Friday, December 12th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- 11 minutes ago
- 13 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.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
Attorney General’s Office Reaches Settlement with Eversource
This week, Attorney General Andrea Campbell announced her office reached a $45 million settlement with Eversource. Customers of the two companies Eversource operates in Massachusetts — NSTAR Electric and Eversource Gas of Massachusetts — will receive a $20 million rate credit and a net benefit of $25 million, respectively. Additionally, all Eversource ratepayers will see reduced electric and gas rates. The settlement resolves 16 docket matters related to tree management near power lines, pension benefits, and costs associated with Eversource’s purchase of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I was happy to welcome 5th-grade students to the State House last week for a tour of the building and a visit to the Public Health Committee office. I always appreciate the opportunity to talk about what I do as an elected official and why engaging with legislators is so important. Please email Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov or call my office at 617-722-2130 if you would like to schedule a visit for your class or organization!
On Saturday, I joined the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Summit, which was part of the 2025 Mass NOW state conference. I moderated a panel on “reclaiming our narratives around menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause” with Dr. Lucy Lomas, Dr. Christine Sieberg, and L. Austin-Spooner.
It was wonderful seeing staff and volunteers from MassNOW, Our Bodies Ourselves Suffolk, Mystic Valley Action for Reproductive Justice, Partners in Sex Ed, Unicorn, Plymouth County MA CSW, YW Boston, THRIVE, Social Action Committee of the Boston Alumnae / Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc., MyCycleIQ, Athena Council, Love Your Menses, Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Periodic, Fihri Foundation, Brandeis ENACT, Casa Myrna, Ginsburg Initiative Girls Program at the Essex County CSW, and HerPower Collective promoting menstrual and health care equity.
I was proud to speak at a rally on Monday for custodians represented by 32BJ SEIU, who maintain dorms, classrooms, administrative buildings, and other Harvard University facilities. Harvard has been dragging its heels on contract negotiations, while institutions like Boston College and Mount Holyoke College have agreed to substantial wage gains for 32BJ members. These workers make it possible for Harvard not merely to function, but to meet its standards for excellence.
I know from my own experience growing up that unions can only take care of their members when employers agree to fair contracts. I saw my parents — my father a custodian and my mother a nurse’s aide — struggle to put food on the table even when my mother became an SEIU member and then organizer and shop steward. I am urging Harvard to use its considerable resources to pay custodians, security guards, and other essential employees their worth, protect their health care, and provide support for members who are immigrants or may need low-cost legal services.
My staff attended a legislative briefing on Roca’s Young Mothers Experiencing Acute Trauma Pilot Program on Tuesday. The fastest-growing program at Roca, this pilot serves young women ages 14–24, 80% of whom have experienced victimization. These young mothers, often left without state or federal support because they’re considered “too high risk,” have endured institutional trauma, domestic violence, and/or involvement with the justice system. For many, Roca becomes a crucial lifeline. Thank you to Molly, Sunindiya, and the entire Roca team for the life-changing work you do, helping young women and mothers find economic opportunity, housing, and the resources they need to rebuild and stabilize their lives.
I held office hours on Tuesday at the 2 Mount Auburn and Russell Apartments, where I described some of my legislative accomplishments and current policy priorities and listened to constituents’ concerns. These ongoing conversations are vital to informing my work in the State House and the district. It was especially sweet to be back at 2 Mt. Auburn Apartments, as while I was on the Cambridge City Council, I led the opposition to the building being sold to Harvard for a private development. I am so grateful to everyone who came, asked questions, and shared their stories with me.
On Thursday my staff attended the Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW) recipient award ceremony. The City of Cambridge was one of eight organizations to receive this grant with the intent to train and place more than 300 apprentices in early childhood education careers across the state. Early childhood education is the fastest growing field with apprenticeships in Massachusetts. The GROW Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Grant will support a new 18-month full-time program for 25 new apprentices to be placed across Cambridge.
I love going to local holiday markets for my gift shopping — this afternoon, I stopped by the 2025 Black Business Holiday Market, which opened today and will run through Sunday. Located at One Brattle Square, the market features soaps, clothing, jewelry, artwork, and so much more. I hope that you will visit if you have a chance! It will be open from 11AM-7PM on Saturday (12/13) and 12-6PM on Sunday (12/14).
