Amidst dire predictions of a looming $4.4-billion deficit, Gov. Spitzer has signaled his support for a pay raise for New York’s part-time legislators, who already earn more than their counterparts in 47 states. The base pay for a legislator is $79,500, though many earn more than $100,000, thanks to stipends for serving on committees or in leadership positions.
We asked local elected officials, who haven’t gotten a raise since 1999, what they think of voting themselves a pay raise:
Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (D–Prospect Heights)
I am supportive of the pay raise.
Sen. Marty Golden (R–Bay Ridge)
I am not concerned about making raises for the legislature a priority of this legislative session. Raises for our judges should be among the priorities, [along with] an agenda that will create more jobs for New Yorkers, that will reduce the taxes, and address the needs that are pressing here in New York.
Sen. Marty Connor (D–Brooklyn Heights)
My real income is $88,000 after 30 years on the job. … If the bill had an exorbitant salary, I’d oppose it. Anything that went significantly above what city councilmembers make [I’d oppose], unless we make the job full-time, which I have a bill to do.
Sen. Eric Adams (D–Park Slope)
Legislators have not received an increase in pay since 1999. This is an unacceptably long period without a raise for what should be considered a full-time job. The work of a state senator or state assemblyman is a year-round endeavor.
Sen. Diane Savino (D–Bay Ridge)
No comment.
Sen. Carl Kruger (D–Brighton Beach)
No comment.
Assemblywoman Joan Millman (D–Cobble Hill)
I have never had a job where I waited 10 years for a pay raise.
Assemblyman Joe Lentol (D–Williamsburg)
It’s a good idea to give everyone raises, the judges and the legislators. We have not gotten a raise, not even a cost of living adjustment, in 10 years. … I know how to do things that many junior members don’t have the experience to do. So speaking for myself, I can say I’m worth it.
Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D–Bushwick)
No comment.
Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D–Fort Greene)
The overwhelming majority of my colleagues in the legislature are hardworking, decent and committed public servants whom I believe deserve a pay raise.
Assemblywoman Janele Hyer-Spencer (D–Bay Ridge)
I am a “no” vote. It’s my first year, and I don’t feel it’s appropriate to come in and vote for a pay raise. I can understand colleagues, many of whom have done work, who feel they deserve a raise. But I can’t, in good conscience, vote for it.
Assemblyman Bill Colton (D–Bensonhurst)
No comment.
Assemblyman Jim Brennan (D–Park Slope)
Information available to us last year indicated that the legislative base pay proposal might range between $96,000 and $98,000, although as stated before there is no proposal before us at this time. I would support a salary increase in that range.
