ST. PAUL, Minn. – Republicans say a report shows Minnesota’s upcoming paid family and medical leave program will cost at least $600 million more during its first three years of operation, with tax rates 31% higher by year two.
House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth said it’s not sustainable.
“Here we sit,” Demuth said. “Higher than expected costs. It’s a mandate on all businesses, but there is time to bring some fixes to this.”
Democratic Sen. Alice Mann from Edina that costs are well within the parameters of the bill and paid family/medical leave is “absolutely sustainable.”
“This is a small price to pay so that 128,000 Minnesotans in that first year don’t have to choose between staying in their jobs and taking care of their new baby, or taking care of themselves when they become ill,” Mann said.
Mann said the additional cost is $400 million, not the 600-plus that Republicans claim.
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