NY may be poised to give lawmakers a raise

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York lawmakers could soon get their first pay increase in nearly two decades.

A state commission appointed to study the issue is set to announce its decision on Tuesday. Any pay increase suggested by the commission will take effect automatically unless lawmakers vote to block it.

Lawmakers now make $79,500 for what is technically a part-time job. Most also get additional stipends for leadership posts. The base salary hasn’t gone up in nearly 20 years, and many lawmakers say it hasn’t kept up with the cost of living and doesn’t reflect was is actually a full-time occupation.

Any pay raise would not take effect until the start of the next legislative term.

New York lawmakers are now the third-highest paid state lawmakers in the country.