Friday, April 3rd Legislative & Public Health Updates
- 7 days ago
- 17 min read
Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with legislative, public health, and Cambridge updates. If you want even more updates, please follow me on Instagram @repdecker.
I hope you will join me for the first event in the 25th Middlesex District Legislative Webinar Series on Tuesday, April 7, from 7:00–8:30 PM. This conversation will focus on reproductive justice, maternal health, and access to gender-affirming care.
At a time when the federal administration is working to strip women and LGBTQ+ people of their rights and access to care, it is more important than ever that we stay informed and organized. I’m proud to represent you and to work on legislation in Massachusetts that pushes back against these attacks and strengthens protections for our communities.
I’ll be joined by an incredible group of leaders who are making a difference both locally and nationally: Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha of the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice, Claire Teylouni of Reproductive Equity Now, and Dallas Ducar of Fenway Health.
Together, we’ll discuss the challenges ahead and the work underway at the state level to protect access to care. Space is limited and registration is required. Please sign up here. I hope you can join us.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
This week, we met with advocates for biodiversity and reducing our reliance on single-use plastics during Mass Oceans Day. I am honored that advocates for our oceans are prioritizing my bill, An Act to restrict the use of polystyrene (H.2394), which would prohibit food and retail establishments from selling or distributing disposable polystyrene containers. I reported it favorably from the Public Health Committee, and it is now before House Ways and Means.
We also met with TenCate Grass, the largest manufacturer of artificial turf without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to discuss An Act to protect Massachusetts public Health from PFAS (H.4870). PFAS are a large class of chemicals used to make products non-stick, water-resistant, stain-resistant, and grease-resistant. Exposure to these chemicals at high levels is harmful to human health, resulting in liver damage, immune dysfunction, and increased risk of some cancers. This bill takes a multipronged approach to reduce and prevent PFAS exposure in Massachusetts, including sponsoring educational campaigns on PFAS, prohibiting PFAS from being in a variety of products, and restricting PFAS in wastewater. I redrafted this bill and reported it out favorably from the Joint Committee on Public Health. It is now before the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing.
In addition, we met with advocates from the HarborPath Policy Council, who represent families impacted by sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). They discussed An Act relative to education and prevention of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy and other related epilepsy mortalities (H.3961), which would require the Department of Public Health to develop and disseminate informational resources and conduct a statewide public awareness campaign on SUDEP and other epilepsy-related mortalities. This bill is a crucial step toward ensuring that patients, caregivers, and clinicians have the resources they need to make informed decisions about caring for their loved ones.
On Thursday, we met with advocates from Just A Start’s YouthBuild program, which allows young adults ages 16-24 to participate in high school equivalency education and workforce development activities with the goal of preparing them for post-secondary education and future careers. YouthBuild offers program tracks in Construction and Retail Entrepreneurship, and the case management team provides wraparound services to ensure students are able to engage in YouthBuild to the best of their ability no matter what they need supports with (mental health, substance use, housing instability, food insecurity, learning disabilities, etc.). Thank you to Just A Start and YouthBuild for everything that you do to build pathways to economic opportunity.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Last weekend, I was honored at the Cambridge Community Center’s 5th Annual Janet “Ms. K” Kendrick Sisters of the Center Awards Brunch, one of my favorite events of the year. I am deeply grateful to the Cambridge Community Center for recognizing me at this special gathering with the 2026 Sisters of the Center Award, alongside Rosey Massey.
This brunch is always such a joyful celebration of community, leadership, and the many women who strengthen and uplift Cambridge every day. Being in a room filled with people who care so deeply about one another and about this city reminds me why I feel so lucky to serve this community. Cambridge is truly a special place, and the Cambridge Community Center embodies the spirit of connection, compassion, and opportunity that makes it so remarkable.
Thank you to everyone who made the event so meaningful, and for all that you do to support families, young people, and neighbors across our city. I’m grateful to be part of this community and already looking forward to next year’s brunch.
Tuesday was International Transgender Day of Visibility, which the State House celebrated with an event featuring members of the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus as well as trans leaders from across the Commonwealth and Governor Maura Healey. I hope that you read my email earlier this week about Trans Day of Visibility, where I described my work to protect and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. I am proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community not only in words, but through meaningful legislative action.
