Harris County Judge Proposes Property Tax to Fund Child Care Program

Harris County Judge Proposes Property Tax to Fund Child Care Program

By | Texas Scorecard | July 18, 2025

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has proposed a one-cent increase in the property tax rate to sustain the Early REACH program, which offers free child care to eligible children age four and under.

The program—initially paid for by federal COVID-19 relief funds, which are nearing depletion—would require an estimated $60 million annually to continue operations.

The tax hike would add approximately $10 per year for every $100,000 in home value. Hidalgo plans to place it on the commissioners court agenda for August 7. If commissioners approve, it would come before voters in November.

Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey expressed opposition. He cited the county’s looming multi-million-dollar budget deficit and the untimely nature of the proposal ahead of the regular budget cycle.

“That’s consistent with nearly everything Judge Hidalgo has done since she’s been on court,” Ramsey said. “We get very little information. There is a thrown-together presentation here or there.”

“HOLD ON TO YOUR WALLETS,” he posted on X.

Ramsey noted that he learned of the plan through media reports rather than direct briefings, highlighting a perceived pattern of limited information from Hidalgo’s office.

Democrat Commissioners Adrian Garcia and Lesley Briones, via spokespeople, told ABC13 they did not know the details of the plan but await specifics as well as independent evaluations of existing early childhood programs to ensure decisions are data-driven.

County officials have previously addressed the issue of child care through measures like a 100 percent property tax exemption for qualifying child care facilities, which passed unanimously in March 2024. In addition, $18.8 million in grants were awarded in 2023 to improve quality across five organizations.

Joseph is a journalist for Texas Scorecard reporting from Houston. With a background in business, Joseph is passionate about covering issues impacting citizens.