Legislative Update - Paid Leave Coming January 1st

Hello Friends, 

I wanted to provide you with an important update on one of our biggest legislative accomplishments from the last few years, Minnesota’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.

It’s a new program that’s sure to improve the lives of working families all over the state, and it’s important you know the basics of the new law, how it impacts you, and how to use Paid Leave when the program goes live in January. 

This is arguably our most impactful win for middle-class families that came out of the DFL’s 2023-2024 legislative trifecta, one that strengthens the social safety net we all rely on. The Paid Leave program ensures you won’t have to risk a paycheck just to look after yourself, care for a newborn, or tend to a loved one.

While it was passed in 2023, we’ve been using the time between to make sure this program is rolled out correctly, to reach out to Minnesotans and businesses and ensure everyone is on the same page with this new program.

Republicans decided to spend this year's legislative session trying repeal this hard-fought progress before families could even benefit from it, but even in a tied House, Democrats managed to fend off the attacks and preserve Paid Leave.

It’s a big change for the better, and I want to make sure Shakopee’s workers and employers are prepared for what’s coming down the pike. To that end, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has come out with a helpful toolkit for this new program, which you can find here.

I highly encourage you to check out the resources available as we get closer to the program’s rollout. 

Employers

For Shakopee businesses, you can click here for more resources, including upcoming public engagement events, information on premium rates and contributions, equivalent plans for Paid Leave, and other FAQs. 

Workers

For Shakopee’s workers and families, you can click here for information on how Paid Leave will impact you. This page can help you find out if you’ll be covered, when Paid Leave can be used, how much time you can take, how you’ll be compensated, and more. 

This program has truly been years in the making, and I’m so excited for families in our community and throughout Minnesota to finally have the peace of mind to not only know that this safety net exists, but to be able to use it in your time of need. 

DEED remains the best resource for all things related to the upcoming Paid Leave program, but always feel free to reach out to my office with any questions you may have!

??Brad Tabke, State Representative | Rep.Brad.Tabke@house.mn.gov

Tenzin Tsangyang, Legislative Assistant | Tenzin.Tsangyang@house.mn.gov