Wednesday, October 28, 2026
State Sen. Monica Martinez, a Democrat representing the 4th Senate District, is seeking another term, citing legislation she has sponsored on health care, public safety, housing and environmental protection.
First elected to the Senate in 2018, Martinez took a break before returning in 2022. She is now seeking her third consecutive term and fourth overall. She said working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle has helped advance legislation addressing residents’ concerns.
One accomplishment she is particularly proud of is Shannon’s Law, which prohibits health insurers from denying coverage for medically necessary mammograms for women ages 35 to 39 when a doctor determines screening is necessary. The law was inspired by Shannon, a Babylon Town resident diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Martinez said legislation to extend
“What we're seeing is that women are being diagnosed a lot earlier than 40. So now, if a doctor deems it's necessary for a woman to get the monogram, and they're between 35 and 39, their health insurance will cover it.”
She added that there is legislation in the works to lover the age even more. to 30.
Martinez also highlighted legislation allowing victims of revenge pornography to pursue civil and criminal remedies. She supports expanding protections to cover certain forms of digital impersonation, known as deepfakes, and intimidation. The bill has passed the Senate but not the Assembly.
Another measure, sponsored with Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, requires additional training for armed and unarmed school security personnel on interacting with children. It passed both houses this year and awaits the governor’s signature.
“This just make sense,” Martinez said, noting the course could be incorporated into existing training without adding costs on school districts.
During the 2026 legislative session, 31 bills Martinez worked on passed both houses and await the governor’s action. She also cited legislation allowing property tax exemptions of up to 50 percent for surviving spouses of firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers and correction officers killed in the line of duty. The exemptions require local approval.
Affordability remains a major concern, particularly housing, property taxes and auto insurance. Martinez pointed to state investments in first-time homebuyers, assistance for homeowners facing foreclosure or eviction, and expanded child tax credits.
She said Long Island’s housing shortage is partly tied to limited sewer infrastructure. The Suffolk County Water Restoration Act, approved by voters last year, has generated $40 million for sewer projects in underserved communities, including Wyandanch, Brentwood and Deer Park, she said.
Martinez also supports transit-oriented development, citing projects in Wyandanch, Central Islip and Melville as examples of how communities can grow while retaining local control over zoning.
On public safety, she wants to strengthen the state’s ability to prosecute drug-impaired driving, address drivers who flee police and establish a statewide social-host law holding adults accountable under certain circumstances when underage drinking occurs in their homes.
Looking ahead, she said she wants to help families find affordable housing and enable older residents to remain in their homes. She also sponsored a bill allowing newly retired homeowners to use their current income when applying for the state’s STAR property tax exemption, rather than relying on a previous tax return reflecting higher earnings.
Martinez emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation.
“I have such a great working relationship with my colleagues on the Republican side,” she said, adding that cooperation is essential to getting things done for residents.
