Dear Neighbors,
Once again, House Democrats have voted to significantly raise taxes on every business and every person in Minnesota that earns a paycheck.
Earlier this week, they approved a plan that would create a mandatory, government-run paid leave program funded by tax increases on virtually every employer and employee in Minnesota.
The program will be paid for by a brand-new, $3 billion tax on employers and employees and expands employers’ leave obligations to part-time and temporary workers.
Unlike the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) which only applies to employers with 50 or more employees, the House Democrats’ paid family and medical leave program would apply to all employers including those with only one employee.
In addition to the $3 billion tax increase, as many as 400 new full-time employees will need to be hired to develop and administrate the statewide program.
In contrast, I am proud of the House Republican proposal that provided a workable, realistic alternative. The Minnesota Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FaMLI) would provide paid family and medical leave benefits for employees without job-crushing mandates and new taxes. Instead, it would incentivize small businesses to participate by providing a tax credit and allowing the private sector to operate the program. Unfortunately, the House majority would not allow this proposal to move forward.
This would have been a much better and more workable way to provide these same benefits to Minnesota families.
Staying in Touch
As always, I encourage you to share any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have. Please never hesitate to reach out to me whether it’s via phone or email. I can be reached at 651-296-4293 or via email at rep.mike.wiener@house.mn.gov. It would be an honor to speak with you.
Until next time, have a great weekend,
Mike