Senators in Minnesota have decided against rescheduling sales tax revenue earmarked for the Twins stadium, postponing any changes until at least 2026. The decision comes after extensive discussions failed to yield an agreement on a new proposal for the redirected funds.
Senate Taxes Committee Chair Ann Rest (DFL-New Hope) emphasized the need for a pause in the process, expressing support for a potential agreement to be pursued in the next legislative session. "I support waiting until the 2026 legislative session to pass a proposal to repurpose the Hennepin County sales tax currently dedicated to retiring the bonds for Target Field," Rest said in a statement released by Senate DFL MN. Rest acknowledged the efforts of Hennepin County Board Chair Irene Fernando, North Memorial CEO Trevor Sawalllish, and Twins Organization representative Dave St. Peter but indicated that discussions throughout 2025 failed to secure an agreement.
While the sales tax redirection is on hold, Rest is joining forces with the MN Hospital Association and Sen. Alice Mann (DFL-Edina) to focus on a separate initiative. The new proposal aims to secure additional federal Medicaid dollars for all Minnesota hospitals, a move that could have a considerable impact on health care across the state.
The sales tax in question has been collected by Hennepin County, with the specific purpose of financing the bonds for Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins. The Twins Organization and North Memorial Hospital have both been supporters of the repurposing initiative. However, despite the disappointing delay, stakeholders remain hopeful that a suitable proposal can be developed for the 2026 legislative session. "They have worked hard and the County committed itself, in its legislative agenda, to do just that. But, after months of conversations, with no agreement reached, it is now time for a pause until 2026," Rest added, acknowledging the commitment of all parties involved in the pursuit of a revised fiscal strategy for the county's sales tax revenue.
