Updated: 11/22/2009 10:23 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: LUKE GARRISON

Health Care Reform Bill Could Affect Minn. Jobs

It's official-the Senate will consider and debate a health care reform bill. If a bill passes and President Obama signs the bill into law, it will go down as a monumental piece of legislation.

"The vote [Saturday] to move forward in health care legislation is a historic moment," said Larry Jacobs of the University of Minnesota Humphrey Institute.

But that is not the only monumental effect the bill could have. It could drastically change the job market in Minnesota-for the worse. Some Minnesota companies could be footing the $848 billion price tag.

Medtronic, like many companies, has made cuts in the last year, including 600 Minnesota jobs. So when the Senate Finance Committee suggested the medical device industry pay $40 billion over 10 years, Minnesota's senators spoke up.

Even though many had reasons to rejoice this weekend, the potential for reform comes with a looming hefty price tag. Businesses like Medtronic could benefit from more people seeking medical help, which is why some want them to pay for a portion of the legislation.

Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken pushed to cut the proposed fee to the medical device industry from $40 billion to $20 billion dollars. Medtronic's CEO Bill Hawkins says he supports health care reform, but not the type of hit his company could take.

"This tax, though reduced, will invariably impact our investment decisions on new therapy development, jobs and global competitiveness," said Hawkins.

Senator Klobuchar wants Hawkins and others to know that work is not done yet on the bill.

"There are some changes I'd like to see, like some more exemptions for the smaller companies as well as a delayed date for when the tax takes effect," said Klobuchar.

Senator Klobuchar says she thinks the Senate will have their version revised and voted on by the New Year; however, it will be unlikely the House's version will match up. So this reform, if it happens, will take time.