The proposed increase, which is being referred to as a penny tax, would have cost Harris County homeowners an extra $10 per year for every $100,000 of home valuation, according to the county judge. Hidalgo claims the average homeowner would pay $24 more per month.
Hidalgo, who first brought up the proposal in an interview with ABC13, says the increase would have allowed the Early REACH program to continue operations.
The program, which allows eligible kids four and under to receive free child care, has previously been funded with federal funds related to COVID-19 relief.
Hidalgo says those funds are running out in Harris County. In order for the penny tax proposal to be on the ballot in November, it needed the commissioners' approval.
Instead of debate, insults, arguments, and shouting ensued. "Excuse me, judge, please be respectful," Commissioner Lesley Briones said.
"Education is too telling," Hidalgo responded while she held two posters in front of her face. "Don't give the kids this example of making things up. This has been going on for four years."
Hidalgo argued they've worked on this for years. However, Briones didn't see it that way and said the judge's proposal only came out recently and is missing details.
"The truth is this half-baked proposal did not have robust stakeholder engagement," Briones said. "It does not have a detailed program -- does not have a detailed budget."
Before a vote took place, Hidalgo shut down the discussion. "I'm yes," Hidalgo said. "Commissioner Briones is no. Commissioner Ramsey is no. Commissioner Garcia is no. Commissioner Ellis is no."
Hidalgo called a recess, slammed her laptop, left the room, and went to meet with families from the program who attended the meeting.
ABC13 was invited to the room and asked her why she acted that way during the meeting.
"I was totally baffled," Hidalgo explained. "I guess I was giving a last shot of, 'This is all I got, and here goes nothing.'"
Following the chaotic start to the meeting, two commissioners released statements apologizing for what happened.
"It's beyond frustrating to yet again witness Judge Hidalgo's disruptive behavior at Commissioners Court today. We must hold ourselves to the highest standards. It was particularly offensive to witness her trying to use children as props for her political agenda. The people of Harris County deserve better," Garcia's statement said.
"I was disappointed to witness Judge Hidalgo's disruptive behavior at Commissioners Court today; it distracted from the serious issues before us. As colleagues, we may disagree, but fundamental respect and decorum are non-negotiable. The democratic process is built on civil debate, and as elected leaders, we must hold ourselves to the highest standards. The people of Harris County deserve better." Briones's statement read.
Despite not being added to the ballot, kids won't be removed from the program right away, as Hidalgo said there's funding into December 2026.