State health study finds racial inequity in paid leave

A state health study has found that the benefits of paid sick and family leave are not equally available to Minnesotans of different ethnic backgrounds.

The Minnesota Health Department study noted that access to paid sick and family leave promotes a variety of benefits, including lower infant mortality and healthier babies and mothers.

"We know that paid sick leave leads to fewer occupational injuries. People are more likely to have routine cancer screenings," said Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger. Access to paid leave also leads to fewer emergency room visits, he said.

But the study also found disparities among ethnic groups in Minnesota when it comes to paid sick time. Sixty percent of whites and Asians receive the benefit, compared to just 50 percent of blacks and 40 percent of Hispanics.

No federal or state laws require that employers provide paid leave.