Raise Up MA and the Fight for $15

On November 29, the Raise Up Massachusetts coalition announced that it will be introducing legislation next year to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2021.

This would affect almost one million low-wage workers in the state, including many in Somerville working in the restaurant and retail industry. It will help them afford basic needs, especially in places like Somerville where the cost of living is high.

Somerville Community Corporation, led by the Jobs for Somerville committee, has been participating in Raise Up MA since 2013. We helped gather thousands of signatures to increase the minimum wage and put earned sick time on the ballot.

The coalition is also pushing for a Paid Family and Medical Leave bill to make sure workers don’t have to choose between work and family health needs. We are also working with Raise Up MA for a Fair Share Amendment that would invest in public education and transportation by increasing taxes on those who earn more than $1 million.