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Houston, Texas – Today the office of the Attorney General of Texas sued Harris County and its Commissioners Court over Uplift Harris, the county’s guaranteed basic income pilot program that uses federal dollars to provide $500 per month to some of the lowest-income families in the county.

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee, who will represent the defendants in the suit, gave the following statement:

“This lawsuit is nothing more than another attack on Harris County government by Republican state leaders looking to make headlines. This program is about helping people in a real way by giving them direct cash assistance—something governments have always done. I cannot for the life of me understand why any public servant would be opposed to that.

When corporations are given taxpayer dollars Republican leaders in Austin call it “economic development”. When governments use federal dollars to actually help people, Republican leaders in Austin call it socialism.

I think the message Harris County residents have for AG Paxton is to lead in a way that’s going to help people or get out of the way. I will vigorously defend the county and this program in court."

The state is seeking an immediate ruling to block Harris County from beginning to make payments under the program. The hearing for that decision will take place in the next few weeks, we will notify the public of the date once it is scheduled. 

About the Harris County Attorney's Office

Christian D. Menefee serves as the elected, top civil lawyer for Texas’ largest county. The Harris County Attorney’s Office represents the county in all civil matters including lawsuits. Menefee leads an office of 250 attorneys and staff members. He entered office at 32 years old, making him the youngest person and first African American elected as the Harris County Attorney.