Senator Benson: “We need to take the provider tax extension a step further”

Under current law, Minnesota healthcare providers must pay tax on revenue received from providing healthcare services. This law includes self-employed healthcare providers, employers, and sellers of eyewear and hearing aids, among others. Senator Benson requested that Governor Walz delay payments until 60 days after the executive order on elective procedures is lifted. An extension was recently granted in response to COVID-19, which will allow providers to bypass the tax for 60 days, until June 15th. Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) made the following statement regarding the extension –

The provider tax extension until June 15th is a good first attempt, but I think we need to take it a step further.  I urge the Governor to eliminate the Provider Tax for the duration of his executive order and for 60 days after the order is lifted. 

Minnesota has sacrificed much during this period to support their healthcare systems. There is every reason to give immediate relief by suspending the provider tax and letting those dollars remain with providers.”