Dem wants to make New York lawmakers exempt from internet, utility bills as party standoff stalls budget

Source: New York Post

ALBANY- Poor us! A Democratic state lawmaker in the highest paid chamber in the nation pitched a bill that would allow her and her colleagues to skirt paying their utility and internet bills as Albany struggles to reach a budget deal. Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks (D-Queens) is pushing proposed legislation that would force energy companies to keep the lights on for legislators even if they don’t fork over their dough while they aren’t getting paid due to a late budget.   “New York State employs over 130,000 individuals whose compensation depends on timely budget enactment,” a memo accompanying the bill said.