As a freshman state senator, he joined other legislators requesting a pay raise for New York's lawmakers, who had not received a raise since 1999. At the time, they ranked third-highest in pay among state lawmakers in the United States. During his speech on the floor supporting a pay raise for legislators, he said "show me the money."
A newly elected state senator, he joined other lawmakers in advocating for a salary increase for New York's legislative members, who had not received an adjustment since 1999. At that time, they ranked third-highest in pay among U.S. state legislators. During his speech on the floor supporting a raise for lawmakers, he famously said "show me the money."