Nearly 12,000 Minnesotans have applied for the state's new paid family leave program since its launch, with the program offering 12 weeks of partial pay for medical and family reasons, and the state expects to approve around 130,000 claims this year.
OregonSaves, a state-run retirement savings program with $430 million in assets, has successfully enrolled 180,000 residents, but many are withdrawing funds early, leading to an average account balance of only $3,000. Despite its growth and success in encouraging saving, the frequent withdrawals, often for emergencies, hinder long-term retirement preparedness, highlighting the challenges of encouraging consistent savings.
The Minnesota House of Representatives has passed an 18-week paid family and medical leave program that would take effect from 2025. Under the bill, Minnesota workers and employers would pay into a state program similar to Minnesota’s unemployment insurance fund. Workers would then be able to access partial wages from the program if they take leave to welcome a new child, get sick or need to care for a loved one. The Senate is set to vote on a similar bill soon.