SARATOGA, N.Y. (ABC22/FOX44) - Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) on Friday called on federal officials to raise pay at FCI Ray Brook, saying that prison staff are "struggling with the growing gap between their compensation and the state's rapidly rising cost of living."

Stefanik said that the pay rate at the medium-security prison in western Essex County should be raised to match that of New York City, comparing its situation with that of FCI Otisville in Orange County.

Currently, Essex County falls in the "Rest of U.S." category for federal pay adjustments, which means that Ray Brook officers and staff are paid the same as those in lower cost-of-living areas of the country. According to National Association of Realtors statistics, the average home price in the county is over $223,00

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