Raise Up Massachusetts supporters gathered on May 8 for a massive rally inside the State House. SEIU Local 888 was represented, along with other labor unions, community groups and religious organizations.

Organizers of the special Raise Up Congress said the goal was to “let our legislators know that honoring and protecting workers builds strong families and communities.”

Raise Up Massachusetts is pushing for the passage of measures guaranteeing a $15 minimum wage along with paid family and medical leave. The coalition has collected over 174,000 signatures to put both questions on the 2018 ballot.

Already on the ballot for November is the Fair Share Amendment, which would create an additional tax of 4 percent on annual incomes above $1 million. The new revenue generated by this tax would be targeted to education, including public colleges and universities, and for repair and maintenance of roads, bridges, and public transportation.