Friday, December 19th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Dec 29, 2025
- 16 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.
There will be no newsletter until the new year. I hope you have a restful and joyful holiday season with your loved ones.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
On Tuesday, I chaired a meeting of the Massachusetts Commission on Violence Prevention Services Funding. The Violence Prevention Commission was established by the sweeping firearms safety omnibus passed last year and is tasked with both making recommendations to strengthen the funding structures for violence prevention services in the Commonwealth and studying the feasibility of a statewide grant to implement a public health and safety approach to preventing targeted violence.
Massachusetts has some of the safest gun laws in the country, but there is always more that can be done. In an average year, 259 people die from gun violence in the Commonwealth, meaning someone dies from gun violence every 34 hours in our state. I look forward to continuing the work of the Violence Prevention Commission this session and collaborating with commissioners to develop recommendations for supporting the critical efforts of violence prevention organizations in our communities.
My staff met with staff from Senator Sal DiDomenico’s office and advocates from the Lift Our Kids coalition to begin planning for the fiscal year 2027 (FY27) state budget process. Together, we are continuing to push for increases to Temporary Aid for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) so that the grants are strong enough to lift families out of deep poverty.
The FY26 state budget includes language that I filed to annualize the 10% increases to EAEDC and TAFDC from April 2025 grant levels. This builds on the progress that we have made since securing 10% increases in the FY21 budget — their first increases in 33 and 21 years. We secured additional increases in the FY22 through FY25 budgets, although the FY24 increase was eliminated in the Governor’s 9C budget cuts. This work is more important than ever as we face federal attacks on the social safety net. I am grateful to Sen. DiDomenico, the Lift Our Kids coalition, and House Leadership for their continued partnership and commitment to reducing poverty in Massachusetts.
DPU Opens Investigation to Review All Charges on Utility Bills
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) opened an investigation this week to comprehensively review all delivery charges on electric and gas utility bills. This investigation will explore ways to contain energy costs that fall under the DPU’s jurisdiction. As part of the investigation, the Department will evaluate whether certain charges should be eliminated, consolidated, or redesigned as a fixed charge. The investigation will also review whether to establish maximum limits on how much specific charges can increase from month to month.
I appreciate that DPU is working to address the skyrocketing utility bills that are burdening Massachusetts residents. I will continue advocating to DPU, the Attorney General, and the Governor to take action. I will also keep working to advance energy affordability legislation that upholds our commitment to climate goals and labor standards.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Monday, my staff and I met with stakeholders involved with the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Birth Center, which has been closed since 2020 and will reopen in 2026 following extensive renovations. The meeting included suggestions and updates from the Cambridge Community Coalition for the Cambridge Birth Center, as well as questions for the new director of the center, Kim Camp.
The renovations will bring the Birth Center up to date with state regulations that were developed following the enactment of an omnibus maternal health bill that I crafted and championed. I am proud to have played a role in preventing the Cambridge Birth Center’s permanent closure when plans were underway to shut it down rather than to renovate it. In addition, I was able to secure $1 million for the birth center renovations in the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget and to secure language in the FY25 budget ensuring that CHA can access federal safety net hospital funding.
I was grateful for the opportunity to join Senator DiDomenico at this month’s Economic Pathways Coalition meeting, where we discussed our work as co-Chairs of the Massachusetts Poverty Commission and co-filers of an omnibus anti-poverty bill shaped by the recommendations in the Commission’s report. The coalition is made up of more than 150 members, including representatives from community-based organizations, employers, advocates, political leaders, educators, and working parents dedicated to promoting economic advancement for working families and removing income cliffs that keep people from advancing their careers.
On Wednesday morning, I met with constituents from the Mass Power Forward coalition at Andala Coffee House. We had a great conversation about energy bills currently before the Legislature and the priorities we share—putting people over energy profits, strengthening Mass Save, and expanding access to clean, affordable energy. I’m committed to continuing this work and pushing for legislation that moves us toward a clean energy future that works for everyone.
Public Health Updates
HHS Revokes Millions in Grant Funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it has cancelled millions of dollars in grants awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), including grants that were aimed at the reduction of sudden infant death, early detection of autism, teen mental health improvement, and expansion of care in rural communities. AAP is the largest professional association of pediatricians in the country, working to promote optimal physical, mental, and social health for infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Additionally, the group represents over 60,000 pediatricians nationwide and plays a significant role in children’s health research and guidance. The cuts in grant funding come on the same day that AAP joined a coalition of major medical organizations urging a federal judge to reject the Trump administration’s request to dismiss the coalition’s lawsuit challenging HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s recent vaccination policies. Specifically, AAP and the coalition are critical of Kennedy’s efforts to fire the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) over disagreements on vaccine policies and his decision to dismiss all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) earlier this year. The programs whose grants were revoked received at least $3 million in the 2025 fiscal year, and AAP received approximately $18 million from HHS during that same period. In an email statement to the New York Times, HHS confirmed that it had cancelled grants to AAP, stating that the awards “no longer align with the department’s mission or priorities.” The department’s statement additionally pointed to a report on HHS’s priorities, which cited a White House report on its “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. Both reports reference ADHD medication, fluoride in drinking water, vaccines, microplastics, ultraprocessed foods and physical inactivity as factors causing a decline in children’s health. It is unclear at this time how AAP will respond to the revocation of grant funding.
