Another ethics conflict is churning at the state capitol after the New York Times reported seven members of the New York Senate are being paid questionable stipends.
The stipends, known as “lulus,” are traditionally paid out to committee chairs and other leaders on top of their legislative pay, and they run to thousands of dollars. The seven lawmakers were vice-chairs, but were being paid tens of thousands of extra dollars as though they were actually heading the committees. Under state law, vice-chairs aren’t supposed to be paid extra. Four are Republicans and three are Independent Democrats who vote with the Republican Caucus.
Republican Senate Leader John Flanagan released a position paper saying the caucuses have a right to set up their own administrative structures and that he followed the lead of his predecessor.
Senator Pattie Ritchie of Watertown says she’ll return some of the money. Senator Pamela Helming of Canandaigua, also a Republican said she hasn’t cashed the checks.