A potential raise for New York state lawmakers has become a campaign issue in this fall's elections, with many challengers saying lawmakers don't deserve more money following a wave of corruption arrests.
An appointed commission is now considering whether to recommend an increase for legislators, whose $79,500-a-year salary has stayed flat since 1998. Some lawmakers, particularly from New York City, say a raise is needed to keep up with the cost of living. A decision is expected shortly after the election, and any increase will take effect automatically unless lawmakers vote to block it.
Several candidates challenging incumbents are blasting the idea of an increase, noting that lawmakers have done little to address widespread corruption that has seen many lawmakers leave office facing allegations of misconduct.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.