A New Jersey senate committee approved a bill that would enable local and county officials in seven communities to impose a five-year tax on hospitals that treat mostly low-income patients, reported The Star-Ledger. The tax would help the counties qualify for federal Medicaid matching funds. The bill, sponsored by Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee Chair Paul Sarlo (D-N.J.), is heading to Sarlo's committee. Despite strong opposition from suburban hospital executives, the bill's proponents say the tax will create jobs and bring in federal money to the state. Article