SAINT PAUL, Minn. – On Monday, the Senate passed HF 2, to establish a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program in Minnesota. The legislation, chief authored by Senator Alice Mann (DFL – Edina), would allow all non-temporary workers the opportunity to access paid leave for parental bonding, their own medical condition, to care for a family member, for a qualifying exigency, or safety leave event.
“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.”
In the United States, 11 states and Washington D.C. have passed and implemented a Paid Family and Medical Leave program. The United States is one of a few countries worldwide and the only industrialized country that does not guarantee paid leave.
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.
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Learn more about Sen. Mann.
