New York State Lawmakers May Return For Special Session On Pay Hike For Themselves

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York lawmakers could be returning to Albany before the end of the year, for a special session focused on a legislative pay hike.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday night that he and top lawmakers are discussing convening a session before year's end. Cuomo said that while lawmakers want a raise, he wants them to consider government ethics reforms and funding for a new hate crimes task force.

Lawmakers now make $79,500 and haven't had a raise in nearly two decades. A state commission recently balked at authorizing an increase. Lawmakers have until the end of the year to vote to give the commission more time to reconsider.

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-The Bronx) confirmed Wednesday that discussions are underway. But he says the Assembly will not pass Cuomo's proposals just to secure a raise.

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