I have worked consistently to safeguard and amplify the LGBTQ+ community by defending and initiating pathways to access gender-affirming care, strengthening non-discrimination laws, and ensuring programs like Youth on Fire remain open for vulnerable youth. I’ve led and supported landmark policies, including legal protections for transgender individuals, the creation of “Gender X” identification options, and a first-in-the-nation Affirming Care Trust Fund, while investing in community organizations that provide critical support. I remain committed to continuing this work and standing firm for equality, dignity, and the well-being of LGBTQ+ people.
Thank you to the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus for holding this important and inclusive event, to the incredible speakers who shared why they are grateful to live in Massachusetts while pushing us to do better, and to Gov. Healey for reaffirming that the Commonwealth will continue to lead in uplifting the rights and dignity of transgender, non-binary, gender diverse, and other LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. To our transgender neighbors: we see you, we celebrate you, and we will never stop fighting for your safety, rights, and freedom to live authentically.
Wednesday was a busy day in the State House, featuring briefings on:
The Department of Mental Health’s rental subsidy program, which provides housing vouchers and aims to prevent homelessness for psychiatrically vulnerable individuals. Thank you to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health for holding this briefing and leading advocacy efforts to fully fund the program.
An Act to promote public safety and better outcomes for youth (or the Raise the Age bill), which would raise the age of criminal responsibility to 21 from 18. I am a co-sponsor and longtime supporter of this legislation as well as the lead sponsor of An Act relative to expungement of juvenile and young adult records, which was mentioned during the briefing as a critical counterpart to the Raise the Age bill.
An Act relative to justice for survivors (or the Survivors Act), which would allow survivors of domestic and sexual violence and abuse who have been charged with transgressions to motion the court for diversion from prosecution and an alternative sentence. I am a co-sponsor of this legislation.
The importance of childhood immunizations and investment in primary care, featuring An Act relative to routine childhood immunizations, An Act relative to Massachusetts primary care for you, and An Act relative to primary care access, hosted by the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
I was honored to be invited to speak at the launch of Dr. Khiara Bridges’ book, Expecting Inequity: How the Maternal Health Crisis Affects Even the Wealthiest Black Americans, at the Harvard Book Store, alongside Senator Liz Miranda. A professor at UC Berkeley School of Law, Dr. Bridges is one of the country’s leading experts on race, class, and reproductive rights. Expecting Inequity reveals that not only are Black people three to four times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause, but racial disparities in maternal mortality persist across income levels.
The fireside chat was facilitated by Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha of the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice at Tufts University School of Medicine. Spaces like this—where we come together to listen, to learn, and to confront hard truths—are essential to building the will for change, and it was inspiring to hear from extraordinary leaders whose work challenges us to do exactly that.
I was proud to serve as co-chair of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health, working alongside 28 commissioners, including Senator Miranda and Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, to examine maternal health across the Commonwealth and improve maternal health outcomes and strengthen our public health systems in the state, particularly for Black birthing people who face worsened health outcomes.
Together, our work advanced a maternal health omnibus bill aiming to significantly improve birthing outcomes for all families throughout the Commonwealth, particularly for Black birthing people who face worsened health outcomes, which was signed into law by Governor Maura Healey last session.
Reusing greywater—water from showers, bathtubs, bathroom sinks, washing machines, catch basins, and rooftops—for non-drinking purposes significantly reduces the demand for treated drinking water and lowers the energy required to pump, heat, and transport it. These systems also play an important role in improving water quality by reducing polluted runoff into our rivers and the Charles River Basin, helping to protect aquatic ecosystems and public health. By capturing and reusing water onsite, greywater infrastructure can lessen the frequency and severity of combined sewer overflows, which are becoming more common with heavier storms driven by climate change.
In addition, expanding greywater reuse supports climate resilience by easing pressure on aging sewer systems, reducing urban flooding, and helping communities adapt to both extreme precipitation and prolonged drought. It is a practical, scalable solution that advances our environmental goals while also delivering economic benefits. In a time when we are facing increased combined sewer overflows as well as regional drought due to the climate crisis, the loss of construction jobs, and cuts to municipal budgets, I am committed to supporting growth in greywater reuse and the implementation of best practices.
