Harris County’s new guaranteed income program moves forward after previous state block

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Harris County is promoting a program that promises residents free money.

The Community Prosperity Program will provide select residents with a preloaded debit card to help pay for housing, healthcare, food and other essentials.

This new guaranteed income program comes after the state filed a restraining order against a previous version called “Uplift,” which provided $500 monthly payments to low-income residents.

The state blocked Uplift, saying it violated a law prohibiting giving away government money as gifts.

The state also tried to stop the Community Prosperity Program, but the 165th District Court rejected that 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 select families living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.

Although Uplift had fewer restrictions on spending, the Texas Supreme Court imposed new restrictions, limiting members’ purchases to essential items only.