- Democrat Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia has proposed spending $468,610 in public funds to subsidize the 2025 Gay Softball World Series next month.
- The proposed expenditure comes as Harris County faces a budget deficit of over $200 million
- Republican County Commissioner Tom Ramsey criticized unnecessary discretionary spending
Harris County Commissioners Court will meet Tuesday to consider a slate of items that includes a proposal by Democrat County Commissioner Adrian Garcia to use taxpayer funds to subsidize an upcoming gay softball championship event in Houston.
The agenda item requests that Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo “execute a 381 amendment with International Pride Softball to sponsor the 2025 Gay Softball World Series with a donation in the amount $468,610.00.”
Chapter 381 of the Texas Local Government Code allows County governments to spend public funds for the purposes of economic development.
The proposal comes as Harris County faces a projected budget deficit of over $200 million.
Garcia, who faces re-election next year in a district that President Trump won, defended his proposal in a post on X.
“Glad to do it! Since for the last 5yrs the #StateOfTexas was supporting this event until now. The event more than pays for itself in economic impact. So half of these $$ are HOT taxes that can only be used to increase tourism, and the event brings thousands of players to [Harris County],” wrote Garcia.
Although Garcia cited the supposed economic benefit of the event in justifying the expenditure of public funds, it is unclear what direct impact the subsidy will have in generating revenue for Harris County.
According to its website, the 2025 Gay Softball World Series is scheduled to occur from September 20 to 27, and a host hotel and other event facilities logistics have already been arranged. Additionally, several of the fields featured on the event website are located outside of Harris County and are in Galveston and Brazoria Counties.
Republican Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey highlighted the proposal on his social media accounts.
“It should come as no shock that if you look at any Commissioners Court agenda from the past several years, you will find requests to spend money on items that are not core services (safety, infrastructure, flood control). This is on the agenda for our next meeting,” said Ramsey, referencing Garcia’s proposal to spend $468,610 in taxpayer dollars to subsidize the event.
“This is the reason we’re in a budget deficit. Often – very often – I am the only vote against this discretionary spending. My record is clear. The math is simple – more stuff, more taxes. More taxes, less for you and your family.”
