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Texas Supreme Court says Harris County must hold on payments to residents through guaranteed income program

Uplift Harris was set to go into effect in April when it was blocked just before payments were to go out.

HOUSTON — The Texas Supreme Court ruled on Friday that Harris County must hold off paying residents through its guaranteed income program for now.

The pause will remain until county leaders get the go-ahead for Uplift Harris from the Texas Supreme Court.  Meanwhile the case continues to play out in the court of appeals.  

More than 1,900 hundred low-income families have already been chosen for the Uplift Harris program. They were set to receive $500 a month for a year and a half.

Editor's note: Video above is from April when the Texas Supreme Court originally blocked the program

However, in April, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued calling it “unconstitutional.” The Texas Supreme Court then blocked the program from taking effect within an hour of the first payments going out.

Harris County will hold onto the funds for the program while the case continues at the appeals court.

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee posted on X his response to the ruling saying, "In a disappointing move, the TX Supreme Court sided w/ @KenPaxtonTX, ruling Harris County’s guaranteed income program to help needy families is likely illegal. I disagree w/ this decision, which could impact how the GOP attacks similar programs across the US. Helping the poor is part of our job in government. That’s why programs like this exist across the country and our state. This decision could end Uplift Harris as it exists today.  My office will keep fighting for Harris County residents and local control. "

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