Texas AG sues to shut down guaranteed income program, calling it a ‘socialist experiment’

The program in Harris County, where Houston is positioned, is meant to offer “no-obligation” monthly money payments of $500 to 1,928 county residents for 18 months. Those who qualify for this system should have a household income lower than 200% of the federal poverty level and live in one in every of the identified high-poverty zip codes.

The program is funded with $20.5 million from the American Rescue Plan. the pandemic relief law Signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Federal pandemic funding led to this Dozens of cities and counties across the country Introduction of guaranteed income programs as a way of reducing poverty, reducing inequality and promoting people to employment.

In his lawsuit filed in civil court in Houston, Texas, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called this system “Harris Handout” and described it as a “socialist experiment” by county officials that violates the Texas Constitution and “an illegal and unlawful overreach.” the federal government”. ”

“This plan is clearly unconstitutional,” Paxton said in an announcement. “Tax dollars must be lawfully spent and used to advance the public interest, and not simply redistributed without accountability or a reasonable expectation of general benefit.”

State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican who asked Paxton to look into the county’s program, called it an “incredible waste” of taxpayer money and “lottery socialism.”

Harris County officials rejected Paxton’s lawsuit looking for an injunction stopping this system. The first payments needs to be paid out on April twenty fourth.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the county’s top elected official, said the guaranteed income is one in every of the oldest and most successful anti-poverty programs and that she feels “for these families whose plans and livelihood depend on political posturing by Trump leaders.” “Texas.”

“This lawsuit from Ken Paxton reads more like a MAGA manifesto than a legal document,” said Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, who led this system often known as Uplift Harris.

Harris County District Attorney Christian Menefee said this system is about “helping people in a real way by giving them direct cash assistance – something governments have always done.”

The lawsuit is the newest legal battle lately between Harris County, Texas’ largest Democratic stronghold, and the GOP-dominated state government.

Elections within the country’s third most populous district have been under remark for several years. The Texas Legislature latest laws passed In 2023, he’s looking for more influence in Harris County elections.

Last yr, Texas took over the Houston school district, the state’s largest, after years of threats and lawsuits over student performance. Democrats described the move as political.

Austin and San Antonio have already offered guaranteed income programs in Texas. El Paso County is anticipated to launch its own program later this yr. No lawsuits have been filed against these programs.