MA Legislature Raises Minimum Wage, Ensures Paid Leave

BOSTON- Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick) joined his colleagues in the House in enacting H.4640, An Act relative to minimum wage, paid family medical leave and the sales tax holiday.

The legislation establishes a five year timeline to raise both the minimum wage and tipped minimum wage, to $15 and $6.75 respectively. The tipped minimum wage is paid to employees who rely primarily on tips, such as restaurant servers.

“The Commonwealth’s economy works best for everyone when all working people are able to meet their basic needs. Yet, many minimum wage workers are forced to work two or three jobs to piece together enough money to pay for groceries, housing, heating, and other basic needs. No one who works full-time should be paid so little that they cannot make ends meet,” said Representative Linsky. “All Massachusetts workers need to earn a living wage so they can pay their bills, provide for their families, and support their local economies. That is the importance of the legislation that we passed today.”

H.4640 also ensures paid family and medical leave. The legislation allows for 12 weeks available for family leave and 20 weeks of leave available for medical leave. Such job-protected leave allows individuals to receive treatment for a serious medical condition, bond with a newborn or newly adopted child, care for a family member with a serious medical condition, care for a family member injured while serving in the armed service, and handle matters arising from a family member’s active duty service or call for deployment. This paid family and medical leave law will be the strongest in all fifty states.

“Many working citizens of the Commonwealth are dependent on each paycheck, and if their only leave option is unpaid, it can force them to sacrifice caring for themselves or a family member,” said Representative Linsky. “I was proud to vote for this legislation that will provide all residents of the Commonwealth with the opportunity to care for their families.”

The legislation also establishes an annual sales tax holiday, for a weekend in August, starting the summer of 2019.

“This is something that taxpayers and consumers ask for every year, and we answered that call,” said Representative Linsky.

The legislation passed the House 119-34.

###

For More Information: Abigail Silverman (617) 722-2575