Introducing the Revamped Uplift Harris Program in Harris County
Exciting news for residents of Harris County, Texas! Following legal challenges from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, Harris County is set to launch a new version of its guaranteed income program. This announcement was made by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo during a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The original Uplift Harris program was put on pause after a ruling from the Texas Supreme Court back in June, leaving more than 1,900 low-income families in limbo. These families were selected to receive $500 a month for a year and a half. However, with the new program on the horizon, these families can breathe a sigh of relief as they will still be eligible to participate.
One notable change in the revamped program is the introduction of restrictions on how the allocated funds can be used. This measure aims to address concerns raised by critics and ensure that the program remains in compliance with legal regulations.
Legal challenges arose in April when Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit deeming the original program “unconstitutional”. Following this, the Texas Supreme Court intervened, halting the distribution of funds just as the first payments were set to be disbursed. Despite these setbacks, the county persisted in securing funding for the program as the legal battle played out.
Commissioners Court has already voted in favor of launching the new program, signaling a positive step forward in providing financial support to underserved communities in Harris County.
If you are a resident of Harris County and interested in learning more about the revamped Uplift Harris program, feel free to explore the information provided in the embedded form below: