It’s somewhat rare when the state legislature is called back into session in late December. But they had extra incentive to return to Albany this time. They voted themselves a $32,000 pay raise right before the holidays.

The legislation passed both houses, and it is expected that Governor Kathy Hochul will be signing the bill into law. It will increase the salary of New York State Assembly members and Senators to $142,000 annually, up from their current base salary of $110,000. It will make them the highest-paid state legislators in the nation. (California lawmakers currently receive $120,000 per year).

Needless to say, most of us aren’t getting 22 percent pay increases at this time, although our utility bills, medical bills, gasoline and other household expenses may well reflect a large increase. Many families are struggling, particularly now, without the relief that was provided during the height of the Covid pandemic.

So what’s in it for us? Our taxes continue to rise, as we shiver during the coldest Christmas in more than 20 years, and the people chosen to represent us give themselves raises.

The legislation, predictably, received more condemnation from Republicans than Democrats, but there was no noteworthy opposition on both sides of the aisle.

Recognition should go to those Hudson Valley representatives who opposed the measure. Among those who slammed the governor and their colleagues for passing this bill were Assembly members Jonathan Jacobson, Brian Miller, Colin J. Schmitt and Congressman-elect Mike Lawler. The latter two are leaving Albany at the end of the year.

There are many unresolved issues in New York State, at year’s end. They include gun violence in our cities, flaws in the bail reform laws, predatory pricing by utilities and long wish lists in virtually every city and town in the state. Apparently these concerns were swept aside for the holidays.

Instead, they thought of themselves.