Says Measure will Allow Paid Time Off to Care For A Newborn, Sick Family Member, or to Recover from illness
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Senate Majority Leader Kari Dziedzic (DFL-Minneapolis) said the Senate passed a Paid Family and Medical Leave bill Monday that gives Minnesotans up to 12 weeks of paid time off to care a newborn, a sick family member or to recover from a serious illness.
Majority Leader Dziedzic said the bill, authored by Sen. Alice Mann (DFL-Edina), will give Minnesotans needed time off, while also allowing them to pay the rent, cover their bills, or meet other essential needs.
“Minnesotans have been asking for Paid Family and Medical Leave for many years, and today we have heard them – and we are giving them the tools that will allow them to get through uncertain and difficult times,” said Majority Leader Dziedzic. “This bill will help Minnesotans care for themselves and care for their families – whether it’s for a new baby, an unexpected illness, or an aging parent. It gives them the needed time away, while also allowing them to pay the rent, cover their bills, or meet other essential needs.”
“I am so proud that we are moving a step closer to making this bill a reality for Minnesotans,” said Senator Mann. “By creating a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program, we are helping workers in their most vulnerable times. Whether a person is caring for a loved one, a newborn, or their own health, Minnesotans deserve the freedom to care for themselves and the people they love. Over the years, I have met with stakeholders, constituents, and people across the state to ensure that the PFML legislation supports Minnesotans. These conversations have helped shape the final version of the Senate legislation.”
The Paid Family and Medical Leave program would allow Minnesotans to receive up to 12 weeks of benefits relating to serious health conditions or pregnancy; and up to 12 weeks for the benefits for bonding, safety leave, qualifying exigency, or family care. If a worker seeks to use both types of leave in a single year, their total amount of benefits would be capped at 20 weeks.
The measure will now move to a House-Senate conference committee, where negotiators will work out the differences between the bills passed in each chamber. Once a final bill is worked out, it will be sent back to both the House and Senate for approval before it can sent to the Governor to be signed into law.
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