HHS Proposes New Regulations to Further Restrict Access to Gender-Affirming Health Care
This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) took steps to further restrict access to essential and life-saving gender affirming care by announcing a series of proposed regulatory changes pursuant to an executive order President Trump issued when he took office this January. This executive order incorrectly called gender-affirming care "sex-rejecting procedures," and directed HHS to "end the practice" of these forms of care on children. Now, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is housed under HHS, has proposed promulgating rules that will prohibit hospitals providing gender-affirming health care to minors from receiving any funding from federal Medicare or Medicaid programs and will prevent federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) money from being spent on any form of gender-affirming health care for children. Because many hospitals heavily rely on federal funding through CMS and CHIP, these rules would effectively close a majority of the health facilities that currently provide affirming health care to minors. The Massachusetts Attorney General's office issued a press release rebuking the rules HHS has proposed, and reiterated that gender-affirming care is protected and remains legal in Massachusetts for residents of all ages. It is critical to remember that these proposed rules are not legally binding at this time. Now that CMS has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking, the public will have 60 days to submit comments on these rules. After this time, CMS can revise these rules or continue the process and finalize them. There is no timeline for how long it may take CMS to complete the rulemaking process. Unlike other states, Massachusetts has already taken action to ensure access to gender affirming health care continues, even if federal funding is cut. The legislature included language in the FY26 budget that established the Affirming Health Care Trust Fund – a first-in-the-nation model to exclusively provide gender-affirming care. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is responsible for administering this fund to ensure that LGBTQ+ children and adults can continue to receive affirming health care despite attacks from the Trump Administration. If you'd like to submit comments on these proposed regulations, you can do so here.
Early Uptick in Flu Cases Triggered by New Flu Variant
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that flu activity across the United States has begun to increase, indicating the beginning of flu season ahead of the holidays. While it is expected to see an uptick in flu and respiratory illnesses during winter, a new flu variant is driving cases this year: subclade K. The subclade K flu variant is a subtype of influenza A and has rapidly spread across parts of East Asia and Europe over the past few weeks. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an advisory calling on health officials to strengthen infectious disease surveillance and encourage people, especially those at high risk of severe illness, to get their flu vaccine. According to the PAHO’s health advisory, the development of the subclade K flu variant is part of the natural genetic evolution of seasonal influenza viruses. The increase in flu activity is currently concentrated in the Northeastern United States. Data shows high flu activity in New York and New Jersey, and moderate flu activity in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Experts shared that flu cases in the U.S. have begun to increase two weeks earlier than in previous seasons, indicating that this flu season may be more severe. Although the subclade K variant was not included in this year’s flu vaccine, data still show that the flu vaccine is effective at reducing the risk of acute illness leading to hospitalization. For more information about where you can get your flu vaccine this season, you can visit www.mass.gov/info-details/flu-prevention-and-vaccine-information.
CDC Report Finds COVID-19 Vaccination Lowered the Risks for Children during 2024-2025 Season
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently published a report on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in children in the US. The report found that children who received last year’s COVID-19 vaccinations had a lower risk of emergency and urgent care visits related to the virus, based on an analysis of approximately 98,000 emergency room and urgent care visits. Between September 2023 and August 2024, approximately 38,000 COVID-19-associated hospitalizations occurred among children and adolescents in the US. During the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, infants aged 6 to 11 months had the highest rates of COVID-19-related hospitalizations among any vaccine-eligible pediatric age group, surpassing those of all adult age groups except for individuals aged 65 and older. The report indicated that last year’s version of the COVID-19 vaccine was 76% effective in reducing the risk of emergency department or urgent care visits for immunocompetent children ages 9 months to 4 years compared with those who did not receive a 2024-2025 vaccine. According to the CDC, these findings suggest that vaccination with a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine dose provided children with additional protection against COVID-19-related emergency department or urgent care visits compared to not receiving the vaccine. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents to get vaccinated to help prevent illness and severe disease. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of infection or severe illness, including people younger than 2 years and older than 65 years of age, people with chronic medical conditions, health care workers, and those who are pregnant or lactating. Everyone 6 months and older may receive an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against potential serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness. Find a vaccine location near you at mass.gov/CovidVaccine.
