ST. PAUL, MN (MNN) – Paid leave has officially launched in Minnesota. Nearly two years after Governor Walz signed the bill, the Paid Leave program will allow employees to take paid time off for medical reasons, newborn babies or to care for a loved one.
The program, that began at the start of the new year, is funded by a payroll tax increase that’s split between employers and employees.
The program has already accepted more than 8,000 applications.
The program allows employees to take up to 12 weeks for either medical or family leave, or a combined 20 weeks in a calendar year.
Deputy Commissioner Evan Rowe with the Department of Economic and Employment Development says there are safeguards in place to help the employers, such as assistance grants to offset costs they may incur with someone taking paid leave.
Rowe says a single grant could cover up to $3,000 of expenses. Small businesses can request a total of $6,000 in assistance in a calendar year.
(from Minnesota News Network)
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