The Massachusetts House of Representatives has just announced the passing of two very important legislations: the long overdue raise of the Minimum Wage and the humane increase aid for families of public safety employees killed in the line of duty.
The beauty of this last one is that it was passed retroactively and includes the families of Lieutenant Edward Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy who died fighting a fire on Beacon Street, Boston, last week and Plymouth Police Officer Gregg Maloney who was killed in the line of duty on April 1st, 2014.
The minimum wage increase won’t be applied immediately but in three phases in order to balance the needs of both, the business and the individual. Unfortunately, those who live from paycheck to paycheck will have to wait until July 1st, 2016 to see the fruits of this bill.
As for the families of those killed in the line of duty, any increment is more than justified. When we all run from danger, they walk into it without hesitation. Is not only because it is their job, it’s their passion. They chose to rescue our families while putting theirs in danger if they don’t make it back. There is no money to pay for their sacrifice.