SERINO SLAMS PAY RAISE BILL

HYDE PARK, NY— While many New Yorkers were tossing and turning, wondering how they are going to make ends meet this month, out of touch politicians introduced legislation to give themselves a generous gift just in time for the holidays—a $32,000 pay raise. In response, Senator Sue Serino released the following statement:

“They say absolute power corrupts absolutely, and this proposal advanced by the Legislature’s Supermajority is absolute proof. I could not be more disgusted by this news.

Every day I hear from neighbors who are struggling to get by. Instead of calling a special session to provide New Yorkers much-needed relief, out of touch politicians will travel to Albany this week on the taxpayers’ dime to give themselves an exorbitant pay raise. I have opposed a raise for lawmakers throughout my time in office, and I remain vehemently opposed today. Any legislator who votes in favor of this bill should be ashamed and must answer to their constituents who are struggling to pay for basic necessities like food, electricity and heat this holiday season.”

The bill, which is expected to pass this week, would increase lawmakers’ base pay from $110,000 to $142,000 and would make New York legislators the highest paid lawmakers in the country.

New York lawmakers also receive per diems and travel reimbursements for each trip they make to Albany, adding to the tab taxpayers will be picking up when lawmakers return to the Capitol this week for the vote. Senator Serino is one of few legislators who has refused to accept per diems or travel reimbursements throughout her time in office.

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