Thank you to the Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association, Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 12, the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of MA, and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials of Boston for inviting me and my staff to the tour as well as for partnering with the Charles River Watershed Association, the Mass Rivers Alliance, and other environmental organizations to advance greywater reuse policies.
Public Health Updates
Merrimack Health Announces Closure of Methuen Hospital’s Maternity Ward
This week, Merrimack Health announced it will close the maternity ward at Methuen Hospital and consolidate its maternity and neonatal services at Lawrence Hospital. This marks the 13th maternity ward closure in Massachusetts in the past decade. In its statement, Merrimack Health officials stated that while both Methuen and Lawrence Hospital have seen a decline in births, the reduced patient volume at Methuen Hospital has been significant. This decision comes after a physician-led evaluation concluded that Lawrence Hospital had better capacity and supporting services, including a Level III trauma center, to support consolidated maternity care within the Merrimack Health system. Officials at Merrimack Health have stated that consolidating maternity and neonatal care services at Lawrence Hospital will enable greater collaboration among providers, leading to better care for birthing people and babies. The Department of Public Health will now commence a 120-day public essential services closure process, including a public hearing to allow interested parties to share comments and concerns. Methuen Hospital will continue to offer maternity and neonatal services as DPH carries out the essential services closure process; the earliest the maternity ward can close is August 1, 2026.
New Report Estimates over 200,000 MA Residents Could Lose MassHealth Coverage in 2028
According to a new report released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), new provisions under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) could put up to 200,000 Massachusetts residents at risk of losing their MassHealth coverage, which insures low-income individuals, in 2028. Massachusetts is at risk of the largest Medicaid enrollment decline in 2028, ranging from 33% to 68% due to two changes to Medicaid eligibility: six-month redeterminations and work requirements. OBBBA imposes work requirements on certain individuals, making Medicaid enrollment subject to their participation in work or other activities (e.g., volunteering). This change requires adults ages 19 to 64 in states with expanded Medicaid eligibility to prove they are performing 80 hours of an approved activity each month, with a few categorical exceptions, such as caregiving for children under 13 or being pregnant. Most adults under age 65 on Medicaid are already working, however, the second change to program eligibility could render as much as 68% of the current Medicaid enrollee population in Massachusetts ineligible. In addition, OBBBA conducts eligibility determinations every six months, rather than the current annual redetermination process. Conducting these evaluations more frequently is likely to result in procedural disenrollments due to issues such as missing paperwork, coverage disruptions, and increased administrative burden.
Supreme Court Rules Against Colorado’s Conversion Therapy Ban
The Supreme Court, in an 8-1 decision, ruled against Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy, a harmful and ineffective practice that attempts to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity in youth. This practice is widely discredited by medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Research has found that young people who undergo this practice face an increased risk of suicide. Justice Ketanji Jackson, the lone dissenter, argued the state has the right to restrict a dangerous therapy that has caused lasting psychological harm. While the case will return to the lower courts, there are likely to be implications across the country, as more than 25 states have enacted similar bans, including Massachusetts. The American Psychological Association, along with thirteen other professional medical organizations, filed an amicus brief in support of Colorado’s law back in August, articulating that sexual orientation and gender identity change efforts are potentially harmful, discredited practices, and are not supported by credible scientific evidence. Massachusetts Attorney General Campbell criticized the highest court’s decision and affirmed her commitment to opposing any efforts to legitimize conversion therapy practices.
DPH Advises Consumers to Discard Raw Cheese Sold by Raw Farm, LLC, amid E. coli Outbreak
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising consumers to discard any Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese they have, as federal and state officials investigate an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections linked to the product. Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms typically begin about three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. In some cases, infection can lead to serious kidney complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which may require hospitalization. Young children are at the highest risk of getting HUS. To date, seven illnesses, including two hospitalizations, have been reported across three states – California, Texas, and Florida. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked Raw Farm, LLC, to voluntarily remove its raw cheese products from the market. DPH reports that no Massachusetts cases have been linked to the outbreak at this time. The FDA continues to provide resources related to raw milk misconceptions and the health risks of consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
Cambridge Updates
“You Can.” Initiative — Overdose Prevention Kit Assembly Event
The Cambridge Public Health Department is partnering with the “You Can.” initiative to host a volunteer event for National Public Health Week. This event will be on Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Central Square Branch of the Cambridge Public Library. At the event, volunteers will assemble kits containing harm reduction resources, including naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and educational materials. These kits are then mailed out across the state, getting lifesaving resources out to people and families who need them, free of cost. Event attendees will be able to leave with a completed kit, if desired. Representatives from the Cambridge Health Department will also be onsite to provide additional resources and support.
