DFL on Sick Time Leave: What’s Good for the Goose ISN’T Good for the Gander

Growing up, you’ve probably heard this phrase at least once in your life: what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Now, it’s a good rule to apply… unless you happen to be a Minnesota Democrat. 

In case you missed it, House Democrats passed Earned Sick Leave legislation Thursday night. While earned sick leave is important, there’s a right way and a wrong way to go about passing such legislation. 

What’s one wrong way to go about passing that legislation you may ask? Well, touting the importance of this legislation only to turn around at the last minute and amend the bill to exclude the very construction union that happens to be a big campaign supporter. 

It’s this type of favoritism that will be especially stinging to small business owners of all sizes who now have to offer sick time to all employees – full-time, part-time, and seasonal – as long as they work two weeks out of the year. Moreso, if these small businesses are found to violate the terms of this new legislation in any way, they’ll be fined $10,000.

Republicans still fought for small businesses despite being outnumbered. The Minnesota Reformer reports that Rep. Danny Nadeau (R-Rogers) argued, “the last thing we need to do is put another burden on small businesses as they try to grow. Let businesses grow … Let them make the choice when they can do this, and let’s help them. Instead of swinging a hammer at them, put your arm around them.”

Bottom line: Minnesota Democrats may argue what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, but they’ll gladly pick winners and losers in the middle of the night if it keeps their campaign supporters happy.