Paid leave debate ramps up at MN Capitol

Paid leave remains one of the bigger issues being considered in the Minnesota Legislature this session. More testimony is expected this week, as lawmakers hear different perspectives on establishing this benefit statewide. A House committee will discuss a bill Thursday that would require employers to offer up to 12 weeks of medical leave and up to a dozen weeks of family leave.

Businesses and workers would contribute to a fund managed by the state, with partial wage replacement provided to those who need it.

Lee Sullivan, a tax specialist with the Department of Revenue, testified before a recent Senate committee hearing in favor of the plan.

“These bills won’t fix everything, but we can take honest strides in making Minnesota a state and an employer that values our well-being,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is also a member of the Minnesota Association of Professional Employees and added the issue placed great stress on her family after she dealt with pregnancy complications, along with health problems for her mother. The proposal has made its way through various committees. Some business groups have testified that the plan would put a larger burden on smaller employers.

The state would use some of the historic budget surplus to get the program started, with a payroll tax of less than 1% to sustain it.

Mindy Fredrikson, owner of the Gunflint Lodge in Grand Marais, spoke before a House panel on the matter and wondered how smaller businesses would be able to juggle the mandate.

“Many of our small businesses are not going to be prepared to manage this program from an administrative standpoint, ” she said.

Others in business communities worry about small employers being able to afford their contributions. But supporters contend this would provide an even playing field when it comes to access to paid leave, noting it could especially help lower-income Minnesotans and people of color. Last year, the state health department issued findings showing that nearly two-thirds of Minnesota mothers take unpaid maternity leave after giving birth.

Mike Moen writes for the Minnesota News Connection.