Friends and neighbors,

Paid family and medical leave is a benefit that more Minnesotans are seeking out and one that businesses equally want to offer. I am strongly in favor of expanding access to this benefit. However, despite many Republican attempts to amend and improve this legislation, the Democrats’ inflexible, one-size-fits-all approach falls short of what Minnesotans deserve.

This legislation creates a massive new state program that requires hundreds of new employees. The program will be funded through a new mandated employer and employee tax, which in the first year, is expected to be at least $2.8 billion. I believe that we can find a way to expand paid family and medical leave without more complex government bureaucracy. That is why Senate Republicans introduced alternative proposals to paid family and medical leave that would keep our small businesses’ individual needs in mind. 

Our proposal takes an innovative approach to this benefit that would take a free-market approach through private insurance. It would create an insurance product tailored to paid family and medical leave. Businesses can then have the option to customize it based on the unique needs of their employees. Further, the private-sector approach would allow this program to be launched much more quickly than a state-managed program. I strongly believe this would have been a better path for Minnesota. It is disappointing that Democrats were unwilling to work across the aisle to find a solution that benefits everyone.

Senate Approves Veterans Budget Agreement

Additionally, this week at the Capitol, the Senate approved the Veterans budget agreement that provides support throughout the continuum of a service member’s life. This legislation once again received strong bipartisan support by the Senate.

This bill provides support throughout the continuum of a service member’s life – from the recruitment bonuses when they sign up; training and equipment while they serve; support as they transition to civilian life; and support for them as they enter their golden years.

Supporting Minnesota veterans and military members is not a partisan issue. The Veterans budget agreement passed by the Senate recognizes the contributions of both current military members and veterans across the state of Minnesota. Through this legislation, we are keeping our promise to the veterans who have served our country. Though there is always more we can do for our service members, this is a good bill.

National Police Week 2023

Next week is National Police Week 2023. Our officers selflessly answered a call to public service that is demanding and often unacknowledged. These men and women in uniform are always available for the safety and security of the public. 

From patrolling our neighborhoods to answering emergency calls from citizens, their work is vital in maintaining law and order. It is imperative that we never forget the daily sacrifices they make while safeguarding our state, cities and citizens.

Thank you to all our law enforcement who tirelessly work to protect the security of others. And next time you are out in the community and see an officer, I also encourage you to thank them, once again, for their service.

I want to hear from you, my constituents, on issues that are important to you. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any concerns or ideas you may have. You can contact my office at sen.bruce.anderson@senate.mn or 651-296-5981.

Sincerely,

Bruce Anderson