New York Lawmakers Set to Get Higher Salaries

Proposed bill would raise state legislators' pay to $180,000 annually with cost-of-living adjustments

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:48am

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New York state lawmakers, who are already the highest-paid in the country with an annual salary of $142,000, may soon see their pay raised even higher. A new bill introduced in the state Senate proposes increasing legislators' salaries to $180,000 per year starting in 2028, with annual cost-of-living adjustments to match the consumer price index.

Why it matters

The proposed pay raise aims to make serving in the state legislature a more appealing and responsive full-time role, attracting qualified candidates and promoting diversity of representation. However, the move is likely to face scrutiny from constituents who may view it as lawmakers voting to increase their own compensation.

The details

Senate Bill S9329, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr., would raise New York state legislators' annual salaries from the current $142,000 to $180,000 starting on January 1, 2028. The bill would also include annual cost-of-living adjustments to match increases in the consumer price index for urban consumers. The purpose of the bill is to 'modernize legislative compensation standards to reflect the full-time, high-responsibility nature of service in the New York State Legislature'.

  • Senate Bill S9329 was introduced on March 2, 2026.
  • The proposed pay raise would take effect on January 1, 2028.

The players

James Sanders Jr.

New York state senator who is sponsoring the bill to raise legislators' salaries.

Kathy Hochul

Governor of New York, who would need to sign the bill into law if it passes the state legislature.

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What they’re saying

“This bill would modernize legislative compensation standards to reflect the full-time, high-responsibility nature of service in the New York State Legislature by increasing the salary for members of the Senate and Assembly to $180,000 annually with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in subsequent years.”

— James Sanders Jr., New York State Senator (Senate Bill S9329)

What’s next

The bill is currently in committee and has a few more steps to climb before it reaches Governor Kathy Hochul's desk to be signed into law.

The takeaway

The proposed pay raise for New York state lawmakers highlights the ongoing debate around fair compensation for public servants. While the bill aims to attract qualified candidates and promote diversity, it is likely to face scrutiny from constituents who may view it as self-serving. The outcome of this legislation will be closely watched as it navigates the state's political process.