A new poll finds New Yorkers don’t want legislators to gain a pay raise if they agree to ethics reforms by the end of the year.
The Siena College poll finds that 63% of New Yorkers oppose a pay raise for state lawmakers, who earn a base salary of $79,500 a year for what is technically a part time job. Siena spokesman Steve Greenberg says voters also say, even though they would like to see reform measures as well as other issue resolved, they still don’t think legislators should be allowed to trade agreements on these items for more pay.
“Do not trade for a pay raise for yourself,” Greenberg says voters are saying to lawmakers. “Because we don’t want to see you get a pay raise.”
Governor Cuomo has said hopes are dimming for a special session before December 31st to consider a pay raise, because some State Senators have not yet agreed to the ethics reforms.