SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the Minnesota House voted to pass HF 2, a bill creating a Paid Family & Medical Leave Program. Less than 20% of workers in the United States have access to paid leave through their employers.
Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth) voted for the bill.
“All Minnesota workers deserve time to take care of themselves, bond with a newborn, or care for an ailing family member. Unfortunately, the patchwork of leave policies across workplaces leaves too many workers behind,” Rep. Olson said. “Minnesotans have been asking for a solution like this, which not only improves the wellbeing of workers and their families, but also small business owners who would be better able to recruit and retain employees. Along with other important solutions – like Earned Sick and Safe Time – we can truly make Minnesota the best state in the nation for children and families.”
The United States is the only high-wealth country in the world that doesn’t require employers to offer paid family leave. A compelling majority of Americans support paid family leave; in one recent, national poll, 84% expressed support for a national paid family leave program. The paid family leave program would be administered by the Dept. of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) in conjunction with its Unemployment Insurance (UI) program.
The bill currently awaits action by the Minnesota Senate.