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House lawmakers consider updated sales tax plan to aid Hennepin Healthcare

By Rob Hubbard
(House Photography file photo)
(House Photography file photo)

Hennepin County Medical Center is known for being the destination for Minnesotans who have suffered terrible physical traumas, but now the state’s healthcare system could suffer a trauma of its own if the hospital closes.

That seems to be the consensus opinion of legislators on both sides of the aisle. The question is: How can the state best go about fixing the financial difficulties the hospital is currently enduring and help restore a stable revenue stream that will keep it afloat for years to come?

The latest suggestion comes in the form of a delete-all amendment to HF4841, sponsored by Rep. Esther Agbaje (DFL-Mpls).

It would extend and increase the current sales tax in Hennepin County from 0.15% to 0.75% (down from the 1% proposed in the original bill). And it would establish a hospital stabilization program and authorize grants for Hennepin Healthcare, modify its governance provisions and establish an advisory task force for its governance and financing.
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