A flurry of activity in St Paul as lawmakers work to finalize bill dealing with everything from gun safety packages, to taxes, and help for Hennepin Health Care.
The latter was getting attention across several fronts on Thursday, with debate in the Senate Tax Committee, registered nurses gathering in downtown Minneapolis for a rally, plus Minnesotans of faith and clergy outside Hennepin County Medical Center to begin a 24-hour vigil.
Senate Tax Committee Chair Ann Rest (DFL) says part of the tax bill includes expanding a tax that had been meant to help fund Target Field, with revenues now going to keep the hospital and others in operation.
The Minnesota Senate on Wednesday cleared $150 million for HCMC, but it still needs to clear the House, which is a 67-67 tie between the DFL and GOP.
"We're looking to help stabilize hospitals throughout throughout Minnesota, but this bill is focused mostly on the on the healthcare hospitals in Hennepin County, notably HCMC," said Rest.
Clergy gathers for a vigil at HCMC Thursday
A 24-hour prayer vigil is currently taking place outside HCMC as lawmakers in St. Paul debate what should be done to try to save the financially struggle safety net hospital.
Todd Lipert is a pastor with Creekside United church of Christ in Minneapolis.
"HCMC is caring for the people of Minnesota 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Lipert. "So, our clergy and congregations felt we needed to be out, praying for HCMC and for this moment."
Lipert says they are distraught that the federal bill that was passed this summer which included Medicaid cuts helped push HCMC, and other hospitals both rural and urban, to the brink.
"We can't imagine what it would be like if they closed in June," Lipert adds. "So many of our parishioners get care at HCMC, and we know it's critical for the state."
The Senate has passed a bill that would give some relief, as hospital administrators have said if they don't get help drastic measures could take place as soon as June.
The session ends May 18th and many of these bills will likely end up in end of session negotiations between Gov. Tim Walz and the four leaders.
Healthcare workers gather in Minneapolis Commons demanding permanent funding
Healthcare workers and community members gathered to demand permanent funding for HCMC Thursday in Minneapolis Commons Park, just up the street from HCMC.
Advocates rallied in Minneapolis to raise a "red alert" for Hennepin County Medical Center as the state’s busiest level one trauma center could soon be shutdown.
HCMC Registered Nurse Jeremy Olson-Ehlert says recent federal budget cuts have already made a major impact at the hospital.
"Minnesota leaders need to step up to keep HTMC open and running," Olson-Ehlert said. "Financial instability and recent cuts have already caused staff losses and service disruptions."
Reverend Eliot Howard is with ISAIAH Faith.
"They call the Capitol the people's house, right? Well, this is the people's hospital, and it's time for the people in the people's house to fund this hospital, not as a Band-Aid. Band-Aids are baloney when you're bleeding," Howard added.
While the Minnesota Senate approved a temporary $150 million stabilization grant to keep the facility operational through the summer, organizers emphasized that the fight now shifts to securing a plan for permanent, long-term funding.
"We're looking to help stabilize hospitals throughout throughout Minnesota," said Sen. Ann Rest (DFL)
"We're looking to help stabilize hospitals throughout throughout Minnesota," said Sen. Ann Rest (DFL)
