For those of us in The Ville, this is not news. Our representative, when elected in 2006, promised to do this as long as he served, so this is the fifth year he has done this. Still, it's pretty cool, and I like to share any good news coming out of Washington, so here you are. More below the fold.
From the press release:
LOUISVILLE, KY — Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced the 25 Louisville non-profit organizations that will share his 2011 congressional income. Congressman Yarmuth made the pledge to donate his annual salary when he first ran for Congress in 2006, and has followed through in each of his five years in office, donating more than $600,000 in that time.
“With our economy in recovery, a lot of really wonderful organizations are being forced to cut already lean budgets,” Yarmuth said. “I am very fortunate to be in a position to offer this small assist as these groups work so diligently and effectively to enrich the Louisville community.”
Yarmuth donated various sums to the following 25 organizations:
• Anne Braden Institute – UofL
• Bridgehaven
• CASA
• Center for Women and Families
• Crane House
• Elderserve
• Family and Children’s Place – Child Advocacy Center
• Family Scholar House
• Harbor House
• Home of the Innocents
• Jewish Community of Louisville
• Kentucky Center Governor’s School for the Arts
• Kentucky School of Art
• KET Commonwealth Fund
• The Library Foundation
• Louisville Fund for the Arts
• Louisville Urban League
• Louisville Zoo
• Maryhurst
• Muhammad Ali Center
• NAACP
• Simmons University
• United Way
• Volunteers of America
• Youth Build Louisville
John is a good man and a good progressive, and yes, I'm proud to call him my friend as well. And yes, he was well off before he was elected, so he doesn't need the money. Still, it makes me even prouder that he is our Congressman, and as I said, it's always nice to read about good things from DC.
Thanks, John, for all you do.