I also had the pleasure of doing a bit of holiday shopping at Maud’s Handmade Holiday Market, which showcased beautiful artwork and handcrafted goods created by the talented staff and adult students of the Maria L. Baldwin Community Center. The market was held alongside the annual Kids Only Holiday Sale, a tradition that began 40 years ago, offering school-age children a safe, supportive, and joyful space to pick out gifts for family and friends.
If you’re looking to shop local and support our community this season, here’s a roundup of markets happening across Cambridge.
Public Health Updates
Measles Outbreak in South Carolina is Accelerating
On Wednesday, South Carolina health officials reported that the state has totaled 114 new cases of measles since July. Almost all new cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, while three were partially vaccinated. According to the CDC, the United States has confirmed 1,912 cases of measles this year, representing the highest annual number of cases in over three decades. Measles, also known as rubeola, is a very contagious viral illness that causes a rash, fever, and cough. Because measles is highly contagious, at least 95% of the population needs to be vaccinated against the illness to achieve herd immunity. Reaching herd immunity through high vaccination levels ensures that measles and other contagious illnesses are not spread from person to person throughout a community, thereby protecting individuals who may be immunocompromised or unable to be vaccinated due to legitimate adverse reactions diagnosed by a medical professional. Both the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommend that everyone receive two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those who complete the full MMR vaccine course are typically considered to be protected against measles and rubella for life, while immunity to mumps may wane over time. For more information about measles and the MMR vaccine, visit mass.gov/info-details/measles.
New Survey Finds Massachusetts’ Uninsured Rate Has Increased
According to the biennial Massachusetts Health Insurance Survey (MHIS), the uninsured rate in Massachusetts has risen to 2.1%, up from 1.7% in 2023. This rate remains significantly lower than the national average of 8.2%. The majority of uninsured residents were adults ages 19 to 64, highlighting the availability of MassHealth for children and Medicare for adults 65 and older. Uninsured residents were also disproportionately male, Hispanic, or in a household with a family income below 300% of the federal poverty level. The survey indicated that the most common reasons for being uninsured were high coverage costs and a lack of understanding about how to obtain insurance. Amid federal policy changes, health officials anticipate massive coverage losses across MassHealth and the Massachusetts Health Connector. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation estimated that the state’s uninsured rate is projected to double under Medicaid changes under H.R.1, which is set to take effect in 2027.
Boston Children’s Hospital Announces New Pediatric Psychiatric Facility
This week, Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) announced plans to construct a new, $640 million pediatric psychiatric hospital in Brighton. In addition to 116 beds dedicated to inpatient care, this facility will offer a 14-bed acute treatment program, a partial hospital program, an intensive outpatient program, several operating rooms, a pharmacy, a dental suite, and outpatient rehabilitation programs. There has been a shortage of pediatric mental health care beds across the state, which was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Research from the Health Policy Commission found that nearly 50% of children ultimately admitted to a psychiatric bed stayed in an emergency department for over 24 hours until they could be transferred to a facility that could offer them appropriate care. According to BCH officials, its new psychiatric hospital will double the capacity for pediatric inpatient psychiatric care in Massachusetts. Construction on this facility is set to begin in 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2029.
Study Finds Increased Number of Parents Refuse Vitamin K Shots for Newborns
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the percentage of infants that did not receive a vitamin K shot at birth increased from less than 3% in 2017 to over 5% in 2025. Researchers believe the higher rate of parents refusing vitamin K shots for their infants is due to misinformation online and increased distrust of vaccines. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps blood clot and stop bleeding. When children are born, they have very little vitamin K in their bodies, putting them at risk for vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB), a condition that can result in life-threatening bleeding. To prevent infants from developing VKDB, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended a single vitamin K shot at birth, a recommendation that has remained consistent for over 60 years. This standard of care has almost eliminated VKDB in the United States.
