Introduction to the Proposal
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo proposed a tax increase to support various education programs, including child care and education training initiatives. These programs were initially funded by pandemic-era federal dollars, which are now running out. The proposal aimed to give Harris County voters a say in whether to continue funding these programs through a tax increase.
The Proposal’s Fate
During a meeting on Thursday, County Judge Lina Hidalgo presented her proposal to the commissioners. However, the proposal failed to meet a key deadline after commissioners stated that Hidalgo’s efforts to pass the measure disrupted the decorum of the meeting. In order for the tax increase proposal to make it onto the ballot in November, at least three of the five members of commissioners court needed to vote in favor of it.
Disruption and Decorum
The meeting became chaotic when Hidalgo encouraged a group of children present in the court room to move to the front of the dais to hear the commissioners’ decision on the proposal. Commissioners called for order to be restored, with Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones stating that Hidalgo’s actions were in breach of decorum rules. Briones also described the proposal as "half-baked" and lacking in stakeholder engagement.
Reactions from Commissioners
Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia expressed frustration at Hidalgo’s behavior, calling it "disruptive." Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey stated that he wouldn’t support the proposal, citing the understanding that the programs would eventually end as COVID-19 funds ran out. Ramsey also mentioned that the county is facing a $270 million budget deficit and that commissioners are still in the process of reviewing the budget.
The Proposed Tax Increase
Hidalgo’s proposal would have added one penny to the property tax rate to continue funding the Early Raising Educational Access for Children in Harris County, County Connections, and Accessible Child Care Training Supports programs. However, with the proposal’s failure to meet the deadline, it is unclear what will happen to these programs.
Conclusion
The failure of the tax increase proposal to make it onto the ballot in November has significant implications for the education programs in Harris County. Despite Hidalgo’s efforts to pass the measure, the proposal was met with resistance from commissioners, who cited concerns about decorum, budget deficits, and stakeholder engagement. The fate of these programs remains uncertain, leaving many to wonder what will happen to the children and families who rely on them.
