Paid Family and Medical LeaveThis week, the Minnesota House passed HF 2, known as Paid Family and Medical Leave. The bill provides Minnesota workers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave to care for family or themselves. The program is funded by a small employer and employee contribution, meaning lost wages from time off will be recovered by the State fund, not employers. Every day in Minnesota, too many workers face the impossible choice of either going to work to earn a paycheck or staying home to take care of themselves or a sick family member. While some workers have jobs that provide paid sick leave, thousands of Minnesotans do not have access to a single paid day off. Additionally, those in the lowest wage positions and our BIPOC community members face stark disparities. The United States of America is the only high-wealth country in the world that does not guarantee some sort of paid leave for its workforce, and it’s been a major disservice to our citizens and our economy. In addition to the benefits for workers, paid family and medical leave will also benefit businesses. Studies have shown that businesses with paid family and medical leave policies have lower turnover rates, higher productivity, and stronger employee morale. Paid family and medical leave will also help to attract and retain top talent. Our bill creates a grant program for businesses with 50 employees or fewer that could apply for grants to cover certain costs. This is a massive win for Minnesota. Thank you Representative Ruth Richardson and Senator Alice Oliveira Mann for carrying this legislation. Governor Walz Signs the Democracy for the People Act into LawLast week, Governor Walz signed the Democracy of the People Act. The legislation protects and strengthens the freedom to vote, amplifies the power of Minnesotans by reducing the influence of dark money and foreign-influence corporations in our politics, and ensures our democracy is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of Minnesotans across the state. This is nonpartisan legislation, and all Minnesotans will benefit, regardless of political persuasion. I’m somewhere in the picture below:  |