Minnesota DFL caucus pushes back against attempt to delay paid family medical leave law

Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives are attempting to put a one year delay on the Minnesota Paid Leave Law that was passed during the 2023 legislative session, and goes into effect on January 1 2026.  During a press conference on Monday, House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman made it clear that Democrats oppose any delays to the law, and claimed that the GOP’s intentions are to repeal it all together.  

Senator Alice Mann (DFL – Edina) spoke in opposition of the GOP bill as well, and claimed that there is no downside for Paid Family Medical Leave. 

Also speaking at the press conference was Eagen teacher Erin Thompson who claimed that  paid family medical leave will help attract and retain teachers in Minnesota, which is needed with the nationwide teacher shortage. 

HF11, the bill that would delay the paid family medical leave law, is currently sitting in committee, and is being considered by the House Ways and Means Committee. The bill is chief authored by Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) and is co-authored by Reps. Steve Gander (East Grand Forks), Jim Joy (Hawley), and John Burkel (Badger).