AMERICAN families could receive up to $500 per month as part of a guaranteed income program in Texas. Around 1,900 low-income households will be selected at random from a pool of applicants to receive payments for 18 months. Over 28,500 residents in the Houston-area have applied for the program. The payments will start in April, and selected applicants will be notified by February 26.
The program, called Uplift Harris, is aimed at combating poverty and is being funded by a $20.5 million pot from the American Rescue Plan. The program is facing legal challenges from State Republicans but is set to proceed as planned. The payments will be distributed to 10 high-poverty zip codes in the area, with recipients needing to have an income below 200% of the Federal poverty line and be at least 18 years old.
This program is not unique, as similar guaranteed income programs have been implemented across the country, targeting vulnerable populations such as new parents and retirees. For example, a $4 million program in Maryland is providing hundreds of dollars in payments to residents in the DC area, while Prince George’s