Friday, February 20th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- Feb 22
- 14 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
As the Massachusetts Legislature enters the second year of our two-year session, we’re moving into the most action-packed phase — when bills advance to the House floor, and key votes take place.
Your voice is essential to shaping this work. I deeply value hearing directly from constituents and regularly co-sponsor and file legislation based on the priorities you share with me. As we head into this busy stretch, I invite you to take a few minutes to complete our community survey and let me know what issues matter most to you and what you hope the Legislature will address in the months ahead. Your input directly informs and guides my work on your behalf. You can participate by scanning the QR Code below or by clicking here.
Legislative Updates
Cambridge Job Training Trust Signed into Law
An Act establishing the city of Cambridge employment and job training trust, a home rule I filed with Rep. Steve Owens on behalf of the Cambridge City Council, was signed into law by Governor Healey this week. The passage of this home rule will result in the founding of an Employment and Job Training Trust for Cambridge with the objective of creating job opportunities and training services for residents. The Trust would receive funds through public and private gifts, and in accordance with City ordinances that mandate payment into a trust.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I was glad to join fellow Civic Action Project (CAP) alums and current participants for a winter gathering at the State House this week. In addition to being a CAP Collaborative Executive Fellow in 2022, I have also had the pleasure of speaking to multiple cohorts of CAP Graduate fellows, hosting CAP interns in my office, and having former CAP fellows as my staff throughout the years. A special congratulations to the CAP awardees: Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Rep. Andy Vargas, Ayla Thorntona, and Cambridge resident John McQuillan, Jr.
The Cambridge Women’s Center Annual Meeting on Wednesday was a valuable opportunity for open dialogue about the Center’s successes, challenges, and the future direction of the organization. I grew up down the street from the Center and I know first-hand the positive impact Cambridge Women’s Center has had on our community for decades. Thanks to the staff, volunteers, interns, and community partners for their commitment to providing a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination. Best of luck to the new slate of leadership voted in during the meeting and the rest of the women joining the Center’s Board of Directors in the next couple of weeks.
As a Cambridge resident, a State Representative, a Harvard alum, and the daughter of a former SEIU shop steward, I was proud to continue to stand in solidarity on Thursday with custodians represented by 32BJ SEIU, powerful women of the labor movement, including Greater Boston Labor Council President Darlene Lombos, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. These dedicated men and women maintain dorms, classrooms, laboratories, and administrative buildings across Harvard University. They do far more than clean buildings — they make it possible for Harvard not merely to function, but to meet its highest standards of excellence.
Harvard is very close to closing the gap and negotiating in good faith a contract comparable to those recently agreed to at Boston College and Mount Holyoke College, where 32BJ members secured substantial wage gains. This should not be protracted any longer.
These are the workers who ensure that students, faculty, and our broader community are safe and living in healthy conditions. They are the ones who sleep away from their families during snowstorms so they can shovel out campus before sunrise. During COVID, many slept in hotels to keep the University running safely. Harvard itself has called them essential. Their compensation should reflect that truth.
To be clear: they are not demanding wages that would allow them to afford a market-rate apartment in Cambridge. They are asking for modest increases that keep pace with inflation — increases that help cover the rising cost of transportation, groceries, and basic necessities. Inflation erodes their paychecks while the cost of living continues to climb.
We will continue to stand up for Harvard in its fight to protect democracy and academic freedom. But standing up for those principles must also mean standing up for the people who keep the University running every single day at a moment when immigrant workers and working families are targeted by the same bully in the White House.
I am urging Harvard to use its considerable resources to invest in its workforce — to pay custodians, security guards, and other essential employees what they are worth; to protect their health care; and to provide meaningful support for members who are immigrants or who may need access to low-cost legal services.
Harvard can lead not only in scholarship and research, but in fairness. Now is the moment to do so.
Thank you to the Cambridge Black History Project and YWCA Cambridge for hosting a Black History Month community event on Thursday centered on shared history, community voices, and connection. It was great to see so many old friends and meet some new ones. We have an incredibly rich history in Cambridge of Black trailblazers, from educators to artists to political activists. I hope that you will explore the Cambridge Black History Project Website and Walking Tour, which focuses on influential Black women in Cambridge. Thank you to Paul Paris and Dr. James Spencer for their leadership and to all those who have volunteered their labor of love to keep Cambridge history alive.
