ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) A call to raise the salary of New York state lawmakers has been rejected.
Lawmakers now make $79,500 for what is technically a part-time job. Lawmakers haven't seen a raise since 1999 but still make the third-highest legislative salary in the country.
Many lawmakers say their pay hasn't kept up with the cost of living and doesn't reflect the work they put in outside the six-month legislative session.
A state commission with the power to grant a raise balked at the idea Tuesday.
Lawmakers could convene a lame-duck session this year to vote on a pay raise or appoint a new commission to reconsider.
Legislative pay is seen as a touchy subject following scandals that have seen more than 30 lawmakers leave office facing ethics or criminal allegations since 2000.
