,850 $139,150
8 $103,100 $148,100

The deadline to apply is April 30.  For more information please visit: https://habitatliny.org.

 

Matinecock Court

Located in East Northport, Matinecock Court is a newly constructed 137 unit affordable housing Limited Equity Co-Op community.  The development features one, two and three bedroom units that will be offered through a lottery.  Applications can be:

How to Apply:
Applications can be:

  • Downloaded: http://www.rentalapp.us/
  • Requested by phone: Call 516-437-0900 EXT. 26
  • Requested by email: mgmtinfo@thedfdgroup.com

Submissions:

Completed applications must be submitted by mail or in person to:

  • 100 Schoolhouse Road, Levittown, NY 11756

Deadline: Monday, May 19, 2025

Lottery Details:

The lottery will take place at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788.

It will also be broadcast live on YouTube: D&F Development.

Application in English

Solicitud en español

 

What Do You Think?

The Department of Public Service is scheduled to hold public statement hearings on National Grid's Final Gas System Long-Term Plan this month.

 

Roadwork Ahead

 

Lights Out

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