ST. PAUL, MN (trfnews.i234.me) Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed the Paid Family Leave bill into law.
Minnesota has become the first US state to pass paid family and medical leave legislation after Governor Tim Walz signed the bill into law. The legislation will enable workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child, to care for a family member with a serious health condition or for personal medical reasons. The program, which will commence in 2026, will be paid for through employee payroll deductions and premiums paid by employers. The legislation has been hailed as an “equalizer” by Ruth Richardson, a Democrat and speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, who said it would address the state’s deep-seated disparities. However, Doug Loon, president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, said the program would be a “significant burden” and could drive up the cost of business in the state. Republican lawmakers warned it could force some companies out of business.
Bullet Summary:
– Minnesota has passed a paid family and medical leave bill
– The legislation will enable workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave
– The program will start in 2026 and be funded through employee payroll deductions and employer premiums
– Some business groups have warned the program could be a significant burden and force companies out of business
– It has been hailed as an “equalizer” that will address disparities within the state.
Of course it will force some companies out of business. That is what they want.