Appointees of Governor Andrew Cuomo on a state commission are considering saying "no" to a recommendation to increase the pay of lawmakers, who haven't seen an increase since 1999. Zack Fink filed the following report.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has made its clear that his appointees to the legislative pay commission can control whether or not state lawmakers receive a pay increase.

"You will need my appointees and judicial appointees to approve it," he said.

The Commission on Legislative and Executive Compensation was created last year to study the issue and make recommendations on whether a raise is warranted.

Legislators currently make $79,500 and haven't received a pay raise since 1999. The Commission is also considering pay raises for those serving in the executive branch.

The Commission held several meetings this year and is expected to deliver its report in November, safely after state lawmakers stand for re-election.

At times, tensions have erupted within the commission itself, like a fight in June over why not a single state lawmaker has come to testify in favor of a pay increase.

Commission member: The reluctance of the State Legislature to make its own case for itself pisses me off. And I'm sorry if you don't get that.
Other commission member: Oh, I get it. And I certainly get why they don't want to come and see you.

Cuomo said recently he backs that position.

"I do believe the Commission's point is right that they need to hear from everyone, including the legislators, as to what their position is, do they believe they deserve a raise and why," he said.

But Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie says that was never part of the agreement. In a statement, Heastie says, "The idea behind the commission was to determine administrative, legislative and statewide elected salaries devoid of any political considerations or agendas. Unfortunately, counter to the purpose of the Commission, there are some who have tried to politicize this process by suggesting legislators testify or trade legislation for a pay increase."

Heastie went on to say Cuomo's budget director recently wrote a letter to the Commission explaining why an increase is necessary for his commissioners. Heastie says he, too, will write a letter on behalf of his legislators. which holds everyone to the same standard.