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Legislative News and Views - Rep. John Lesch (DFL)

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RELEASE: Minneapolis passes sick days ordinance; Lesch says next step is state action

Friday, May 27, 2016

 

Proposal would require businesses to provide employees access to 48 hrs paid sick leave

ST. PAUL, MN – Today with a unanimous vote, the Minneapolis City Council approved an earned sick and safe time ordinance, leading the way for cities in the Midwest. The next step for advocates is an effort to expand this benefit to all workers in the state of Minnesota

"I congratulate the city of Minneapolis for taking this action which will not only improve public health, but give true economic security for citizens and their families," said Rep. John Lesch (DFL - St. Paul). "While there were some powerful special interests fighting against this in Minneapolis, I'm happy the council had the courage to move forward and do what really should be considered the right thing."

Rep. Lesch is the author of HF 549, a bill to bring earned sick and safe time statewide, but the House Republican majority has withheld the bill from any committee hearings. He anticipates a strong push in the coming months by a coalition of supporters of the measure to make this a priority when the legislature convenes in 2017. Statewide polls have shown consistent support for sick time among Democrats, Independents, and Republicans.

"Whether it's a consumer not wanting their sandwich coughed on, or a worker not wanting to have to choose between getting well and getting a paycheck, the support is there for this initiative," Rep Lesch said. "The momentum from the public will only continue to build, and with the established research showing that this is a good public policy, I'm confident we can get this passed next year in the legislature."

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