local
Minnesota’s Paid Leave program: 75,000 approved but some face delays
By Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 7, 2026
· 2 min read
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DEED update on Paid Leave programDEED update on Paid Leave program
State leaders say Minnesota’s new P...
Key takeaway About 75,000 Minnesotans have now been approved for benefits, and nearly $600 million has been paid out directly to Minnesotans on approved leave, according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The rollout of Minnesota's Paid Leave program has significant implications for the local workforce, particularly in the Twin Cities area where many residents commute to jobs in healthcare, education, and service industries. With 44% of applicants living outside the seven-county metropolitan area, it's clear that the program's reach extends beyond urban centers, affecting communities statewide. The fact that 54% of applicants make less than $78,000 a year suggests that the program is providing crucial support to low- and moderate-income families who may struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. As the program continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor how it addresses the needs of complex cases, like the woman who faced delays in her application for breast cancer treatment, to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to the support they need.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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What is this story about? @keyframes spin {
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DEED update on Paid Leave programDEED update on Paid Leave program
State leaders say Minnesota’s new P...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Joseph Swanson at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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