Hidalgo's Paris Staff Trip Funding Request Rejected

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo requested approximately $23,000 in taxpayer funds to allow four staff members to join her on an economic development trade mission to Paris, led by the Greater Houston Partnership and Rice University. The trip itself was already budgeted, but Hidalgo sought extra funding so her staff could participate without using vacation time, citing safety and security reasons. Commissioners expressed concerns over transparency and fiscal responsibility, particularly with the county facing a $140 million budget deficit. Residents and officials criticized the proposal as non-essential spending. The commissioners ultimately rejected Hidalgo's request for staff funding, approving only changes to non-international travel policies. The decision underscored ongoing debates over transparency, fiscal stewardship, and travel policy for county officials.