Are there any laws requiring companies to pay benefits.
medical,dental,retirement,401k etc.

Providing medical, dental, life insurance, retirement or 401(k) benefits is voluntary. I've never heard of these types of benefits being required by law. Sinces you are in Minn., you are not required to provide short-term no-occupational disability coverage either. However, you are more thanb likely required to provide workwers' compensation coverage for yoiur employees. Check with the local Comp. Office.