| Houston, Texas — Today, the Office of the Attorney General of Texas sued Harris County over the county’s Community Prosperity Program. The program provides $500 per month via a preloaded debit card which comes with spending restrictions. Families eligible for this program live below 200% of the federal poverty line. The program was developed after the Texas Supreme Court froze another Harris County program, Uplift Harris, which would have provided $500 a month to underserved County residents with fewer spending restrictions. The Community Prosperity Program incorporated guidance from the Texas Supreme Court by limiting the categories of items participants could purchase with the funds, such as housing, utilities, transportation, groceries, medical care, professional development, bill payments, clothing, and other essential needs. Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, who represents Harris County in all civil litigation, issued the following statement: “After a lawsuit from Ken Paxton regarding the Uplift Harris program, Harris County created a new initiative that addresses the state’s concerns while still offering financial stability to our neighbors who need it most. If it wasn’t clear before, it should be clear now that the opposition to this program is not about concern for the law; it’s about using people living in poverty as a means to score political points. In Harris County, we understand the need to tackle the real problems people face. Folks in Austin may not prioritize helping those in need, but they shouldn’t stand in the way of much-needed support. Once again, I am ready to defend the county and this program in court.” |