MN Progressives Just Passed Landmark Legislation to Expand Earned Sick & Safe Time For Working Minnesotans
Updated: May 17, 2023: Earned Sick & Safe Time has passed the Minnesota House and Senate and is headed to Governor Walz’s desk to be signed into law.
Late last night, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed landmark legislation to expand earned sick and safe time for Minnesota workers.
Unfortunately, many Minnesotans don’t have access to earned sick and safe time and are forced to choose between going to work sick or not being able to pay their bills.
Under this new bill, workers can accrue up to 48 hours a year of earned sick and safe time for when they need to recover from an illness, go to a medical appointment, or care for a child during a school closure.
Additionally, the legislation spells out a distinct “safe time” category that can be used by victims of stalking or sexual assault that need to take time off work to see medical attention, or relocate to ensure their safety.
Similar efforts to expand earned sick and safe time have previously passed the Minnesota House but were roadblocked by conservatives in the Senate.
Now, with a historic class of legislators, a historic budget surplus, and a historic progressive trifecta, the time is here to take bold action for Minnesota workers.
The bill has yet to be voted on in the Senate, where it will need to pass before it can be signed into law by Governor Walz. We’ll keep an eye out and let you know the important updates.
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