The Texas Supreme Court has granted a temporary injunction against a guaranteed income program in Harris County, which was set to provide nearly 2,000 residents with $500 per month for eighteen months. The decision came after the state’s attorney general, Ken Paxton, filed an emergency request, arguing that the program violated the state’s constitution. The program, known as Uplift Harris, was funded through the federal American Rescue Plan and targeted individuals earning 200 percent below the national poverty line. Local authorities had argued that the program was necessary to address poverty in the area, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Paxton maintained that it was unconstitutional. After the ruling, Harris County officials expressed disappointment but stated that they would continue to fight for the program. They also noted that they would explore options for funding the program in the long term. The Supreme Court has requested a response from Harris County by April 29th regarding the state’s emergency motion for temporary relief. The program’s future remains uncertain as the legal challenge continues.
Texas Halts Guaranteed Income Program Amid Legal Challenge
