Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday that he hopes lawmakers, not voters, will determine the fate of minimum wage and paid family leave in the state. Baker’s comment has left many unhappy about the possible insinuation that the people should have no say in the matter.

Nearly 300 people gathered to spread a message to their legislators demanding job-protected paid leave and a $15 minimum wage at Boston’s St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral Tuesday night.

Boston took a progressive step Wednesday when it created an ordinance that would allow paid parental leave for all non-unionized city employees. This new law will allow mothers and fathers, including those...