Barna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD Receives State Breastfeeding-Friendly Recognition
November 26, 2025 | Barna, Guzy & Steffen, Ltd.
Barna, Guzy & Steffen, LTD has been named a Breastfeeding Friendly Workplace by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) for its contributions to the health of parents and their babies. MDH recognizes workplaces and county health departments that have demonstrated their commitment to supporting breastfeeding families by creating a workplace lactation support program. Barna, Guzy & Steffen completed an office remodel in January 2025, and with that created a Wellness Room that provides a welcoming and comfortable space for nursing mothers. Employees have access to all the necessary storage and cleansing equipment needed for the process. Breastfeeding is a foundational way to ensure that babies receive optimal nutrition during the first formative years of life. Studies show that infants who are breastfed have better health outcomes as they grow. MDH recognizes organizations that have taken a leadership role to improve breastfeeding rates and meet Healthy People 2030 goals. The designation acknowledges Barna, Guzy & Steffen’s commitment to acting as a model for the community by supporting healthy families and receiving the business benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees. The designation is achieved by adopting a written policy and educating staff about it; ensuring adequate break time for breastfeeding employees; providing a clean, private place to pump breast milk; and demonstrating a strong commitment to…
Read MorePaid Family and Medical Leave (Minn. Stat. 268B.01, et seq) Summary:
November 25, 2025 | Kristin Kingsbury
The Minnesota Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML) goes into effect January 1, 2026. The Act provides up to 12 weeks paid leave for the employee, up to 12 weeks paid leave for employee’s care/ assistance of family members, and collectively no more than 20 weeks across the two types of leave. PFML applies to all employers regardless of size. Most employees can receive benefits under the leave. To qualify, individuals must have earned at least $2,700 in the last year, about 5.3% of the state’s average annual wage. Leave can be used for medical or family reasons. Medical leave examples (caring for employee): Care of employee for a serious health condition. “Serious health condition” means physical or mental illness, injury, impairment, condition, or substance use disorder. Care of self for a serious condition may involve evaluation, inpatient care, recovery, or not being able to perform regular work. This can include childbirth, conditions related to pregnancy, or surgery. Family leave examples (i.e., caring for others): Bonding care: To care for and bond with a new child through birth, adoption, or foster placement. Caring leave: To care for a family member with a serious health condition. Military family leave: To support a family member called to active duty. Safety leave: To respond to issues such…
Read MoreImpact of Key Provisions of Congress’ Bill that Ended the Government Shutdown for Vulnerable Populations
November 21, 2025 | Cathryn Reher
Our Estate Planning Department works with persons with disabilities of all ages who are accessing government benefits to help pay for long-term services and supports. The government shutdown was very scary for those dependent on government benefits. Thankfully, the government shutdown has ended due to Congress passing a law signed November 12, 2025. Some of the provisions in this law will impact our most vulnerable populations. A few of the more important changes are discussed below. Medicare and Medicaid Payments Medicare and Medicaid usually keep running even during a shutdown. But a very long shutdown could have stopped payments to doctors or kept states from getting the money they need. This would have made it hard for people to get care. The reopening of the government avoids this. Health Insurance Costs May Go Up A special kind of discount called an enhanced premium tax credit that helped people pay for health insurance will end on December 31, 2025. Many people who buy insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace may have to pay a lot more—especially people with middle incomes. Families with tight budgets may want to wait until closer to the deadline so they can compare plans and pick the best one. Congress could still bring back these discounts, but doing so now would be confusing because open…
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