Minnesota Paid Medical Family Leave Bill Passes Senate

St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota House and Senate have passed a bill that would provide paid medical family leave to employees. The legislation, which was approved with a bipartisan vote, would allow workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a family member with a serious medical condition or to bond with a new child.

The bill, known as the Minnesota Paid Medical Family Leave Act, will be funded by employers and employees.

“Both House and Senate leadership made a strong commitment in January that Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation would be a top priority,” according to ISAIAH, co-chair of the Minnesotans for Paid Family & Medical Leave coalition. “After nearly nine years of advocacy, the Minnesotans for Paid Family & Medical Leave coalition and all Minnesotans are ready to join the 11 other states, the District of Columbia, and nearly every industrialized country in the world that offer paid leave to their residents. This has been a priority of Governor Walz, and both House and Senate leadership signaling how big of a priority this is for all Minnesotians. ”

“Minnesota families must be able to take time off to care for their loved ones or themselves, without the fear of losing income or job security,” said Josie Kalipeni, executive director of Family Values @ Work. “It is unacceptable for individuals to suffer financial hardship while prioritizing their health and family. This bill is a necessary solution that benefits everyone and we hope every state and Congress follow suit,” said Kalipeni.

The bill received support from a wide range of organizations, who argued that the legislation will help attract and retain workers, particularly in industries with high turnover rates. This victory would not be possible without the advocacy of our Network partners in Minnesota. 

Minnesota joins a growing number of states that have implemented paid family leave programs, including California, New York, and Washington.

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Family Values @ Work is a movement network of organizers and grassroots coalitions in more than two dozen states working to win paid family and medical leave, earned sick and safe days, and affordable, high-quality childcare at the state and national levels.