Oppose NY State Assembly Members from Getting Raise to $180,000

Of course, they decide on their own pay raises…isn’t that terrific. They are currently making $142,000 as of January of 2023 with a cap on outside income of $35,000 which is still facing legal challenges.

So, Assembly members get $142,000, reimbursement for gas, $117 for lodging, $22 for breakfast, $64 for dinner, retirement benefits and healthcare. Do we really think they deserve a 26% raise to $180,000? And, for some, the ability to make another $35,000 of outside income. This would apply to 213 State lawmakers. Aren’t these people there as “public servants”?

Here is what you can do- go on NY State Senator James Sanders Jr facebook and decry this raise that he proposed- https://www.facebook.com/jamessandersjrNY/

You can also go on the facebook page of your representative- some of whom are opposed and some of whom are vague:

  • District 141: Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes (Majority Leader)
  • District 142: Patrick Burke (South Buffalo, Lackawanna, West Seneca, Orchard Park)
  • District 143: Patrick (Pat) Chludzinski (Cheektowaga and surrounding areas)
  • District 144: Paul A. Bologna (Parts of Erie and Niagara counties)
  • District 146: Karen McMahon (Amherst, Williamsville)
  • District 147: David DiPietro (Eastern Erie County)
  • District 149: Jonathan Rivera (Buffalo, Lackawanna, Hamburg)

A $35,000 cap on outside income for New York State Assembly members, passed in 2022 alongside a pay raise to $142,000, faces significant legal delays. While a March 2025 court ruling initially upheld the cap as constitutional, a subsequent stay pending appeal has paused its enforcement. The measure is expected to be delayed until 2027. As for 2026, 26 members of the 150 NY Assembly and 12 State Senators have outside employment that generates income beyond $35,000.

In addition, they get reimbursement for travel of $117 for lodging, $22 for breakfast and $64 for dinner  (total $203 a day) plus 75.2 per mile for travel to and from Albany. Some lawmakers receive over $20,000 annually in reimbursements.

Then there is retirement benefits. Benefits are based on the member’s tier, age (typically eligible at 55 with 5+ years of service), and final average salary, with 20+ years of service offering 2% per year. “Double Dipping”- It is legal for state lawmakers to retire, collect a state pension based on their years of service, and continue to serve in the Legislature or another public office, collecting both a salary and pension.

Health insurance-New York State Assembly members and eligible staff (working at least half-time) have access to comprehensive benefits through the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP), typically including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. NY Assembly members leaving office, if not qualifying for immediate retirement, can continue NYSHIP health coverage via COBRA for up to 36 months. Those with 10+ years of service who are vested may continue coverage as “vestees”. Retirees with required service often receive, with exceptions, highly subsidized lifetime benefits

So, they get $142,000, reimbursement for gas, $117 for lodging, $22 for breakfast, $64 for dinner, retirement benefits and healthcare. Do we really think they deserve a raise to $180,000?