by Michelle Shvimer, Daily Free Press<\/p>\n
Nearly 300 people gathered to spread a message to their legislators demanding job-protected paid leave and a $15 minimum wage at Boston\u2019s St. Paul\u2019s Episcopal Cathedral Tuesday night.<\/p>\n
The community briefing was hosted by Raise Up Massachusetts as a part of the organization\u2019s statewide tour urging for the passage of the\u00a0Fair Share Amendment<\/a>, also known as the millionaire\u2019s tax, according to a press release from the coalition. Additionally, the event rallied behind\u00a0proposed legislation<\/a>\u00a0regarding paid family and medical leave.<\/p>\n Andrew Farnitano, the spokesperson for Raise Up MA, said 87 percent of workers in New England don\u2019t have access to paid family and medical leave, which is why these pieces of legislation are necessary.<\/p>\n …<\/p>\n Nika Elugardo, 44, a candidate for state representative this year, said it is vital that Massachusetts legislators back these problems.<\/p>\n \u201cI have been [supporting these issues] for two decades,\u201d Elugardo said. \u201cI think it\u2019s a travesty that these bills aren\u2019t already in motion. In a civilized country, in a wealthy country, if we can\u2019t support our people, that\u2019s problematic.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n