Last week Smith voted against the Treasury, Postal and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill which contained the Congressional Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.3 percent, saying "After only seven months in office, I don't feel it's appropriate for me to take a pay raise. I would prefer to donate it to schools in the community I grew up in."

If the pay raise survives conference committee negotiations with the Senate and is then approved by both the House and the Senate, it would total $3,073 from October 1997 to October 1998.

Smith hopes his contribution will help improve local programs or facilities. "I know that schools have trouble making ends meet," he said. "State and federal funding hasn't kept up with the increase in students and higher standards we expect our kids to meet, and local levies are hard to pass. I would really like to do my small part in helping ensure our kids grow up with the best possible education."

Smith has toured more than 25 local schools since taking office in January. He has not yet decided to which schools and programs he will donate.