Saint Paul, Minn. — The author of the House Paid Family and Medical Leave Proposal Rep. Ruth Richardson (DFL-Mendota Heights), issued the following statement today regarding a Republican proposal that would allow private insurance companies to set Paid Family Leave policies for Minnesota residents and families:
“After years of Minnesotans’ advocacy to allow access to Paid Family and Medical Leave, I’m encouraged to learn Senate Republicans are starting to listen to working families about what they need to be economically secure. Nobody should ever have to lose a paycheck to take time off to care for themselves, a new baby, or an ill or aging loved one.
Unfortunately, the Senate’s proposal to provide leave is a deceptively- veiled scheme that would leave too many Minnesotans out. Their plan doesn’t provide a safety net for the employee in the event of a medical emergency, unexpected injury, or serious illness or pregnancy complication. Furthermore, our current system disproportionally excludes low wage workers from this earned benefit, especially women and workers of color. The Senate’s bill does nothing to extend that financial safety net to those families.
I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find a sustainable solution that delivers the paid time off all working Minnesotans need and deserve.”
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