The responsible tax rate reduction proposed by the Democratic members of Harris County Commissioners Court will protect vital services, including health care, flood control, and public safety while providing modest relief for taxpayers.

I cannot imagine anything more irresponsible than the Republican members of this court not showing up to vote next week simply to score a political point. Republican members could leave nearly 6,000 patients without care, damage efforts to protect thousands of homes from flooding, and prevent critical investments to reduce violent crime. That’s more than irresponsible – it’s unconscionable.

I will show up on September 28 and vote YES on the proposed tax rate favored by majority of Commissioners Court, which is the only responsible tax rate proposal. I urge all my colleagues to do the same.