As Federal Aid Ends, Harris County Judge Seeks Voter-Backed Tax for Child Care Programs

With the decline of federal pandemic relief funds, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is advocating for a tax increase that would require voter approval to maintain child care programs established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision arrives as the county prepares for a significant $270 million budget deficit in fiscal year 2026.

Hidalgo is aiming to introduce a measure for the November ballot that would increase the county’s property tax rate by one cent—approximately $10 each year for a $100,000 home—to sustain funding for enhanced child care access, workforce training, and summer education initiatives. The typical home in Harris County, with an estimated value of around $286,000, would incur an annual cost of $28.

The initiative aims to expand upon the county’s substantial $150 million investment of federal stimulus funds, which has successfully generated hundreds of new child care slots, licensed home-based providers, trained staff in kindergarten readiness, and provided support for children with disabilities.

With funding set to expire in 2025, Hidalgo emphasized that the only path forward is through a specific local tax. “Given the current budget deficit, we are unable to incorporate this into the regular budget,” she stated. “The sole course of action is to present this proposal to the electorate.”

However, before that takes place, Hidalgo needs to gain backing from other commissioners to get the item on the ballot. A preliminary vote is anticipated to take place this week. Critics, such as Commissioner Tom Ramsey, argue that the county should prioritize essential services over expanding programs during this period of financial uncertainty.

“It’s essential to prioritize our fundamental obligations over additional initiatives,” Ramsey stated, criticizing Hidalgo for introducing the proposal without engaging the entire commissioners' court.

Advocates of the program assert that it has significantly improved both access and quality of care, particularly benefiting working families. Supporters highlight examples from cities such as San Antonio and counties like Travis that have enacted comparable initiatives.

Hidalgo expressed that she is not seeking her colleagues' endorsement for the tax. Instead, she wants to allow voters to make the decision. “No matter your feelings, allow the public to decide before you eliminate programs for children,” she stated.

If approved, the expanded funding would focus on increasing child care slots, enhancing program quality, and broadening after-school and summer educational opportunities.

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