"Carl E. Heastie, a Bronx Democrat who serves as Assembly speaker, expressed support for the raise earlier this month, suggesting that just coming to Albany is enough to justify a boost in pay. “People don’t realize the sacrifice that they make being away from their families,” Mr. Heastie said. “I don’t think there’s enough money in the world that could compensate you for being away from your families.”"
Hey, you became a politician out of your own free will. Perhaps he should resign from assembly immediately and get a private sector job instead.
All political positions should pay lower than prevailing wage to encourage turnover and new ideas. Perhaps it will attract diehard do-gooders. Politicians have gotten way too comfortable in their positions and lost touch with their constituents.