Minnsights Blog

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation Business Education Network (BEN) partners, led by local chambers of commerce across the state, are well positioned to lead local efforts. BEN partners are the intermediary between local employers, local schools and students and are active across Minnesota, providing statewide reach. This powerful partnership between the Minnesota Chamber Foundation and local chambers of commerce seeks to bridge the gap between public education and employment systems, ensuring that all Minnesota students have access to wealth-building and purpose-driven careers.

This week on the Minnesota Business Podcast, I sat down with Senator Nick Frentz of North Mankato to talk about the new Paid Family and Medical Leave law taking effect January 1, 2026. As both a legislator and small business owner, Senator Frentz brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities this mandate creates. We discussed why he pushed for changes to the law, what employers should be doing now to prepare, and how bipartisanship will be essential as we look toward the next legislative session.

Minnesota is now just 100 days away from one of the largest new mandates ever placed on employers and employees in our state — the Paid Family and Medical Leave law, effective January 1, 2026.

Manufacturing plays a vital role in Minnesota’s economy, yet the sector faces a combination of facts that make it among the most expensive and complex industries in which to operate.