The author of this article expresses concern over the financial stability of the Hennepin County Board, stating that the majority of HCMC patients are un- or underinsured and that the hospital is at a crossroads of closing at worst or downsizing by laying off hundreds of staff. The author argues that the financial problems are due to the financial nature of the hospital, which provides excellent care regardless of the patient's ability to pay. She also criticizes the federal 340B program, which allows hospitals to buy drugs at big discounts under the program and then sell them at list price. The writer suggests that Minnesota hospitals receive over $1 billion selling discounted drugs for full price and should know what HCMC does with this money before raising everyone’s sales tax. She urges the federal government to ignore its democratic appeal and support the hospitals' mission to provide free care. The article also mentions the potential for increased taxes on HCMC, suggesting that the proposed increase in sales tax to 1% would generate $320 million a year for the hospital and its affiliated Hennepsin Healthcare system.