Houston, Texas — After hearing arguments from the Texas Attorney General's Office and the Harris County Attorney's Office, the 165th District Court denied the state's attempt to shut down the county's Community Prosperity Program.
The program provides financial support for select families living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line via a preloaded debit card, which comes with spending restrictions.
The program was developed after the Texas Supreme Court froze another Harris County initiative, 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.
"My office is pleased with today's ruling, and I hope this will put an end to the state's attempt to shut down a program that offers financial stability to our residents who need it the most," said Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee. "Harris County addressed the State's concerns about Uplift Harris, but the AG still felt the need to sue the County again. This shows that the AG's lawsuit is not about the law; it's about using people living in poverty as a means to score political points. I will continue to fight for the people of Harris County against state leaders trying to undermine local control."