Niagara Leader

Members of the Senate Republican Conference have criticized Albany officials for approving a significant salary increase for New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty Rosa. The Board of Regents' decision to raise Ms. Rosa's taxpayer-funded salary by $155,000 to $489,000 has been met with demands for justification from Senate Republicans.

Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt questioned the pay increase, citing declining student performance in reading and math. "What has Commissioner Rosa done to warrant this pay increase? Taxpayers are now on the hook for her salary of nearly a half million dollars per year," said Ortt.

A January 2025 report by the Citizens’ Budget Commission highlighted that despite high spending on education, New York students' test scores remain average compared to other states. The report calls for improved oversight and accountability rather than increased spending.

In addition to her full-time salary, Ms. Rosa receives a state pension of $120,000 annually, bringing her total compensation to over $600,000 per year.

Senator Jake Ashby stated, "New York State Democrats have broken our state education system...Betty Rosa got a $155,000 pay raise."

Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick added, “The hard-earned taxpayer dollars stuffing Commissioner Rosa’s pockets should instead be spent to improve programs that benefit all students.”

Senator Jim Tedisco expressed concern over the timing of the raise amid economic challenges: “It’s outrageous and utterly tone deaf that the Board of Regents pushed through a whopping $155,000 pay raise for the state Education Commissioner in the midst of the worst inflation and affordability crisis we’ve seen in over four decades."

The Senate Republican Conference plans to propose legislation aimed at improving education and ensuring accountability in promotions and compensation within government departments and agencies.