Democratic mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani cast a vote just before Christmas 2022 to boost state legislative salaries, with the costs falling on taxpayers.
This increase raised state legislators’ pay from $79,500, a figure that had been set three years earlier.
With the new rates, city council salaries now sit about 77% higher than what most city residents make, which includes Mamdani himself. He resides in a highly sought-after rent-stabilized apartment, earning significantly more than average New Yorkers.
Mamdani defended his decision to vote with fellow Democrats, suggesting it was about setting a higher bar for income. However, his Republican critics argued that this move reflects a pattern of career politicians, which could hinder his campaign for mayor.
“It seemed like a reasonable decision; politicians often face backlash, after all,” remarked State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-24), who opposed the increase.
Lanza further noted that, “Ultimately, if this continues, we might end up with government solely comprised of the wealthy and disconnected.”
Republicans, frustrated by the timing of the vote amidst rising inflation, also voiced their concerns.
“What truly bothered me was the timing—the voting happened right before Christmas when attention was low,” stated Sen. George Borello (R-57), who also rejected the bill.
Borello took issue with Mamdani’s vote, claiming it contradicted his supposed principles.
“I’m not shocked, but it’s rather hypocritical for him to advocate for the less fortunate while also voting to increase his own salary,” Borello added.
Requests for comment from Mamdani went unanswered.
This decision established New York State Senators as the highest-paid in the nation, surpassing California’s salaries by $14,000.
The legislation passed comfortably in both chambers, with votes of 85-52.
One notable critic of Mamdani’s stance was former state legislator Mike Lawler, now in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“If Zohran truly aimed to redistribute wealth, he’d focus on shrinking Albany’s excessive salaries to align more closely with the median New Yorker’s income of $68,891,” he commented.
Following the vote, Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins acknowledged that the decision to raise salaries wasn’t one that would be universally welcomed.
“I don’t expect everyone to support it,” she stated at a press conference, while still backing the choice. “Eventually, salaries must increase to make the work sustainable.”
Furthermore, reports indicated that Republicans are pushing for limitations on lawmakers’ external income, setting the cap at $35,000, though this rule won’t take effect until 2027.
