By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz
Proposal to Extend Education Programs Falls Short
A proposal from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo to place a small property tax increase on the November ballot—aimed at extending early childhood education programs—failed Thursday after a contentious Commissioners Court meeting.
The plan would have funded and expanded programs that have served over 60,000 children originally supported by federal pandemic relief funds but lacked the necessary support from commissioners to advance. At this time, the programs’ original funds are set to expire in 2026.
Meeting Disrupted by Tensions and Children
@queondamagazine Judge Lina Hidalgo’s push for a “penny tax” to fund child care, summer camps, and early education worker training failed to make the November ballot after a tense Commissioners Court meeting. The plan aimed to continue programs helping working families as COVID-era funds are set to expire in late 2026. Commissioners cited budget concerns and lack of data as reasons to decline support to put the penny tax on the ballot for voters to decide whether to fund the early education programs. #HarrisCounty #EarlyEducation #LinaHidalgo #ChildCareAccess #TexasPolitics #harriscountycommissionerscourt #news #explorepage #houstonnews ♬ original sound – Que Onda Magazine
In a dramatic move, Hidalgo brought dozens of children into the courtroom to emphasize the stakes of the proposal. At times, she encouraged them to sit near the dais and chant in favor of the measure. The scene drew criticism from fellow commissioners who called it a breach of decorum and repeatedly asked for order.
Commissioners Withhold Support
Commissioners Lesley Briones, Adrian Garcia, and Tom Ramsey did not back the measure. Briones cited insufficient stakeholder engagement and the need to wait for a University of Houston study expected in 2026. Ramsey questioned whether the county had fully explored other funding sources and noted the county’s ongoing $270 million budget deficit.
Programs at Risk as COVID Funds Expire
The proposal sought to continue funding three key programs: Early REACH (free daycare and preschool), County Connections (summer youth camps), and ACCS (training for child care workers). These initiatives, launched in 2023, expanded access to child care and learning opportunities for thousands of families across Harris County.
Modest Tax, Broad Support
Hidalgo described the plan as a “penny tax,” costing the average homeowner about $24 per year. Supporters, including the Greater Houston Partnership, cited strong returns on investment and polling that showed two-thirds of voters support early childhood funding.
Ballot Deadline Missed After Recess
After it became clear the measure wouldn’t pass, Hidalgo called a 10-minute recess. The delay allowed the deadline to place the proposal on the ballot to lapse. She did not return to the courtroom after the break but stated, “If you want to vote no in front of the kids, that’s fine.”
Next Steps Unclear
While the failed proposal sparked intense debate and media attention, Hidalgo described the measure as her final attempt to preserve the programs and underscored her frustration: “This is all I’ve got.”
For more on Harris County, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.