How is Minnesota's paid leave program working?

Minnesota launched a major new benefit for workers in January.

The statewide paid family and medical leave program allows eligible workers to receive part of their pay while taking time off to recover from a serious illness, welcome a new child or care for a loved one.

More than 100,000 Minnesotans have applied for benefits so far, but questions remain about how smoothly the program is working and how employers are adjusting.

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with her guests about what we’ve learned in the first nine months, who’s using the paid leave program and what needs to be improved.

Guests:

• Alice Mann is a DFL state senator who represents District 50, which includes Edina and Bloomington. She is also an emergency room physician.
• Evan Rowe is the deputy commissioner for workforce services and transformation at the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, also known as DEED.

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Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.