The Mayo Clinic today announced a series of cost-cutting measures, including furloughs and staff pay reductions, to prevent a projected $3 billion loss this year due to the COVID-19 crisis. Even with the measures, Mayo expects a $900 million shortfall this year.

Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) issued the following statement:

“Mayo isn’t just the largest private employer in the state; it is one of the most important organizations in the fight against the coronavirus. When the state had a huge backlog of tests, Mayo stepped up and cleared it out. They are a world leader advancing treatments for the virus, like convalescent plasma therapy, antibody testing, and vaccine development. If anyone is going to get us out of this crisis, it will be Mayo.

“Mayo has stood tall in service to our state and has not asked for financial support for these actions. In order to recover from this crisis faster, I am seeking state financial relief for Mayo for this short time. Support for Mayo now will be in the long-term best interest of our state as they tackle the coronavirus pandemic, inspire hope, and contribute to our health and wellbeing by providing the best care to every patient.“