New York state lawmakers are reportedly considering pay raises, inspired by a recent increase granted to New York City Council members. Insiders suggest that the envy over the City Council's new salary of $175,000, which surpassed the state legislators' $142,000 annual pay, could trigger a push for similar hikes in Albany. This situation has led to discussions about whether state lawmakers should also receive an increase.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has indicated a willingness to consider raising legislative pay. He stated, "I don’t know if there’s enough money that could pay for the sacrifices that legislators make... Six months of the year, you’re away from your family. So, I’m always supportive of members getting paid." Heastie commented on the potential for lawmakers to approve hikes, similar to a move made during a special session in December 2022, though he noted such a session is not currently planned.
Last year, Albany lawmakers received a pay increase approved by Governor Kathy Hochul, which made them the highest-compensated state legislators nationwide at the time. The recent City Council raise, however, has now positioned them ahead of state lawmakers within New York. The vote for the City Council raise saw opposition from Republicans and some Democrats, with Council Speaker Julie Menin abstaining. Despite promises from Menin and Mayor Zohran Mamdani not to accept the personal pay bumps, the new salary level would apply to their successors.
Some state lawmakers expressed frustration, noting that the City Council approved raises shortly after Albany allocated billions to help New York City address its budget deficit. However, others see this as an opportune moment for salary adjustments, possibly after the November elections.
Assemblyman Tony Simone (D-Manhattan) argued that increased salaries could attract more qualified candidates to public service, stating, "It’s important to ensure that legislative salaries are enough to attract diverse and qualified representatives from all walks of life."
Rachael Fauss, a policy advisor with the good government group Reinvent Albany, cautioned against a direct comparison between city council and state legislative salaries. She pointed out that while city council members are barred from outside income, state lawmakers are permitted to earn up to 25% of their salary from external sources, approximately $35,500. Reinvent Albany advocates for a 15% cap on outside income and suggests that an independent commission should determine legislative pay.
Additionally, many Albany lawmakers may have already indirectly received a pay increase earlier this year through pension reforms tied to Tier 6. According to The City Reporter, 75 out of 213 lawmakers who are Tier 6 pensioners are now contributing less to their retirement funds.