Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocks Uplift Harris, canceling $500 checks set for 1,600 families

The Texas Supreme Court, controlled by Republicans, has halted Harris County’s “Uplift Harris” guaranteed income program, leaving hundreds of families in need waiting for financial assistance.

Just 45 minutes before the county was set to distribute the first round of $500 checks, the high court granted an administrative stay in response to the state’s petition to halt the program.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expressed her dismay, stating, “It’s heart-wrenching.”

Initially, 1,600 families were slated to receive the funds, with the remaining 300 still completing the necessary paperwork.

The Supreme Court’s decision followed an appeals court’s denial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s emergency motion to block the program on Monday. Paxton had sued the county, arguing that the program violated the state Constitution’s prohibition on cities and counties giving public funds to individuals or corporations.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis expressed concerns about the precedent such a decision could set, both locally and nationally.

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee criticized the court’s action, citing politicization and asserting his commitment to fighting for the program’s legality and moral standing.

In response to the court’s decision, Ellis denounced the lawsuit as a politically motivated attack, expressing disappointment for the 1,900 families who were anticipating support from the program. He vowed to continue advocating for those in need despite the setback.