Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is requesting $23,300 in taxpayer funding for the first-ever county delegation to Paris, France. A vote to approve the trip failed last week after Hidalgo attempted to conceal the destination from the public, citing security concerns and political vitriol.
According to Hidalgo’s request, the delegation is part of a collaboration between Greater Houston Partnership and Rice University aimed at promoting economic development and attracting future investment to the region.
The event, scheduled for June 8 -15, is intended to showcase Harris County as a hub for innovation and artificial intelligence.
Hidalgo would lead the delegation and be accompanied by three county employees who would serve as her staff during the trip.
The request comes at a time when the county is facing significant financial challenges, such as a reported $129 million budget deficit.
Earlier this month, Hidalgo said in a heated meeting that the county could not raise sheriff deputy pay despite a $24,000 per year salary gap with Houston Police Department officers, due to a lack of funds.
Critics of the proposed trip to France argue that it sends the wrong message amid the county’s current financial climate.
Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey, a vocal opponent of the plan, told Texas Scorecard, “I voted no last time, and I’m voting no this time. There’s no reason to spend taxpayer dollars for Judge Hidalgo and staff to go on a junket. If the Greater Houston Partnership wanted her to go, they should pay for it.”
Ramsey has stated that his intention this year is to focus on statutorily required items in the budget. According to Ramsey, the county has the money to fund everything that’s required by law, but has made decisions to spend on wasteful programs instead, leading to its current financial position.
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