Volunteers play a crucial role in this program by assembling the kits. Each kit contains naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other vital resources. The goal is to assemble 500 kits. Volunteers are kindly asked to register in advance and arrive on time to attend the entire session. For more information and to register, please visit the Cambridge Public Library’s website. This initiative is a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Health Resources in Action (HRiA). The event is hosted by the Cambridge Health Department and the Cambridge Public Library.
Panel Discussion on Queer Adoptions & Fostering in Massachusetts
The Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission is holding a panel discussion on queer adoptions and fostering on Thursday, April 9th from 6-8:30 PM at the Cambridge Public Library (Main Branch, 149 Broadway). Registration is preferred for planning purposes but not required. To register, go to bit.ly/QueerIntentionalFamilies. Email LGBTQ@CambridgeMA.gov with any questions.
Medication Takeback Day
The Cambridge Public Health Department, Cambridge Police Department, and Cambridge Council on Aging are hosting a Medication Takeback Event on Monday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Cambridge Senior Center (806 Mass Ave). Personnel will be available on-site in the lobby to accept unwanted or unused prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, and vitamins. Sharps, liquids, and creams/ointments will NOT be accepted. For any questions about the event or safe medication disposal year-round, please contact Danielle McPeak, the CPHD Prevention and Recovery Specialist, at dmcpeak@cambridgepublichealth.org.
Recent Press
Hannah Reale, GBH
The Massachusetts Senate is considering setting aside money as a backstop in case the Trump administration cuts public health insurance coverage of gender-affirming care for minors.
The Senate’s version of a spending bill, set for debate April 9, would put $3.5 million into the state’s Affirming Health Care Trust Fund. The sum would help preserve access to all gender-affirming care, with an eye towards specifically supporting transgender minors’ gender-affirming treatment — even if the federal government prevents Medicaid from covering that care.
The Affirming Health Care Trust Fund was first established in last year’s budget cycle, spearheaded by state Reps. Sam Montaño and Marjorie Decker in the House. It currently has $1 million that can be broadly used for care, supplies and services to treat transgender people’s gender dysphoria. Cyr said the new money is necessary as the Trump administration escalate its threats against gender-affirming care.
“We believe strongly that decisions about health care, and what health people are receiving: that should be up to their doctor. To patients. To their families,” he said. “This should not be something the government is trying to overreach or interfere in.”
On the House side, the trust’s supporters celebrated the $3.5 million pitch.
“We are ensuring that people have access to important health care — and that not only is the legal framework there, but the funding is there,” said Decker, a Democrat who represents parts of Cambridge.
“It’s just good health care,” said Montaño, a Jamaica Plain Democrat. “And I think in Massachusetts, we’re deeply committed to providing good health care as much as possible for folks. And we’re seeing that being challenged.”
Services and Resources
Immigration Resources
MIRA Immigration Helpline: Through this helpline, MIRA provides individuals and community-based organizations with answers to the most commonly asked immigration questions. You can contact the helpline by scheduling a call online or leaving a voicemail at 508-293-1871.
Guidance for Immigrants and their Employers: MLRI and MIRA have created guidance to prepare immigrants and their employers for ICE interactions. Here is the guidance; please share it widely with your networks.
LUCE Defense Hotline: If you see or suspect ICE or federal agents are in your neighborhood, contact the LUCE Immigrant Defense Network’s Hotline, which operates in several languages, at 617-370-5023 from 9am-5pm. A trained operator will ask for details, then dispatch a volunteer to the site, who will attempt to verify the situation and the presence of ICE. You can learn more about LUCE and their upcoming volunteer trainings at lucemass.org.
De Novo Center for Justice and Healing: De Novo is a Cambridge-based nonprofit that provides free civil legal assistance and affordable psychological counseling to people with low incomes. Importantly, De Novo also offers high-quality, free legal assistance to low-income immigrants and asylum seekers who are living in Massachusetts. You can learn more about their immigration related services here, and their general mission and work at denovo.org.
