Pay raises for state workers, too

To the editor:

For those who argue that New York State Legislators need a raise because the cost of living has risen 42 percent since their last raise in 1998 (“Local lawmakers want a raise,” Nov. 27), I respond with this proposal. A bill should be introduced that would not only raise legislators pay by 42 percent, but also the pay of all state workers so that their pay would likewise be 42 percent greater than in 1998.

This bill would override the union contracts that include a three-year wage freeze and tiny raises after that. Also overturned would be the increased pension contributions required of state workers since the revision of Tier 6 in 2012. The latter was approved by the State Legislature and it is time for them to undue their betrayal of working people.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo should be given a bill that would require him to undo the damage he’s done to state workers. Only if he and the legislature are willing to do that should they get a 42 percent raise. If legislators feel that $79,500 a year is not enough for them, then they should certainly feel that salaries under $30,000 a year are not enough for state workers. 

RICHARD WARREN