Is a $500 million investment in public infrastructure for the Mayo Clinic a good use of tax dollars?
Minnesota lawmakers are weighing whether to approve the Mayo Clinic's request for $500 million to support its $3 billion expansion plan. Supporters of the project say state financing for roads, bridges, parking garages and other improvements would ensure that the hospital and clinic system cements its future in the Rochester area.
Lawmakers say they want to help the hospital and clinic system grow, but some have concerns about the size of its funding request and the overall financing plan. That has key lawmakers asking for an alternative proposal.
Among those requesting a different approach is state Rep. Ann Lenczewski, DFL-Bloomington. She is concerned that if the Legislature approves the request, the Mayo Clinic and Rochester would receive special treatment that no other community receives.
"It feels like, at least on this side, that we're at a stall right now," she said. "I want them to know that we're not saying, 'Over our dead bodies.' We're just saying that if the Legislature loves this, we're going to have to figure out a way to pay for it like anything else around here," she told MPR News.
Today's Question: Is a $500 million investment in public infrastructure for the Mayo Clinic a good use of tax dollars?
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