$500 monthly payments to Uplift Harris families back on track, but AG Paxton’s fight to shut it down likely isn’t over

The Uplift Harris program is back on track, at least for the moment.

A judge heard arguments from state and Harris County officials this morning on the temporary injunction request Attorney General Ken Paxton asked the court to issue.

Paxton wanted to halt the $500-a-month grants to struggling families for household needs. The first of 18 monthly payments is supposed to go out next week.

The AG has called the program unconstitutional and an abuse of public funds.

Harris County officials told KPRC 2 they expect the state to appeal Thursday’s ruling, so stay tuned.

WHAT IS IT? Pilot program ‘Uplift Harris’ notifying recipients of $500 monthly grant

Families were able to begin applying for the program mid-January with the disclosure that applicants must be 18 or older, have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, and live in one of 10 zip-coded areas that include Acres Homes, Sunnyside and Galena Park.

RELATED: ‘Why the heck does Ken Paxton care?’: Harris County officials respond to Texas AG lawsuit over Uplift Harris program

On April 9, Paxton filed a lawsuit against Harris County, claiming that the program was unconstitutional. The injunction will prevent Harris County from making the first payment next week.

READ: ‘Take off your political glasses’: NAACP Houston, partners push for full support of Uplift Harris program

“These families are counting on this support for basic necessities,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said. “I ask Mr. Paxton to come down and meet some of these families, and tell them, ‘Never mind, it’s not arriving anymore.’’”

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Learn more about Uplift Harris by clicking here.