Statement of Jocelyn Frye, President of the National Partnership for Women & Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 25, 2023 – “Today, Minnesota became the 13th state (including the District of Columbia) to enact a robust paid family and medical leave bill. This means that working people across the state will soon be able to take time off from work to care for themselves, their children and their families – extended and chosen. Minnesota joins the District of Columbia and 11 other states in passing a state-level paid family and medical leave law.

“We commend the Minnesota State Legislature and the Minnesotans for Paid Family & Medical Leave coalition for their work on this bill, as well as Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan for prioritizing paid family and medical leave on day one of their administration as essential to building a more equitable and caring Minnesota. Minnesota also recently passed a paid sick days law which would give workers up to six days off per year to recover from an illness, care for a sick family member or address the consequences of domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking. These recent wins are important reminders of the types of family-friendly workplace policies that are so essential and good for workers, good for business and good for the economy.

“Despite the continued progress made at the state level, too many American families still cannot take a day off work without fear of losing pay or losing their jobs altogether. This is why we continue to advocate for comprehensive, national paid family and medical leave and paid sick days policies that afford protections to the diversity of our workforce.

“The recent reintroduction of the FAMILY Act and Healthy Families Act in Congress by Representative DeLauro, Senator Gillibrand and Senator Sanders was a positive step toward making paid family and medical leave and paid sick days for all a reality. We will continue to work with our nation’s leaders and fellow advocates all across the country as we continue to fight for all workers to have access to the policy protections that enable them to take care of themselves and their families while earning a living.”

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