Harris County, Texas, initiated a guaranteed income program this month using $20.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act.
Yet, the federal funding for such programs nationwide is depleting, and Harris County authorities anticipate a deficit ranging from $20 million to $181 million for fiscal year 2024. The significant discrepancy in the estimated loss is attributed to varying revenue predictions as stated in city records.
The Uplift Harris program is a guaranteed income experiment that provides qualifying households with $500 per month for a duration of 18 months. The application process for the Uplift Harris guaranteed income pilot programs closes on Feb. 1, with over 82,500 applications received, as reported by Harris County Public Health.
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Harris County, like other towns nationwide, has initiated programs such as Uplift Harris to assist its inhabitants post-pandemic. However, the initial monies for these programs are starting to deplete.
In January, Texas Senator Paul Bettencourt inquired with Attorney General Paxton about the legality of counties implementing the Uplift program and whether it breaches the gift prohibition clause in the Texas Constitution.
Initial payments are scheduled to begin in early April, as stated in the documents.
We are eager to proceed with the selection process and witness how this direct monetary support will help in advancing towards creating a more fair and prosperous future for all members of the Harris County community. Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson expressed excitement at the strong interest in the Uplift Harris Guaranteed Income Pilot Program, highlighting the importance of investing in neighborhoods facing high levels of severe poverty.