Paid Leave Program Off to a Strong Start

(Learfield News/St. Paul, MN) – Minnesota’s Paid Leave program is off to a strong start.

New numbers from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) show nearly 34,000 Minnesotans have already been approved for leave since the program launched.

DEED says the system is moving quickly: two-thirds of applications are being approved or denied within three weeks, and nearly 50,000 total applications have been processed so far.

Commissioner Matt Varilek says the program is “working according to plan,” delivered on time and under budget.

He says Paid Leave is providing timely payments and strong oversight, helping Minnesotans be there for the moments that matter while strengthening the state as a place to live, work, and raise a family.