Yesterday, the Commandante Lina Hidalgo announced her latest silly scheme to promote the COVID vaccine.
She announced that the Harris County Public Health (HCPH) “will provide $100 cash cards to residents receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at an HCPH vaccination site”.
The county said in a press release, “in order to receive the $100 cash card, residents will have to sign a waiver prior to the vaccination and remain in the post-vaccination waiting area at an HCPH vaccination site for the 15-to-30 minutes recommended.”
Where is the money coming from?
KHOU reports that it’s being funded by the $2 million that Commissioners Court recently approved from the American Rescue Plan.
They report: “Hidalgo is prepared to request more money from commissioners if the demand outstrips supply.”
Houston Republican State Senator Paul Bettencourt says Hidalgo’s plan is illegal under the Texas Constitution.
Sen. Bettencourt writes “How does @LinaHidalgoTX's offer of $100 for a first time covid shot not violate the Texas Constitution Sec 52 (a)? Judge Hidalgo can't grant public money to an individual!”
He adds that this is “ripe for fraud too”.