[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today announced that Minnesota has been named one of the top states in the nation for business. According to a new report from CNBC, Minnesota ranks fifth overall, placing top ten in quality of life, infrastructure, and economic environment. The ranking comes as 75,000 Minnesotans receive approval for paid leave, implemented on January 1, 2026.

"Minnesota continues to climb in the ranks among top states for businesses, a testament to our investments in key areas that make our businesses and economy strong, including our historic investments in paid family and medical leave," said Governor Walz. "With policies that strengthen families and improve retention, we're bolstering the economy and creating an environment for businesses to thrive."

Since taking office, Governor Walz has helped launch more than 35,000 new businesses and increased weekly wages by 30%. The ranking also follows passage of the Governor's $1.2 billion infrastructure bill, which invests $437 million in water infrastructure, $252 million in asset preservation, and $180 million in transportation infrastructure. The bill capped off more than $8 billion in infrastructure investments across Minnesota since 2019.

Minnesota's paid leave program provides eligible workers paid, job-protected time off for major life events, including bonding with a new child or caring for an ill family member. In a single benefit year, workers can take up to 12 weeks of family or medical leave. Workers needing both family and medical leave in the same benefit year may take up to 20 weeks total. In the program's first six months, 75,000 people have received approval to take leave.