Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan Hear from Minnesotans about the Need for Paid Family and Medical Leave

Statement

Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today hosted a roundtable discussion with Minnesota workers, parents, and business leaders to hear firsthand about the importance of paid family and medical leave for Minnesota workers. Roundtable attendees included: Reverend Vanessa Bradby, pastor at New Spirit United Church of Christ in Savage; Sheila Crabbe, M.A.; Kate Davenport, co-president of Eureka Recycling; Sarah Piepenberg, co-owner of Vinaigrette, Minneapolis; and Dr. Krishnan Subrahmanian, pediatrician at Hennepin Healthcare.

"Our state's historic surplus gives us an opportunity to lower costs for Minnesotans, invest in the middle class, and lend a hand to those who haven't recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Governor Walz. "We are committed to hearing directly from Minnesotans about their priorities -- including the need to make it easier for Minnesota workers to take time off to care for a child or sick family member. This is one bold step we can take to get workers and businesses back to better."

"Taking time off to bond with a new baby, recover from illness, or care for a loved one who is sick is not optional. But for far too many Minnesota families, that time off comes at the risk of losing a paycheck or losing a job," said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. "At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has only exposed and exacerbated existing disparities, providing paid family and medical leave is essential to building a more equitable Minnesota economy."

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