FDA Approves First New Gonorrhea Treatment in Years, Proving Effective Against Increasing Drug Resistance
Last Friday, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its approval of zoliflodacin, sold under the name Nuzolvence, for the treatment of gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) that is spread by contact with genitals or bodily fluids. Gonorrhea often has no symptoms, but it can cause serious health problems even without symptoms. If the infection is left untreated, it can spread throughout the body, causing swollen, painful joints, liver inflammation, heart valve and brain damage. Additional complications can arise from untreated gonorrhea, depending on reproductive anatomy. In women, untreated gonorrhea can spread to other reproductive organs, including the uterus and fallopian tubes, causing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Additionally, untreated gonorrhea can cause eye problems leading to blindness in the infants of untreated birthing parents. In men, untreated gonorrhea can cause infertility, urethral scarring, testicular inflammation, and pain and inflammation of the prostate. Typically, gonorrhea is treated by a single antibiotic injection, ceftriaxone. However, the FDA’s recent approval of zoliflodacin now allows adults and children 12 years and older to receive oral antibiotic treatment for the STI. Additionally, studies have shown that zoliflodacin is active against drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea, the rates of which have gradually risen over the last decade. The bacteria that cause gonorrhea have grown resistant to almost every drug used to treat it, previously leaving the U.S. with only one recommended treatment option. As such, zoliflodacin’s FDA approval may prove critically important for the future treatment of gonorrhea and other drug-resistant bacteria.
Cambridge Updates
Cambridge Community Electricity to Offer More Clean Electricity and Lower Prices
Beginning in January 2026, lower electricity supply prices will take effect for all participants in Cambridge Community Electricity, the City’s electricity buying program. At the same time, most participants will receive more of their electricity from clean, renewable sources.
No action is required for current Cambridge Community Electricity participants. Active program participants will be automatically enrolled into the lower price for their program option with their January 2026 meter read. New program prices will first appear on February 2026 Eversource electric bills. Program participants are free to change their option, or opt out at any time, with no fee or penalty.
If you need to enroll, make changes to your enrollment, or get more information, Cambridge electricity customers are encouraged to visit the program website at CambridgeMA.gov/enrollCCE or contact customer support with the city’s program consultants at 844-379-9934.
Upcoming Information Sessions
To learn more about Cambridge Community Electricity, join an online information session.
Street Theory Gallery & Collective Holiday Market Tomorrow
Tomorrow, December 20th, Street Theory Collective is inviting you to come shop their thoughtfully curated holiday market featuring local brands, independent artists, and handcrafted goods. Enjoy the sounds of DJ Brandi Chanel while you browse and spend some time in their Living Room Gallery. You’ll find everything from archival prints and greeting cards to handmade jewelry, clothing, vintage records, candles, and more.
🗓️ Saturday, December 20th
⏰ 12pm – 4pm
📍 Street Theory Collective
541 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
The Cambridge Program Presents the Big Christmas Show
Every December, The Cambridge Program for Individuals with Special Needs performs an original play written and directed by program director David Tynes. All of the play's performers are participants in the program, which serves residents with intellectual disabilities who are age 11 and older. The plays are designed to allow people of all ability levels to participate and flourish. Buy your tickets at the door — cost per ticket is $15 (cash, card, or check payable to Cambridge Recreation, Special Needs). The show is at the Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Ave. For more information, contact David Tynes, Cambridge Program Director, at dtynes@cambridgema.gov.
Performances:
Saturday, Dec. 20 at 7:00PM
Sunday, Dec. 21 at 4:30PM
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 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
Paisley Huang, Boston University Statehouse Program
Community health workers help address a variety of health issues, from connecting expectant mothers to providers to finding therapists or group counseling for patients with substance use disorders. They also help address social conditions that have an impact on health, such as housing and food access.
Currently, CHW services are not reimbursed by MassHealth or commercial health insurance. Hospitals, community health centers and community-based organizations rely on unstable grant funding to hire CHWs.
A bill proposed by Rep. Marjorie Decker, D-Cambridge, and Sen. Robyn Kennedy, D-Worcester, would require public and private health insurers to cover the costs of services provided by CHWs. Supporters believe the proposal would strengthen the workforce that serves the most vulnerable patients and reduce health care costs by preventing avoidable hospital visits.
The bill remains under consideration after a hearing in September.
Massachusetts formally launched a CHW certification process in 2018. Currently, CHWs may apply for certification by either completing the required 4,000 hours of work experience or completing 2,000 hours plus a training program in core competencies and specialty health topics.
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.
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
