MN Senate Majority Leader Tom Bakk (DFL-Cook)
A controversial proposal for paid family and medical leave for all employees in Minnesota has a hearing this afternoon (2pm) in a state Senate committee. The bill would require employers and employees pay equally into a state-run Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. Business groups oppose tax increases, arguing the state should encourage private insurance programs instead. Senate Democratic Majority Leader Tom Bakk responds people shouldn’t get too alarmed because the bill “is gonna go through changes.” Governor Mark Dayton has proposed paid family leave for all state employees but his proposal doesn’t include the private sector.