Lewis Says Legislation Will "Lift Up Working Families"

A release from the office of State Senator Jason Lewis:

BOSTON - The Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Massachusetts State Senate announced Wednesday a legislative proposal to raise the minimum wage; create a framework for paid family and medical leave for most workers; and establish a permanent sales tax holiday.

The legislation is based on months of negotiations with stakeholders sponsoring proposed ballot questions for the November 2018 election. It is scheduled to come to the House and Senate floors on Wednesday.

Among other initiatives, this legislative proposal does the following:

 Creates a permanent sales tax holiday, beginning in 2019;
 Increases the minimum wage to $15.00 over the next five years;
 Increases the tip wage to $6.75 over the next five years;
 Gradually phases out premium pay on Sundays and holidays;
 Establishes a Department of Family and Medical Leave within the Executive Office of
Labor and Workforce Development;
 Creates a framework for family leave of 12 weeks; family leave for the care of a service
member of 26 weeks; and medical leave for up to 20 weeks; and

 Exempts small businesses from financial contribution to the paid family and medical
leave fund.

The proposal leaves the sales tax unchanged, and does not impose a teen sub-minimum wage.

“I’m pleased that this compromise will lift up working families in the Commonwealth, with a $15 minimum wage and a strong paid family and medical leave program, said Senator Jason Lewis (D-Winchester), Senate Chair of the Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. “At the same time, the legislation balances the concerns of employers, particularly small businesses that form the backbone of our Main Streets. I greatly appreciate the hard work and spirit of collaboration that all the stakeholders have exhibited through this
process.”