Avella Declines Lulu

New York State Senators are riding a gravy train, says Sen. Tony Avella, D-Bayside—and he’s declining a ride.

Avella and Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan, are refusing their lulus, which are stipends legislative committee leaders are entitled to, in addition to their Senate salaries.

“Lulus basically amount to favors doled out by leadership of any legislative body to secure the loyalty of its membership,” said Avella, adding, “Historically, legislators have been much more inclined to vote in accordance with the desire of their leadership due to the fear of losing their bonuses.”

Avella was due an additional $9,500 for his role as Ranking Member of the New York State Senate Cities and Environmental Conservation Committees.

“Lulu’s are given out supposedly for extra work,” read a statement from Avella. “We were elected to be leaders and shouldn’t received extra rewards for living up to that notion,” he said.

A New York State Senator pulls in a base salary of $79,500 annually.