Cambridge Updates
Update on CodeRed Notifications System
The OnSolve CodeRED emergency notifications system has been migrated to a new platform following a nationwide cyber-attack. If you have an account or previously registered for CodeRED, please visit CodeRED by Crisis24 to access your account. Users will enter their username (most likely an email) and then select “forgot password” in order to verify and reset your password. If users forgot their username, select “forgot username” and the account and password can be reset. As a reminder, all users of the system should not utilize their old CodeRED passwords as they may have been compromised. Strong, unique passwords should be utilized on all accounts. Once your password is reset, you will be able to update and verify your information.
The CodeRED emergency notification system is a voluntary program where residents can sign up to receive notifications and emergency alerts affecting the City, such as snow emergencies, evacuations, large-scale water outages or other significant service disruptions. Learn more here.
Heating Bill Assistance Event on Monday
Eversource is holding a heating bill assistance event in partnership with the Cambridge Department of Public Works on Monday, December 15 at the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Avenue) from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. to help residents who are struggling to pay their energy bills find solutions that meet their needs. Interpretation will be available in Amharic, Spanish, Portuguese & Haitian Creole. For more information, contact Linda Spencer at lspencer@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-9734. To learn more about Eversource bill help programs, visit eversource.com/billhelp.
Affordable Housing Information Session on Tuesday
You are invited to learn about the City's Affordable Rental and Home Ownership Programs at an information session presented by the Housing Department from 12 - 2 p.m. This session is open to all. The Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given for Cambridge residents and families with children.
12 - 1 p.m. - presentation on the City's affordable rental programs
1- 2 p.m. - presentation on the City's affordable homeownership programs
The information session will be held remotely via Zoom. To participate in this meeting hosted on Zoom, please register in advance.
Black Business Holiday Marketplace
The Cambridge-Somerville Black Business Network, in partnership with the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts, and Cambridge Local First, invites you to the 4th Annual Black Business Holiday Marketplace! CSBBN is part of Cambridge’s “Shop Local – I’m Local” small business campaign during the winter holidays.
Location:
One Brattle Square, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA 02138
Dates & Times:
Friday, Dec. 12, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, Dec. 14, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Admission: Free! RSVP here
Harvard Square Holiday Fair 2025
One of the oldest and most popular fairs in the Boston area — a high energy marketplace with a great soundtrack. See old friends and make new ones!
Location:
Corner of JFK St & Winthrop St
Dates & Times: Fridays: 12-7 | Saturdays: 11-7 | Sundays: 12-6
Friday - Sunday, Dec 12th - 14th
Friday - Sunday, Dec 19th - 21st
Winter Warming Center Open Dec. 1 - April 30
The Cambridge Winter Warming Center will be open Monday, December 1 through Friday, April 30 at 437 Green St. (the back entrance of the Senior Center in Central Square). The Warming Center will be open every day of the week from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. as a welcoming drop-in center where unsheltered adults can spend the night safely during the winter months. At the Winter Warming Center, guests will have access to beverages and a meal, bathrooms, and a mat to rest on the floor. They will also be able to connect with first responders regarding serious health and safety concerns. Additionally, information about other community services will be available, including direct access to the Cambridge Coordinated Access Network (C-CAN) to be assessed for potential housing opportunities.
Recent Press
Emma Friedman, WBZ NewsRadio
Harvard custodians and supporters gathered in Harvard Yard to rally for wage increases on Monday.
State Rep. Marjorie Decker spoke at the rally on Monday and said, "they can do this, they have the money, the power, the ability." She told the custodians, "We are standing here fighting strong with you, and when you win, we all win."
Hugo C. Chiasson and Amann S. Mahajan, Harvard Crimson
In the biting cold, roughly 80 local affiliates called on Harvard to increase its wage offers to custodians in a Monday rally outside University Hall.
State Rep. Marjorie C. Decker said Harvard’s institutional resources uniquely position it to support its workers. “If there’s any university that can actually solve the answer to reducing poverty and model it, it’s Harvard University,” Decker said.
Services and Resources
While the federal government shutdown has ended, food insecurity in Cambridge and across Massachusetts remains very real.
You can still donate to funds such as the Cambridge Community Center (CCC)’s Nourish a Neighbor fund and the United Response Fund to support local and statewide food assistance programs.
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.
Additional Food Assistance Resources
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.
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.
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.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie
