Staff Reports
The Texas Supreme Court has put the brakes on Harris County’s attempt to throw cash at folks with no strings attached. The Uplift Harris guaranteed income pilot program was set to give out $500 a month to 1,928 lucky residents for 18 months with a cool $20.5 million in COVID-19 relief cash. This no-string attached free cash giveaway was put on hold after a plea from Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and her crew of Democratic pals thought they could use COVID-19 relief funds for their “Uplift Harris” program, but the Texas Supreme Court said, “Not so fast!” According to Big Ken Paxton, these funds were only supposed to be used for COVID-19-related stuff, not just chucking money at people for the fun of it.
Even before the Texas Supreme Court got involved, State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Republican from Houston, was calling foul. He was all worked up about how this program could be unconstitutional and asked Paxton for his opinion, setting the stage for the legal rumble. Paxton didn’t have any of these “lending credit or granting public money” businesses, citing the Texas Constitution as saying it was a no-go.
News: The Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked Harris County officials from sending financial assistance to needy families under a new program — though the first round of checks may already be out the door. https://t.co/0IEqyepzPi
— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) April 23, 2024
Meanwhile, the hero from the Harris County side, Attorney Christian Menefee, was standing up for the program, saying it was the right thing to do. He thinks giving folks a leg up is a “public purpose” and is “morally sound.” He even pointed out that the Texas courts have a test for what counts as a “public purpose,” and this program would pass with flying colors. Menefee’s a Democrat, and he’s fighting the good fight in the court on behalf of this guaranteed income program.
In the end, the Texas Supreme Court had the final say, putting a stop sign in front of Harris County’s grand plans. And, of course, the Democrats are crying foul, calling the high court “politicized.” They’re even griping about how the Texas Supreme Court is mostly Republican – well, sorry, but elections have consequences, folks.
It’s not just Harris County getting in on this guaranteed income action; Austin already has a similar program with taxpayer money. And let’s not forget former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who was all about throwing taxpayer cash at folks when he was in office. These Democrats can’t resist the urge to sling taxpayer money around like it grows on trees.
So, for now, the “Uplift Harris” program is on ice, and the Texas Supreme Court is keeping a close eye on things. But who knows what’s next in this saga of Democrats trying to give away your hard-earned money? Stay tuned, folks!
