Harris County’s new guaranteed income program is moving forward after the previous state block

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Harris County is moving forward with a program that promises free money to residents.

The Community Prosperity Program will provide selected residents with a pre-loaded debit card for housing, health care, groceries and other essential needs.

This new guaranteed income program comes after the state filed a restraining order against an earlier version, called “Uplift,” that sent monthly payments of $500 to low-income residents.

The state blocked Uplift, claiming it violated a law that prohibits giving public money as gifts.

The state also tried to stop the Community Prosperity Program, but the 165th District Court denied the request after reviewing arguments from the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

The new program will provide financial support to certain families living at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line.

Although Uplift had fewer spending restrictions, the Texas Supreme Court influenced new limitations, limiting participant purchases to essential needs.