Friday, December 5th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- 7 days 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
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. The City of Cambridge is distributing $50 grocery store gift cards to Cambridge residents who are current SNAP recipients and meet one or more of the following criteria:
You are an older adult (age 60 or older)
You have a disability
Your family includes a child aged 18 or younger who attends Cambridge Public Schools, a Cambridge Charter School, Cambridge Preschool Program, or a younger child
Residents will be asked to show their EBT card in order to receive a gift card. Information about how to receive gift cards is available here.
You can find information on Cambridge food pantries, free community meals, and other local food resources here. There is also a new state website, Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze, with resources for people in need of food assistance and ways for residents and businesses to donate or volunteer.
Please see the “Services and Resources” section at the end of this newsletter for additional food assistance resources.
Transit Worker Protection Bill Signed Into Law
On Wednesday, Governor Healey signed An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker into law. This bill, which the House passed in late October and the Senate passed in late November, ensures that transit employees receive the same legal heightened protections as other public employees while performing their jobs.
Funding Available for Home Energy Assistance
This week, Massachusetts received its initial allocation of funds for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) from the federal government. HEAP typically helps more than 150,000 Massachusetts households, representing over 300,000 people, afford to heat their homes during the winter each year. The funding was delayed due to the federal government shutdown. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for this free program and apply for assistance at https://www.toapply.org/MassHEAP.
DPH Forum on Childhood Vaccines
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) convened pediatricians and other public health leaders this week to emphasize the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting access to safe, effective and life-saving vaccines, especially for children.The event, Strengthening Trust in Childhood Vaccines: A DPH-Hosted Forum for Providers and the Public Health Community, was held the day before the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) began discussions to alter long-standing and proven infant hepatitis B vaccination recommendations and the full childhood immunization schedule. Throughout the forum, participants voiced deep alarm about efforts to weaken long-standing immunization recommendations and described the increased daily challenges of countering misinformation.
Last week, DPH proactively recommended preserving the existing infant immunization schedule, which involves giving the birth dose within 24 hours of delivery and completing the full hepatitis B series within 18 months. The recommendation aligns with the recently established Northeast Public Health Collaborative, and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) birth dose is safe, effective, and essential for preventing HBV infection.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Monday, I met with Cambridge Education Association officers Chris Montero (president) and Sarah Rosenberg (vice president of community relations) to congratulate them on their new roles and hear more about their goals for our schools. We held an informative conversation about CEA’s upcoming initiatives and priorities. Our teachers and paraprofessionals are facing so much adversity from the political climate, culture, and federal cuts, yet they stand to be our best resort in fighting the tide and shaping our future.
Tuesday’s Harvard Square Business Association Holiday Bash was a festive opportunity to connect with old friends and make new ones as we celebrated local businesses. There are so many great ways to eat, drink, and shop local this holiday season!
On Thursday afternoon, members of the Harvard College Democrats and the Colleges of the Fenway Democrats visited the State House and met with my staff about their legislative priorities, ranging from insulin access to inclusionary zoning to legal representation for immigrants. I am always thrilled when young people engage in political advocacy and ask great questions, as this group did.
As House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, I was honored to speak on the “Leading with Purpose, Powered by Courage” panel at the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association (MHA)’s 2025 Annual Women Leaders in Healthcare Conference. Thanks to my colleagues on the panel, Rep. Tram Nguyen, Rep. Adrianne Ramos, and Sen. Cindy Friedman. Thank you as well to Emily Dulong of MHA for moderating.
Public Health Updates
DPH Report Recommends Integrating Primary Care and Abortion Care Services
This week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health released a new report about abortion and maternity care deserts across the state. According to the report, the state no longer has any abortion deserts, meaning that no communities are more than 50 miles from a health care facility providing abortion care. However, there are several areas across the state the report designates as “significant areas of decreased access” to various abortion services, including procedural abortion care, hospital-based abortion care, or abortion care after 21 weeks of gestational age, as they are located 25-50 miles away from these services. These areas include parts of Western and Northern Massachusetts, as well as the Cape and Islands. The report highlights that abortion care is frequently siloed away from primary care, making it harder to access and perpetuating the stigma oftentimes associated with seeking abortion care. In its report, DPH recommends that abortion care, particularly medication abortion and early procedural abortion, be integrated into primary care where possible. DPH issues several other recommendations to increase access to abortion care in areas with decreased access, including encouraging community health centers to offer abortion care as a primary care service, ensuring telemedicine paths to abortion care are maintained, expanding access to abortion care training, and ensuring culturally competent abortion care is available in areas with decreased access to essential abortion care services.
