A Texas state senator, Paul Bettencourt, has expressed his objection to the constitutionality of a guaranteed basic income program in Harris County, Texas. The program, called Uplift Harris, provides qualifying residents with $500 a month for up to 18 months. Bettencourt sent a letter to the state attorney general requesting a legal opinion on whether counties have the authority to implement such income programs. He pointed out a section of the Texas constitution that restricts the legislature’s ability to allocate public money for individual aid. Bettencourt questioned the selection of specific zip codes for the program and raised concerns about its long-term sustainability. In response, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee defended the program, emphasizing its aim to help those living in poverty. Menefee criticized Bettencourt for focusing on political games rather than improving the lives of people in Harris County.
The program received significant interest, with over 48,000 applications submitted within the first three days of its launch. In light of Texas state senator Paul Bettencourt’s objections to the constitutionality of the guaranteed basic income program, Uplift Harris, the issue of whether counties have the authority to implement such income programs has been brought to the forefront of the conversation. Bettencourt raised concerns about the allocation of public money for individual aid, citing a section of the Texas constitution that restricts the legislature’s power in this regard. Additionally, he questioned the selection of specific zip codes for the program and expressed concerns about its long-term sustainability.