Texas State Senator Paul Bettencourt has strongly opposed the concept of a universal basic income following the announcement of a Houston-area program. This initiative aims to provide $500 monthly to some of the region’s most financially challenged inhabitants.
Constitutional Inquiry
Representing Houston as a Republican, Bettencourt has reached out to the state’s attorney general, Ken Paxton, seeking an opinion on whether the Harris County income scheme is in breach of the Constitution.
Uplift Harris
This move coincided with the day program “Uplift Harris” began accepting applications, intending to support eligible families with $500 for a duration of up to 18 months.
Funding and Applications
County officials intend to use over $20 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan to alleviate the financial burdens faced by many due to the pandemic. The initiative saw an overwhelming response, with more than 76,000 applications received.
Similar Initiatives Nationwide
On their website, Uplift Harris asserted that similar initiatives across the nation have demonstrated financial and social benefits for participants.
Austin Income Program
Austin, Texas, recently witnessed the successful implementation of a guaranteed income program that played a pivotal role in addressing housing insecurity challenges within the city.
“Money Like Popcorn”
In a statement to Fox News, Bettencourt criticized the indiscriminate distribution of funds, stating, “We just can’t hand out money like popcorn on street corners to people that walk by.”
Constitution Violation
He argues that Uplift Harris violates the Texas Constitution’s “gift prohibition” clause, which bars the unauthorized allocation of public funds to individuals.
False Comparison
Bettencourt explained that making a comparison between Austin’s guaranteed income program, which provided $1,000 monthly to low-income families, and Harris County’s initiative is like comparing two different things.
County vs. City Level
This distinction arises because Harris County is implementing its program at the county level, while Austin’s program is at the city level.
Unprecedented Involvement
Bettencourt remarked, “The point I’m making about counties involved with universal basic income is that it hasn’t happened before.”
“Extension of the State”
“We don’t have anyone else in the state besides Harris doing that. And counties are different than home-rule cities. The state gives [counties] the authority as an extension of the state to do certain tasks,” he added.
Guaranteed Income & Concerns
Bettencourt expressed concern over the largest county in the state considering an unconditional guaranteed income program and the possibility of other counties contemplating the initiation of similar programs.
Application Disparity
Bettencourt, observing over 59,000 applicants for just 1,900 available spots, raised a question about the government’s method for allocating resources, effectively determining the beneficiaries and those who miss out on this situation.
Lottery Socialism
He said, “I don’t like the concept of what I would call lottery socialism here because it’s based on specific zip codes, and it’s no strings attached.”
County Defense
In response to Bettencourt’s claims, Christian Menefree, an attorney for Harris County, submitted a brief to the state attorney general on Friday, arguing that the program does not violate the gift clause.
Impact on Economy
Menefree said, “When you’re providing a guaranteed basic income to folks, the idea is you’re trying to impact the economy, right? You want these people to be going out and spending on expenses.”
Not A Genuine Concern
The county attorney argued that Bettencourt’s request for an opinion on the program’s constitutionality appeared to be driven more by a desire to involve the state and disrupt Harris County’s autonomy in governing its affairs rather than a genuine concern for the statutes in question.
Social Media Likes
Menefee said, “Trying to lob political bombs in order to get likes on Twitter and to make headlines, I don’t think is good governance.”
Immigrants Excluded
Uplift Harris has specifically excluded undocumented immigrants from its program, attributing this decision to utilizing federal COVID-19 relief funds for financing.
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