All Minnesota workers could have up to 48 hours of paid sick time per year to care for themselves or a loved one — plus the state would set up a more expansive paid family and medical leave program using contributions from workers and employers. That’s under a measure the Democrat-controlled Minnesota House passed last night (Wed) as part of a major budget bill. Opponents warn the extra expense could put tight-margin small companies out-of-business. “If we don’t have employers, we don’t have employees,” says Red Wing Republican Barb Haley. But Eagan Democrat Laurie Halverson says, “The people of Minnesota need our help.”
The measures face stiff opposition in the Republican-controlled Minnesota Senate.