Reliable sources of information on policy changes:
Food Assistance Resources
If you need help meeting your or your family’s nutritional needs, you are not alone. You can find information on Cambridge food pantries, free community meals, and other local food resources here.
Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze provides resources for people in need of food assistance and ways for residents and businesses to donate or volunteer.
Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline is free, confidential, and has counselors available in 180 languages. You can call or text 1.800.645.8333 to access the hotline, or chat with a counselor online using the “Live Chat” feature at the bottom of the website.
Greater Boston Food Bank has information on food assistance as well as opportunities to donate and to volunteer.
Cambridge Food Resource Guide has information about food pantries, free community meals, food resources for older adults, and more, and is available in 8 languages.
Reproductive Care, Gender-Affirming Care, and Crisis Resources
These are a few of the resources and help lines available for people seeking reproductive or gender-affirming health care or experiencing a crisis. Help is available, and you are not alone.
MBTA Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program
The MBTA’s income-eligible reduced fare program offers reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18 and 64 enrolled in an approved state assistance program, including:
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled & Children (EAEDC)
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
MASSGrant
MassHealth
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
You can learn more about the program and how to apply at mbta.com/fares/reduced/income-eligible.
Intimate Partner Abuse Prevention Helpline
This initiative is designed to prevent intimate partner violence by fostering accountability and change in people who harm or may harm their partner. You can find more information at 10to10helpline.org or by calling 877-898-3411.
SafeSpot Overdose Prevention Helpline
SafeSpot is a virtual spotting/overdose detection service for people who use drugs. Learn more at safe-spot.me or access it by calling 800-972-0590.
Alzheimer's Association Helpline
The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit that provides support, research, and care for Alzheimer’s and dementia. It is available 24/7 for caregivers and patients. More information is available at alz.org, or by calling 800-272-3900.
MassLegalHelp.org is a resource to help Massachusetts residents learn about their legal rights. The website does not offer legal advice or answer individual questions, but has a page about options for finding a lawyer. It does provide resources for those facing legal issues, such as a landlord refusing to make repairs, appealing the denial of SNAP benefits, and questions about getting a CORI sealed.
Free Shuttle Bus Transportation Available to Older Adults in Cambridge
Council on Aging (COA) Bus Service
On Mondays and Wednesdays, the shuttle bus is available to residents who live in Central Square (02139) and East Cambridge (02141)
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the shuttle bus is available to residents who live in North Cambridge (02140) and West Cambridge (02138)
To reserve a seat on the shuttle bus, call the Council on Aging’s Transportation Office at 617-349-7254. Please make reservations at least 2 business days in advance. COA staff will share a morning pickup time with residents once reservations are complete.
Council on Aging (COA) Mall Shopping Group Transportation
The Mall Shopping Group shuttle bus provides free transportation to Arsenal Yards in Watertown, which has a variety of retail shops, grocery stores, and restaurants to explore. The shuttle can also bring residents to the Watertown Mall Plaza, which includes a Target and Registry of Motor Vehicles.
This trip alternates between Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week. The shuttle leaves the Cambridge Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. and returns to the Senior Center at 1 p.m. Home pickup is available upon request.
To reserve a seat on the shuttle bus for the Mall Shopping Group, call the Council on Aging’s Transportation Office at 617-349-7254. Please make reservations at least 2 business days in advance.
Door2Door by SCM Transportation
Door2Door Transportation by SCM is available to Cambridge residents who are 60 years or older or residents who have a mobility impairment. The transportation service provides rides to medical appointments and grocery stores. Door2Door is also piloting a weekly shuttle service to the Target on Somerville Ave. in Somerville.
For reservations, call 617-625-1191 between 9 am and 1:30 pm on weekdays, excluding holidays. When you hear the greeting, press “0” to speak to reservations.
Welcome Baby Boxes for Cambridge Parents
The Center for Families provides Baby Boxes to eligible Cambridge parents who have a child under one year old.
The Baby Boxes include diapers, wipes, children's books, and community resources for families.
Parents can customize their Baby Box by choosing items sized for a 0–6-month-old or 6–12-month-old. They can also select a baby carrier, diaper backpack, and breastfeeding supplies for their Baby Box.
If you’re interested in signing up for a Welcome Baby Box, please fill out this form or contact welcomebabyboxes@cambridgema.gov.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie
