Texas Attorney General Challenges Harris County’s Program in Court

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Harris County over its recently implemented guaranteed income program, Uplift Harris.

The program provides nearly 2,000 residents with $500 per month for 18 months, according to Paxton.

The roots of the program, approved by Harris County Commissioners with a 4-1 vote in 2023, lie in its aim to address financial insecurity among residents.

However, Paxton argues that distributing public funds without conditions or oversight violates the state constitution.

Under Uplift Harris, selected households would receive $500 monthly for 18 months, funded by $20.5 million allocated from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act.

Despite receiving over 59,000 applications, only 1,924 households were chosen through a lottery system, as outlined on the county website.

According to Paxton’s office, the indiscriminate distribution of funds infringes upon the constitutional principle of equal rights.

The Attorney General asserts that Harris County’s approach fails to ensure public benefit and lacks transparency in recipient selection.

The Harris County program mirrors similar efforts seen in the state’s capitol.

The recent pilot program in Austin is aimed at addressing housing insecurity.

Unlike Harris County’s approach, Austin’s program disbursed $1,000 monthly to 85 households at risk of homelessness.

The city council’s decision in 2022 marked Austin as the first major Texas city to utilize tax dollars for guaranteed income programs.

Austin officials emphasized the potential for these programs to foster economic mobility and housing stability.

As the legal battle ramps up, the outcome of Paxton’s lawsuit against Harris County could significantly impact the future of guaranteed income initiatives in Texas and beyond.

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