by Michelle Shvimer, Daily Free Press
Nearly 300 people gathered to spread a message to their legislators demanding job-protected paid leave and a $15 minimum wage at Boston’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral Tuesday night.
The community briefing was hosted by Raise Up Massachusetts as a part of the organization’s statewide tour urging for the passage of the Fair Share Amendment, also known as the millionaire’s tax, according to a press release from the coalition. Additionally, the event rallied behind proposed legislation regarding paid family and medical leave.
Andrew Farnitano, the spokesperson for Raise Up MA, said 87 percent of workers in New England don’t have access to paid family and medical leave, which is why these pieces of legislation are necessary.
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Nika Elugardo, 44, a candidate for state representative this year, said it is vital that Massachusetts legislators back these problems.
“I have been [supporting these issues] for two decades,” Elugardo said. “I think it’s a travesty that these bills aren’t already in motion. In a civilized country, in a wealthy country, if we can’t support our people, that’s problematic.”