Lina Hidalgo’s ‘Penny Tax’ Proposal Faces More Backlash From Commissioners

Lina Hidalgo’s ‘Penny Tax’ Proposal Faces More Backlash From Commissioners

By | August 1, 2025

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has unveiled a proposal for a property tax increase—dubbed a “penny tax”—to preserve and expand county-funded early childhood programs formerly supported by federal COVID‑era relief. The move has spurred sharp criticism from commissioners unprepared for the announcement.

According to Hidalgo, the one‑cent tax would cost roughly $10 per $100,000 of assessed value and generate approximately $60 million a year from annual property taxes—revenue intended to sustain programs like Early REACH, which serves about 800 children under age five.

The tax hike would go before voters in November if approved by the Commissioners Court. Three commissioners—Tom Ramsey, Adrian Garcia, and Lesley Briones—have criticized Hidalgo for publicizing the proposal via television rather than staff briefings.

Garcia told the Chron he’d had “zero conversation” with Hidalgo and described Hidalgo’s three-page proposal as a “regurgitation from what the county has already done with ARPA.”

Garcia called the plan a “half-baked idea” and stated that no comprehensive plan has been shared with commissioners.

“Just because the judge thinks she has an idea and thinks we ought to fall in line with it—that’s not government,” Garcia added. “That’s not how it works.”

According to Garcia, Hidalgo’s proposal lacked key figures, with “X” placeholders where revenue and taxpayer impact should be detailed.

“HOLD ON TO YOUR WALLETS!” Ramsey posted on X earlier this month, promising he would update the public further about the proposed tax hike.

Democrat Commissioner Rodney Ellis told the Chron he supported early childhood education and other programs that make it easier for residents to live in Harris County.

Hidalgo introduced the proposed child care tax without prior briefings to fellow court members and amid wider scrutiny of county budgeting and oversight.

The proposed tax hike has been placed on the agenda for discussion at the August 7 meeting.

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