In 2017 and 2018, the Lynn-based Essex County Community Organization (ECCO) joined the Raise Up MA coalition of labor, faith, and community groups to collect more than 346,000 signatures to qualify Paid Family Medical Leave and $15 minimum wage questions for the ballot, all without using paid signature gathering companies.
In June, the Legislature responded by passing and the governor signed legislation that creates a paid family and medical leave program and raises the minimum wage to $15 over five years.
