On February 13, 2026, Minnesota Governor Mark Johnson announced new legislation aimed at improving employee benefits for workers across the state. The new legislation, which is set to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session, will include provisions for paid family leave, increased access to healthcare, and retirement benefits for all workers in Minnesota.Governor Johnson highlighted the importance of providing comprehensive benefits to employees, stating that "a strong workforce is the backbone of our state's economy, and it is essential that we support our workers by providing them with the benefits and protections they deserve." The governor emphasized that the new legislation is a key part of his administration's commitment to improving the quality of life for all Minnesotans.One of the key provisions of the new legislation is the establishment of a paid family leave program, which will provide workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for a new child, a sick family member, or to deal with a personal illness. This program is aimed at ensuring that workers can take time off to attend to their personal and family needs without having to worry about losing their income.In addition to paid family leave, the new legislation will also focus on increasing access to healthcare for all workers in Minnesota. Governor Johnson stated that "access to affordable healthcare is a basic human right, and we must do everything we can to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to quality healthcare services." The new legislation will include provisions for expanding healthcare coverage options for workers, as well as increasing subsidies for low-income workers to help them afford healthcare expenses.Finally, the new legislation will also include measures to improve retirement benefits for workers in Minnesota. Governor Johnson emphasized the importance of helping workers save for a secure retirement, stating that "no one should have to worry about their financial security in retirement." The new legislation will include provisions for expanding access to retirement savings plans, as well as increasing employer contributions to retirement accounts for workers.Overall, the new employee benefits legislation announced by Governor Johnson is a significant step towards improving the quality of life for workers in Minnesota. The governor stated that he looks forward to working with lawmakers to pass the legislation and ensure that all Minnesotans have access to the benefits they need to thrive.