Program would make Minnesota 12th state to offer statewide leave program; would provide up to 20 weeks of leave for Minnesotans to care for themselves or loved ones
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota workers will be able to care for a loved one, newborn child, or themselves with 12 weeks of leave thanks to passage of a statewide Paid Family and Medical Leave program Monday in a 34-33 vote.
“Minnesotans should not have to choose between taking care of themselves or loved ones and receiving a paycheck, and thanks to passage of today’s bill they won’t have to,” said Senator Liz Boldon (DFL-Rochester). “Paid family and medical leave helps Minnesotans across the state get the care they need, helps level the playing field for small businesses looking to recruit and retain staff, and will help our economy thrive. All Minnesotans deserve to be able to care for themselves and their loved ones, I’m thrilled to vote yes on this bill today.”
Under the paid family and medical leave program, applicants may receive up to 12 weeks of benefits related to serious health conditions or pregnancy and up to 12 weeks of benefits for bonding, safety leave, qualifying exigency or family care. In the rare cases when a worker would need both types of leave in a single year, the total amount of benefits will be capped at 20 weeks. The program will be funded by a one-time appropriation of $668 million and will be supported on an ongoing basis with a 0.7% payroll premium shared between employers and employees with benefits available beginning on July 1st, 2025.
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