Public Health Updates
Planned Parenthood of MA Announces Expanded Birth Control Services, Now Offering Vasectomies
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) recently announced that it is expanding its birth control services by offering vasectomies. These are simple, safe, and quick procedures that are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. Interest in vasectomies is high, both in Massachusetts and nationwide. Dr. Luu Ireland, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts’ Chief Medical Officer, noted that providers have reported increased demand for the procedure in recent years. For Massachusetts men interested in this birth control option, they should plan to book a consultation at one of Planned Parenthood’s health centers, located in Worcester, Boston, Springfield, and Marlborough. Dr. Ireland noted that the number of vasectomy appointments (currently only 10 to 12 per month) and the number of locations offering the surgery (currently only Worcester) could increase depending on interest. MassHealth and most other major insurers cover vasectomies, and the average out-of-pocket cost is $700. Learn more about PPLM’s vasectomy services here.
NIH Director to Temporarily Lead CDC Amidst Health Agency Shake-Up
In a significant leadership restructuring, U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya will also temporarily serve as acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adding to his existing responsibilities overseeing the nation’s primary biomedical research agency. Since August, Deputy Health Secretary Jim O'Neill has been serving as the acting CDC director after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired microbiologist and immunologist, Dr. Susan Monarez. O'Neill is leaving his position and will be offered the position of National Science Foundation director. Public health experts are skeptical about Bhattacharya’s ability to run both agencies effectively. Former CDC leaders and other public health experts have raised concerns that overseeing both the nation’s primary biomedical research agency and its central public health authority simultaneously would be “nearly impossible” and strain effective leadership, especially given that the CDC has faced funding cuts, staff firings, and resignations, with many of its career leaders no longer in place. As a health economist and physician, Bhattacharya has no formal public health training and has been a vocal critic of lockdowns and widespread COVID-19 restrictions. The dual assignment is intended to serve until a permanent CDC director is nominated and confirmed by the Senate, which could occur during the 2026 midterm election cycle.
Federal Judge Dismisses Suit Targeting State Anti-Abortion Public Awareness Campaign
On Tuesday, a federal judge dismissed a suit filed by Your Options Medical (YOM), a crisis pregnancy center (CPC), against Massachusetts state officials and Reproductive Equity Now (REN) for violation of the center’s First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and freedom of religious exercise. In 2024, state officials launched a public awareness campaign that targets CPCs, also known as anti-abortion centers or pregnancy resource centers. These facilities claim to offer legitimate reproductive health care but, in reality, are not licensed medical facilities and provide misleading information to deter patients from having an abortion. The suit, originally filed by YOM in 2024, formally names Governor Maura Healey and Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein, as well as REN and its president, Rebecca Hart Holder. YOM has multiple locations throughout Massachusetts and argued that it has been targeted by the state through a pressure campaign to force the CPC to shut down. U.S. District Court Judge Leo Sorokin disagreed with YOM, reasoning that YOM’s complaint fails to plausibly suggest that state officials and REN have targeted YOM for actual or threatened enforcement action. Additionally, the campaign does not stifle YOM’s protected speech or viewpoint; instead, it criticizes the quality of YOM’s medical services and advertising practices. You can learn more about anti-abortion centers here, and a map of CPCs around the country is available here.
FDA Reverses Course to Review Moderna’s Flu Vaccine after Initially Refusing
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will review Moderna’s first mRNA seasonal flu vaccine after initially refusing to review Moderna’s application last week. This decision has raised concerns about the agency’s approach to vaccine and drug approvals. In August, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the federal government would no longer fund projects focused on mRNA vaccines over claims that mRNA technology would pose more health risks than benefits for respiratory viruses. The Moderna vaccine utilizes mRNA technology, which can be developed more quickly than traditional vaccines, has played a crucial role in mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic and saving lives, and demonstrates efficacy against influenza. It is uncommon for the FDA to refuse to file an application, especially for a new vaccine, which often requires several months to years of discussion between companies and the FDA. Following a high-priority meeting, known as a “Type A meeting,” the FDA reversed its earlier decision and agreed to review Moderna’s new vaccine on Wednesday with some changes. In a compromise, Moderna is seeking full approval for adults ages 50 to 64 and accelerated approval for adults ages 60 and older, with an additional study on the vaccine for older populations. The FDA has set August 5 as its target date for an approval decision.
