Earned

Senator Dahms Champions Bipartisan Revisions to Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time Law, Easing Burdens on Small Businesses

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REDWOOD FALLS, Minn. — A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers has advanced modifications to Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) law, addressing concerns from small business owners and farmers. The legislation, known as Senate File 2300, was spearheaded by Senator Gary Dahms, a Republican from Redwood Falls, in response to challenges posed by the original law enacted by the Democratic majority in 2023. Initially, Minnesota’s ESST law mandated that all businesses, regardless of size, provide paid sick leave, with penalties of up to $10,000 for noncompliance. Although designed to benefit workers, the law has raised … Read more

Pentagon to Honorably Upgrade 35,000 LGBTQ Veterans’ Discharge Records, Restoring Earned Benefits

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In a historic move, the Pentagon has announced a significant shift in policy that will affect approximately 35,000 LGBTQ veterans. These individuals, who were previously discharged under conditions that were considered “other than honorable” due to their sexual orientation, will now see their statuses upgraded to “honorable.” This resolution comes as the result of a class-action lawsuit initiated in 2023, challenging the long-standing repercussions faced by service members ousted under the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policies. Lily Steffanides, an instrumental plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed profound relief and liberation following the announcement. Having been … Read more

Minnesota Implements New Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy: What You Need to Know

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Minneapolis, Minnesota – Starting January 1, 2024, Minnesota implemented a new Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) policy, causing HR leaders to work quickly to update their policies and ensure compliance. As these sweeping changes take effect, there are several key points to consider. ESST is defined as paid leave for employees who are sick, caring for sick family members, or seeking help due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The policy aims to provide support for employees facing difficult circumstances. To be eligible for paid sick and safe time, workers must meet certain … Read more