FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2023
Contact: Trisha Harms, 651-379-1746 or trisha@takeactionminnesota.org
NEWS STATEMENT
TakeAction Minnesota Statement on Paid Sick Time in Governor’s One Minnesota Budget
(St. Paul, MN) – On Thursday, Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan released their second budget package for the 2025-2025 biennium. The package lays out a powerful plan to invest in Minnesota’s economic future by establishing Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Family and Medical Leave policies; supporting small businesses and strengthening the workforce; and investing in climate solutions.
TakeAction Minnesota released the following statement:
“Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan did the right thing by including Paid Family & Medical Leave and Earned Sick & Safe Time in their budget. No one should have to choose between their health or family and financial stability. These policies ensure that workers can take time off when they need it.
‘Voters delivered a mandate for action in the November election. After more than seven years of community and worker organizing, passing a statewide paid sick day policy is long overdue. We are excited about the support and enthusiasm in the community and at the Capitol for passing a strong bill, which is what Minnesotans deserve. None of us should be put in a position to compromise our own, or our loved one’s health for a paycheck,’ said TakeAction Campaigns Director Sabrina Mauritz.
Passing Earned Sick and Safe Time and Paid Family and Medical Leave are key steps in the movement to transform our economy to center care for people – not corporate profits. These are critical bills we need to pass to ensure that no Minnesotan – no matter our race, zip code, or income – must choose between caring for themselves or a loved one and earning a paycheck.
Four cities in Minnesota—St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Bloomington—have already passed paid sick time policies. The policies have been so successful that this week, St. Paul City Council expanded the pool of eligible workers. A statewide policy would ensure that all Minnesotans have the same access to care and that sick time not protected by a local policy or union contract can’t be taken away.”
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TakeAction Minnesota is a statewide, multiracial grassroots organization advancing justice and equity through organizing, policy, and campaigns. Offices are located in St. Paul, Duluth, and St. Cloud.
