ALBANY TIMES UNION REVEALS INCOMES FOR SOME STATE LAWMAKERS

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However, not all members of the legislature responded to survey

The Albany Times-Union has reported household incomes for members of the Assembly and Senate.  No all lawmakers responded to the survey.  Assemblyman Jim Bacalles ® of Corning reported a 2009 income of $94,5000 of which Assembly pay if $79,5000 and another $15,000 for being the ranking minority member on the Codes Committee.  His wife is a retired teacher.

Senator George Winner® or Elmira declined to take part in the Times-Union survey but the paper says he makes a minimum of $89,000  of which $9,500 comes from being the ranking minority leader on the Investigations Committee.

Senator Cathy Young ® of Olean likewise did not take part in the survey but her income is reported as a minimum of $88,500---$9,000 of which comes from being the ranking Republican on the Agriculture Committee.

One of the big money men in Albany is Democrat Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D) who makes at least $146,000---Silver receiving $79,500 for being an Assemblyman and another $41,500 as Speaker plus $25,000 as Speaker Pro-Tem.  It was not explained how he can be both Speaker and Speaker Pro-Tem.  He declined to list any other income but he is a member of a busy law firm in New York City.

Critics of the New York Legislature point out that these elected representatives can continue to have other incomes while serving in Albany.  Other critics wish New York would follow the example of Texas where the legislature meets only every other year and pay is low despite the fact that population in Texas is greater than the Empire State and covers a much large land mass.