Harris County leaders will tackle major issues in today’s meeting, including a new refugee commission and hospital expansion.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County leaders are set to take up several major issues during a commissioners meeting today, including a proposed new commission and potential hospital expansion. The meeting also comes as County Judge Lina Hidalgo faces growing political pressure following a recent incident at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Harris County Commissioners will meet for their weekly session with several key items on the agenda.
Among them is a proposed immigrant and refugee commission, as well as a possible expansion of Ben Taub Hospital.
The meeting also marks County Judge Lina Hidalgo’s first public appearance at a commissioners meeting since her fallout with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
The controversy stems from an incident Tuesday night at NRG Stadium during a sold-out Megan Moroney concert, when Hidalgo was escorted out after reportedly not leaving the chute area.
Rodeo officials said Hidalgo had been told she would not be allowed in that section because it was sold out and that passes for her and her guests were located in a suite. After what officials described as back-and-forth in the chute area, she was escorted out of the building.
Hidalgo disputed that account, saying she had not needed passes to access the chute area in the past. She also claimed rodeo officials and security shoved and manhandled her, allegations the rodeo denies.
In a social media post, Hidalgo said she has reviewed video from the incident and is moving forward.
“I think at this point, we’ve done all we can do, and I am moving forward from this,” she wrote.
Following the incident, the rodeo’s executive committee voted to revoke Hidalgo’s ex officio director status and its associated privileges, which included access to NRG Park grounds and admission to events.
Hidalgo is set to leave office on Dec. 31 after opting not to run for a third term.
More details about the commissioners meeting and any actions taken are expected later today.