NFIB MN working for more balance, fraud and abuse control, cost containment in 20-week paid leave mandate.

Earlier this summer, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development began the process of adopting rules to govern the 20-week, $1.5 billion Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which has been re-branded “Paid Leave Minnesota” by lawmakers and the department.

In early June, DEED issued a request for comments on a range of administrative and operational issues within the Paid Leave program. The department anticipates publishing draft rules later this summer and adopting final rules in November or December.

Together with the Minnesota Chamber, Hospitality Minnesota, and the Minnesota Business Partnership, NFIB weighed in on the requests for comments and offered a range of suggestions to improve the program. You can read the comments here.

Our comments focus on three areas: (i) adding balance between employees and employers in the program’s administration, (ii) establishing stronger program integrity and fraud prevention controls, and (iii) controlling program costs.

Minnesota Paid Leave is the largest mandate ever imposed on businesses in Minnesota, and likely the single largest tax increase in the state’s history. Until state lawmakers take action, the cost and burden of the program will continue to grow.

NFIB Minnesota continues to push for reforms to shield small business owners from its harmful impacts.

If you have questions or feedback about the program, proposed rules, or our comments, don’t hesitate to reach out to the state director at 651-293-1283 or john.reynolds@nfib.org.