Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that he plans to reduce his salary by 5%.

The Governor's salary is $179,000 and has not changed since 1999. It was set by state law. 

Cuomo said today he will return to the state the amount his salary is reduced.

In addition, Lt. Governor Robert J. Duffy and newly hired senior members of the Cuomo Administration have agreed to salary reductions and will also take a pay cut of 5% from their predecessor's salaries. The jobs include the Governor's Secretary, Counsel,Director of State Operations, Counselor and Chief of Staff. 

Said Cuomo, "Change starts at the top and we will lead by example. Families and business owners in every corner of the state have learned to do more with less in order to live within their means and government must do the same."

The Governor is due to deliver his first State of the State address on Wednesday. He's expected to unveil sweeping economic changes to help close the state's $6 billion budget gap, including instituting a salary freeze for state workers.