ACIP Voted to End Recommendation of Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns, but MA Continues to Maintain this Recommendation
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened on Thursday and Friday to review hepatitis B vaccination for newborns and the childhood immunization schedule. Currently, the first dose is given within 24 hours of birth because hepatitis B, an incurable infection that can lead to liver disease, cancer, and death, can be transmitted from mother to child during delivery. When administered within 24 hours of birth, the vaccine is highly effective in preventing newborn infection. The birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine has been a long-standing guideline, described by medical experts as “one of the cornerstones” of prevention. In the US, before the vaccine was introduced in 1991, as many as 20,000 babies were infected with hepatitis B each year. Since the hepatitis B vaccine was approved for newborns, fewer than 20 babies annually contract the virus from their mother. The hepatitis B vaccine has been extensively tested and is proven to be safe and effective. Yesterday, the committee voted to delay a decision on whether newborns continue to receive the hepatitis B vaccine on the day they are born. This delay resulted from confusion about voting language and concerns about making such a change among committee members. Today, in an 8-2 decision, ACIP voted to end the recommendation of hepatitis B vaccination for all babies at birth. Many medical experts and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have opposed this change, stating that it would put young children at risk of an infection that can lead to lifelong disease. Vaccine experts argue they have been shut out of ACIP’s process, including the makers of the hepatitis B vaccine who hold data on the safety of the shot. However, Massachusetts continues to recommend that newborns receive the hepatitis B vaccine, as the Department of Public Health can set immunization schedules and requirements for residents, including for the Childhood Vaccine Program. This meeting marks the advisory committee’s third meeting this year since Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired all 17 members of the committee and appointed his own selection, many of whom have expressed vaccine skeptic views. Since the new membership of ACIP, the committee has recommended new restrictions on the combined MMRV vaccine that protects against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. The panel also recommended against flu vaccines containing the preservative thimerosal, which is used to prevent microbial contamination of vaccines, despite public health experts finding no evidence that low doses of it cause harm. Last week, the Healey Driscoll Administration issued a press release underscoring the critical importance of maintaining the existing hepatitis B vaccine schedule to safeguard newborns. This guideline is aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is also supported by the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a coalition of public health agencies working together to share expertise, improve coordination, and strengthen regional readiness to advance public health and ensure equitable access to vaccines, medications, and services.
San Francisco Sues Top Manufacturers Over Ultraprocessed Foods
On Tuesday, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu filed the nation’s first government lawsuit against food manufacturers for selling ultraprocessed food by way of unfair and deceptive acts, creating a public health crisis. The suit names 10 companies, including Coca-Cola, Nestle, Kraft Heinz, Mondelez, Post Holdings, PepsiCo, General Mills, Kellogg, Mars, and ConAgra, arguing that the companies have flooded the U.S. with addictive, highly processed, low-nutritional-value foods. The suit claims that ultraprocessed foods are linked to diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cancer, contributing to a public health crisis in San Francisco and across the nation. It seeks damages for the costs incurred by cities and counties for treating residents whose health has been harmed due to ultraprocessed food. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that these companies were aware of the harms their products posed to human health but continued to sell them. It also argues that the companies used unfair and deceitful marketing tactics to sell their products, violating California's unfair competition law and public nuisance statute. The suit seeks a court order to prevent companies from deceptive marketing and requires them to take actions, including educating consumers on the health risks of ultraprocessed foods and limiting advertising of ultraprocessed foods targeting children. The term “ultraprocessed foods” includes items such as candy, chips, processed meats, sodas, energy drinks, and granola bars, which all contain synthetic compounds, preservatives and additives as well as other foods designed to “stimulate cravings and encourage overconsumption.” These foods are often high in saturated fat, sodium, or sugar. It is estimated that more than 70% of the US food supply consists of foods commonly considered ultraprocessed. A report issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found that most people in the U.S. get more than half of their calories from ultraprocessed foods. Research has found an association between an ultraprocessed dietary pattern and increased risk of chronic disease outcomes. This lawsuit represents the first effort to hold food conglomerates accountable for the widespread availability of ultraprocessed foods and their associated health risks.
Cambridge Updates
Cyber-Attack Against CodeRed Notifications System
Cambridge public safety agencies are notifying the community of a nationwide cyber-attack against the OnSolve CodeRED emergency notifications system, and encouraging users of the system to immediately change their passwords for other accounts if the same password has been used for the CodeRED account. The CodeRED platform is currently down and there is no way for existing subscribers to manually change their CodeRED password. 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.
Road Closures for Winter Classic 5K Road Race on Dec. 7
The Cambridge Winter Classic 5K will take place on Sunday, December 7, at 9:30 a.m., beginning and ending at University Park Commons near Central Square. The following roads will close during the race:
Sidney Street will close from Franklin Street to Pacific Street between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
Franklin Street will close from Brookline Street to Sidney Street between 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
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.
Services and Resources
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
