Governor Tim Walz criticized Senate Republicans as supporters of paid family and medical leave rallied Friday at the State Capitol. The governor said, “There is an expectation that in a democracy that our stories would be heard. We did not even get a hearing in the Senate on an issue that’s a top priority. We did not even have it debated…. Have the courage to have the story told.”
Senate Republican leaders weren’t immediately reachable for comment. Opponents warn the cost of paid family/medical leave will drive some smaller companies out of business. Backers say with employees also contributing to the program, most employers could easily budget for it.