MN HF2446

Creates Minnesota Employment Development Initiative (MEDI) program providing wage subsidies of 50% up to $12/hour for eligible long-term unemployed workers employed by participating businesses and nonprofits for up to 52 weeks, with $25 million annual appropriation through June 30, 2016.

Establishes Grow Minnesota Development Authority consisting of five state commissioners to coordinate economic development, provide grants to eligible recipients for infrastructure, workforce development, and job creation, and report annually to legislature on progress.

Requires employers to provide 60 days' notice before plant closings, substantial layoffs, or relocation affecting 50+ employees; establishes civil penalties, treble damages, and attorney fees for violations of early warning requirements.

Mandates paid sick leave for employees working 56+ hours: employers with 15-50 employees must provide minimum 1 hour per 80 hours worked (26 hours/year maximum); employers with 50+ employees must provide 1 hour per 40 hours worked (52 hours/year maximum), effective January 1, 2013.

Increases minimum wage effective January 1, 2013, to be calculated as percentage of median household income (35% for large employers, 80% of that rate for small employers) with annual inflation adjustments; raises large employer threshold from $625,000 to $750,000 in annual sales adjusted for inflation.