A few lawmakers promise to donate raises to charity

The spirit of the holiday season has touched a couple members of the Pennsylvania Legislature who have told a newspaper they will donate their Dec. 1 pay raise to charity.

Bless their hearts.

According to reporter Vicky Thomas, at least two members of the Delaware County legislative delegation will give their $2,152 increases to charity.

From Thomas' story:

Nick Miccarelli of Ridley Park, Republican representative-elect for the 162nd District, told the newspaper he plans to give his bonus to local organizations since refusing the increase is not an option.

Miccarelli said he hasn't decided which charities will get the donation, but plans to direct the money to food banks in his district.

"It's so bad out there right now. Everyone is hurting ... it's time for legislators to say, hey, we're in this fight with you and we’re going to cut the fat," he said.

State Rep. Bryan Lentz, D-161, of Swarthmore, said he plans to donate his increase to the Salvation Army/Daily Times Merry Christmas Fund, which he also did with his 2006 increase.

"It's a difficult time for everybody. This helps people down on their luck and shows effort on my part as a public official to do my part in belt-tightening," Lentz said.

Delaware County has four state Senators and 11 state Representatives. I know the newspaper couldn't reach all 15 lawmakers, but I'm wondering how many of them (besides Miccarelli and Lentz) are planning to give the raises to charity or pocket the $2,152.

Read the full story at the newspaper's Web site.