Texas County Changes Income Program After Court Ruling

Harris County, Texas, officials have approved modifications to a guaranteed income initiative after it was invalidated by the state’s Supreme Court. The program, which aimed to provide $500 monthly payments to families in need, faced legal challenges that left many families without the promised support. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed disappointment, stating that hundreds of families were counting on the payments to alleviate poverty, and criticized state leaders for their political maneuvering. In response to the legal setbacks, the Harris County Commissioners Court has implemented restrictions on how participants can spend the funds from the newly launched program, Uplift Harris. Hidalgo acknowledged that while the new approach is not ideal, it is the best option available to fulfill commitments to struggling families. The program is funded by $20.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Commissioner Tom Ramsey voiced his concerns about the court's actions, suggesting that the approach taken to revive Uplift Harris is misguided. He accused his colleagues of attempting to circumvent the legal challenges that led to the program's suspension. The Texas Supreme Court ruled against Uplift Harris in June, which had initially aimed to distribute funds to selected participants for 18 months. The program, which began in January, received over 80,000 applications, highlighting the significant need for anti-poverty measures in the county. Hidalgo's office noted that 1 in 6 residents live in poverty, with many unable to cover unexpected expenses. The legal scrutiny of Uplift Harris was prompted by a lawsuit from Republican State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, who questioned the program's constitutional validity.