New Study Finds Wildfire Smoke Causes Tens of Thousands of Deaths Per Year
Newly published research in Science Advances recently reported that 24,000 deaths per year are caused by chronic exposure to wildfire smoke. The study analyzed data from 2006 to 2020, focusing on wildfire pollutants, specifically PM2.5, particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Medical conditions associated with chronic wildfire exposure include COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and cardiac conditions such as hypertension or coronary artery disease, as well as exacerbations of other chronic diseases, such as kidney or liver disease, because particles enter the bloodstream and trigger oxidation and inflammation. Research shows that lower-income and ethnic minority communities are at a disadvantage from wildfire smoke complications as the smoke exposure rises, because those communities generally lack the resources to protect themselves from pollutants, like proper home air filtration systems or the ability to stay inside during poor air quality days. The Department of Public Health offers resources on climate and wildfire smoke in Massachusetts, available here.
New Data shows Colon Cancer is now more Deadly than Breast and Brain cancer for Adults Under 50
Recent research from the American Cancer Society (ACS), published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, demonstrates that the colon cancer mortality rate has increased over time for young adults. While the number of deaths from breast and brain cancers declined from 2014 through 2023 for adults younger than 50, colorectal cancer mortality rates increased annually. It is now the deadliest type of cancer for this age group. Despite a growing body of evidence describing the threat of colorectal cancers, there is limited understanding about why disease prevalence and mortality are on the rise. Potential contributing factors include a highly processed diet, heavy alcohol consumption, environmental exposures, and bowel inflammation, but oncologists stress that greater research is needed to understand the disease’s causal pathways. The ACS recommends screening tests, such as stool-blood tests and colonoscopies, beginning at age 45 for people with an average risk of colorectal cancer. Increased colon cancer screening will allow for early detection of precancerous polyps, preventing severe illness and death.
Cambridge Updates
Community Resource Fair and Film Screening
The City of Cambridge is holding a community resource fair and film screening on Saturday, February 21 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM in the Lecture Hall at the Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway). The resource fair will be followed by a screening of a powerful documentary exploring how immigration enforcement impacts communities across the US. The film will be followed by a presentation and reflection from LUCE.
WinterMix Events
The Community Development Department’sPublic Space Lab, with support from Cambridge Recreation, is presenting Winter Mix – a new series of free community events that will take place throughout the month of February. For additional event details, including programming and activities, as well as time-sensitive updates, visit cambridgema.gov/wintermix.
An outdoor Winter Mix event will take place each Thursday in February, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Joan Lorentz Park. All outdoor events will feature warm food and hot chocolate, winter games, fire performances by MIT Spinning Arts, and themed activities.
Three weekend events will take place inside Cambridge public schools on Saturdays from 3-5 p.m., featuring crafts, warm food and beverages, games, music, and other entertainment
Council on Aging Extending Programming at Russell Center
The Council on Aging is extending programming at the Russell Youth and Community Center (680 Huron Ave) based on community feedback. Beginning on Thursday, February 5, the programming schedule will resume on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. through the end of May. During programming hours, older adults are welcome to socialize in the building's 2nd Floor Common Area. The Council on Aging will also offer drop-in walking hours on Fridays, where older adults can get exercise in a safe indoor environment.
Cambridge Works Applications are Open
Cambridge Works, the City of Cambridge's transitional jobs program, is recruiting! The program serves Cambridge residents between the ages of 18 and 35 who have difficulty finding full-time jobs due to limited work experience, a gap in their work history, legal challenges, or personal issues. Cambridge Works will begin in late March 2026. The program provides participants with a paid temporary job placement at a local organization, professional development, support from a case manager, and job search support to find full-time employment. To apply to the program, fill out the online application.
Winter Warming Center Open Dec. 1 - April 30
The Cambridge Winter Warming Center is open 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
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
