Texas Senate debates Bill 2010 to ban guaranteed income programs amid accountability concerns

During a recent meeting of the Texas Senate Committee on Local Government, significant discussions centered around proposed legislation aimed at regulating guaranteed income programs and addressing concerns about public funds. The committee reviewed Senate Bill 2010, which seeks to prohibit local governments from implementing guaranteed income initiatives, citing constitutional concerns regarding the distribution of public money.

Senator Bettencourt introduced the bill, emphasizing that it aims to ensure compliance with Texas's constitutional prohibition against granting public funds to individuals or organizations without accountability. The bill comes in response to various local governments that have attempted to establish guaranteed income programs using federal pandemic aid. Critics argue that these programs could lead to misuse of taxpayer dollars and undermine the work ethic by providing financial support without requiring recipients to seek employment.

Testimony from Kim Ogg raised alarms about the potential misuse of personal data collected from applicants for these programs, highlighting concerns over election integrity and the transparency of how this data is managed. Ogg pointed out that the Harris County Universal Basic Income (UBI) program had received over 82,000 applications but only awarded funds to a small fraction of applicants, raising questions about the program's fairness and effectiveness.

Supporters of Senate Bill 2010 argue that guaranteed income programs could foster dependency on government assistance rather than encouraging self-sufficiency. Paige Terryberry, representing FGA Action, stated that such programs could detract from the dignity of work and lead to a culture of entitlement. She urged the committee to support the bill to protect taxpayers and promote a system where assistance is tied to effort and opportunity.

Conversely, some committee members pointed to successful outcomes from similar programs in Texas, where participants reported improved employment and housing stability. This sparked a debate on the effectiveness of guaranteed income initiatives and their impact on the workforce.

As the committee concluded its discussions, the future of Senate Bill 2010 remains uncertain, with further testimony and deliberation expected in upcoming sessions. The outcome of this legislation could significantly influence how local governments in Texas manage public funds and support vulnerable populations in the wake of economic challenges.