Minnesota House passes altered version of Paid Family and Medical Leave bill

(St. Paul, MN) -- The Minnesota House is passing the Paid Family and Medical Leave bill.

The Conference Committee report passed in the House with some changes, including limiting the total number of weeks a worker can take to 20 weeks instead of the original 24. Minnesota lawmakers say less than 20% of workers across the U.S have access to Paid Family and Medical Leave through their employers - and say that federal programs are often unaffordable for low income workers and provide less time off than Minnesota's newly passed legislation.

“All Minnesotans should have access to paid time off to care for themselves and their loved ones,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “Far too many Minnesotans have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of a new baby, an aging parent, or themselves. DFLers are committed to providing workers and families with greater economic security.” 

The bill faced opposition from several employers and chambers of commerce, who said the bill will increase taxes on companies already providing similar benefits. 

“In a time of an over $17 billion budget surplus, the State of Minnesota should be looking for creative solutions to becoming more competitive, not less,” said Shannon Full, President and CEO of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. “Businesses, both large and small, across Minnesota are once again faced with a one-size-fits-all mandate that will ultimately impact their bottom line.”