A Delhi Township trustee is pledging to donate his salary to residents who are struggling to pay their bills.
After seeing the ways the coronavirus pandemic exposed gaps in federal and state support programs, TyJuan Thirdgill is taking matters into his own hands.
“People were unprepared for a pandemic, because they didn't make enough money to save up to have enough money put up where if something bad happened, they were prepared for this," Thirdgill said.
The second year Michigan State University student plans to donate his annual trustee salary of about $11,500 back to constituents in need.
Thirdgill believes people should be given the agency to determine how they are going to be using the support they receive without having to answer questions.
"Most people know how best to spend their money," he said. "So, I think that if I gave it to them directly and let them decide and trust they're going to use the money the right way—they will do just that."
Thirdgill said he’s hoping his actions will motivate lawmakers to step up.
“To really look at where we're at right now, and find and recognize the gaps and pass some legislative fixes to fill in the gaps," he added.
To be considered for a cash payment Thirdgill is asking township residents to contact him via Facebook.
