Minnesota House and Senate

The Minnesota House passed a long-awaited, state-funded, paid family and medical leave bill. The bill would allow people who are pregnant, acting as caregivers, or experiencing a health crisis to get between 12 and 24 weeks of paid leave, depending on their situation. Hundreds of new state jobs would be created to maintain the program, which would launch in July 2025. The bill passed in a 68 to 64 vote. It now heads to the Senate.  

The state Senate passed what some Democrats have characterized as the largest package of tax cuts in state history.  The DFL-backed bill passed 34-33 along party lines. The state House passed their own version of the tax bill last week.  Lawmakers now have to reconcile their differences to move a tax bill forward, and then it’’ head to Governor Walz’s desk for a signature. The tax bill includes a rebate of  $279 for single filers making up to $75,00 and double that for couples. Dependent children would be issued $56 per child, up to 3 children. Also included is $650 per child in the form of a tax credit, money for public safety and a cut to social security taxes, among other benefits.