Harris County has revised its Uplift Harris guaranteed income program to use $500 debit cards for essential needs, following legal challenges from the Texas Supreme Court, which had previously struck down the original plan.
Harris County Adapts Uplift Harris Program to Use Debit Cards After Supreme Court Ruling
According to Fox News, Harris County, Texas, has made changes to its guaranteed income program, Uplift Harris, after it was challenged by the state’s Supreme Court. Originally, the program was set to give $500 monthly payments to help families in need. However, due to legal issues raised by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the county has decided to use $500 debit cards instead. These cards can only be used for essential needs like groceries and medicine and will support around 1,600 families.
Local officials have mixed feelings about the new plan. Commissioner Tom Ramsey believes the restricted debit cards will not help as much as the original plan and thinks the funds could be better used for broader community projects. He is worried that the legal changes are making the program less effective.
READ ALSO: $6 Billion in Savings: Biden’s Medicare Drug-Price Negotiation Program Set to Benefit Seniors
$500 Debit Cards: Harris County Revamps Uplift Harris Program to Address Texas Supreme Court’s Constitutional Concerns (PHOTO: KHOU)
Legal Challenges Prompt Harris County to Revise Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Program Amidst Political Controversy
The legal troubles started when the Texas Supreme Court questioned the Uplift Harris program’s legality. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee defended the original program but hopes the updated version will avoid more legal problems. This situation shows how challenging it can be to implement guaranteed income programs, which aim to provide financial help but face legal and political obstacles.
READ ALSO: Taxing Issues: Colorado’s Property Tax Crisis, Rising Costs, and What’s at Stake for Homeowners and Businesses
