NY lawmakers give themselves a $32,000 pay hike

The state Legislature narrowly passed a bill increasing lawmakers’ annual salary from $110,000 to $142,000 next year, which will make them the highest paid state legislators in the country — surpassing California, where lawmakers are paid about $120,000.

The Senate approved the salary increase by a 33-23 vote, which barely surpassed the 32 minimum votes needed for passage. The Assembly voted 81-52 in favor of the bill.

The 29% pay hike drew criticism from some legislators — mostly Republicans — who said it sent a poor message to increase their pay when many families are struggling to make ends meet, as well as legislative staffers who criticized legislators for failing to boost their salaries, too.

But Democratic leaders defended the increase, saying it was necessary to attract the best and brightest to Albany.

“As I've always said, I think legislators work very hard, even some of the Republicans,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx). “Again, there's no compensation you can give for people to be away from their families. I think legislators work hard.”

WNYC's Albany reporter Jon Campbell joined All Things Considered host Sean Carlson to discuss the raise and its implications. 

For more, visit Gothamist.com.