Tyler Perry Tries to Hand Cash to Unpaid TSA Agents — Feds Unfortunately Say No
When global superstar Tyler Perry could easily be celebrating the success of the new season of his hit Netflix series Beauty in Black, he’s instead trying to care for his fellow humans. For those who don’t know, beyond the movies, shows, and productions, he’s also quite the philanthropist. Just last year, the famous multi-hyphenate donated roughly $1.4 million to organizations that aided families impacted by SNAP benefit reductions. Well, according to a new report, he once again is showcasing his generosity. Or at least he tried.
Since February 14, TSA agents across the United States have been forced to face the daunting reality that the government no longer has money to pay them. Sadly, Congress and POTUS have failed to reach an agreement regarding funding all of the Department of Homeland Security. While this has led to long wait times at airports for travelers (some reporting almost three hours), the partial government shutdown has taken a real toll again, on the TSA agents.
Realizing TSA employees have not been paid in roughly 6 weeks, and the impact that can have on households, especially with rising gas and food prices, Perry tried to step into the gap and give agents money directly. Sadly, Perry was prevented from doing so.
Federal Rule Prevented Tyler Perry from Giving Money to TSA Agents at the Airport
According to 11 Alive, an Atlanta-based news outlet, on the morning of March 26, Perry stopped by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia, attempting to give donations directly to TSA employees. However, his attempts at generosity were short-lived because federal rules prevent government employees from accepting monetary gifts at the airport while on the job.
Doing some more digging, there is a federal rule in place that technically prohibits federal workers from accepting gifts. Looking for guidance from 3.101-2 Solicitation and Acceptance of Gratuities by Government Personnel, the federal rule states:
“As a rule, no Government employee may solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, any gratuity, gift, favor, entertainment, loan, or anything of monetary value from anyone who (a) has or is seeking to obtain Government business with the employee’s agency, (b) conducts activities that are regulated by the employee’s agency, or (c) has interests that may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the employee’s official duties. Certain limited exceptions are authorized in agency regulations.”
That being said, it does appear that some airports across the country are accepting donations for TSA employees impacted by the shutdown, but it looks like the airports themselves are in charge of collecting the donations and distributing them. Given that employees are not taking the gifts directly and may be receiving them before or after their scheduled shifts, this form of giving appears to be all right. So Perry is capable and likely to give to these workers in some way or fashion. You can check out the video story about Perry below.
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