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Harris County is revising its guaranteed income program, “Uplift Harris 2.0,” to address legal concerns and provide debit cards with spending limits to around 2,000 low-income families after the Texas Supreme Court suspended the original program for violating state law.
Harris County to Revamp Guaranteed Income Program After Texas Supreme Court Intervention
Houston Landing reported that Harris County officials are gearing up for another attempt at implementing their guaranteed income initiative, Uplift Harris, after encountering obstacles earlier this year. The program was halted by the Texas Supreme Court due to the state attorney general’s claim that providing $500 per month to low-income households violated state laws. In response, county leaders are considering a revised version of the program, dubbed “Uplift Harris 2.0.” This time, participants will receive debit cards with spending limitations, a departure from the unrestricted payments that were initially planned.
Harris County Revamps Program to Support Low-Income Families
Local leaders are adopting a new approach to address legal issues by implementing stricter control measures on the usage of funds, which could potentially alleviate previous legal concerns. County Judge Lina Hidalgo and other officials are advocating for this shift, emphasizing the significance of aiding nearly 2,000 low-income households who were meant to benefit from the funds. While certain local leaders express dissent and legal uncertainties remain, the county is revising contracts and preparing to relaunch the program.
Harris County is determined to help families in poverty and has committed to using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds for this purpose before the end of 2024. Despite legal and administrative challenges, the county has revised its plan, now called “Uplift Harris 2.0,” which demonstrates its unwavering commitment to finding solutions. Similar programs are being attempted in other cities and counties across the United States, but Harris County’s efforts stand out as a testament to their dedication.
