In Texas, legal battles are raging over a guaranteed income program and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) departments in public universities.
The Supreme Court of Texas has temporarily blocked a guaranteed income program launched by Harris County, which aimed to provide monthly stipends to low-income residents. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who argued that the program was unconstitutional.
In a separate development, the University of Texas has laid off staff working in DEI departments to comply with a state law prohibiting such departments at public universities. The law was authored by Republican State Sen. Brandon Creighton.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and UpTogether, an organization advocating for the guaranteed income program, have criticized the Supreme Court ruling. They argue that it denies financial stability and upward mobility for struggling families.
Despite the setback, Harris County has expressed its intention to continue fighting for the program. They have until April 29 to respond to the Texas Supreme Court’s emergency motion for relief.
Meanwhile, Paxton remains steadfast in his opposition to the program, maintaining that it is unconstitutional and a misuse of taxpayer money. The legal battles over both the guaranteed income program and DEI departments in Texas are likely to continue in the coming months.
