(NewsNation) — A state lawmaker in New York wants herself and her colleagues to be free from paying utility and internet bills, at least under certain circumstances.

Democratic Assemblywoman Larinda Hooks recently pitched legislation to establish automatic utility payment deferment protections for New York State employees during periods when budget delays result in payroll interruptions.

“New York State employs over 130,000 individuals whose compensation depends on timely budget enactment,” a memo accompanying the bill said.

“When budget negotiations extend past the April 1 deadline, affected employees may be unable to meet utility payment obligations during the interruption period.”

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The proposal has drawn criticism from Hooks’ fellow lawmakers, with one even saying, “It makes us all look bad and another reason for people to hate politicians when they write laws to take care of themselves.”

“It hit me like a brick that a member of the assembly was basically trying to take care of themselves,” said Assemblyman Joseph Angelino, a Republican.

Added Republican Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra: “We don’t need to pass laws to benefit ourselves because we do our, one of our most basic parts of our job, which is passing a budget. It’s kind of a silly conversation to talk about having utility relief that’s only going to be for us.”

The New York State budget is seven weeks overdue.

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