November 15, 2012
U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel today denied the request for an injunction against canvassing of the ballots for Central Health Proposition 1. The judge found no reason to enjoin the canvassing based on plaintiffs’ arguments that the ballot language was illegal. Had the injunction been approved, it would have prevented canvassing of the November 6, 2012 election results, a necessary step in finalizing the election.
Central Health will proceed with the canvass of the ballot and with a resolution confirm the election results at noon on Monday, November 19, 2012.
“We are pleased that Judge Yeakel decided in Central Health’s favor on this issue. The ballot language presented to the voters of Travis County was understandable and allowed for further clarity on this important issue, which was our intention,” Central Health President & CEO Patricia Young-Brown said.
Judge Yeakel has yet to rule on Central Health’s motion to dismiss. The timeline on this next step in the case rests with the court.
Proposition 1 was approved Nov. 6 with 55 percent of Travis County voters supporting the measure. The increase in the tax rate is expected to generate an additional $54 million to be matched by another $76 million from federal funds each year, for an additional $130 million annually over the next four years. These funds will help pay for a redesign of the healthcare delivery system in Travis County, and will allow for expansion of healthcare infrastructure and services that provide health care for uninsured residents of Travis County.