Friday, February 6th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- Feb 10
- 17 min read
Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with legislative, public health, and Cambridge updates. If you want even more updates, please follow me on Instagram @repdecker.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
On Monday morning, I met with members of the Keeping Families Connected coalition about my bill An Act to build restorative family and community connections. This bill would strengthen prison visitation rights, including by requiring the establishment of policies to maximize visitation and forbidding policies that would prohibit or unreasonably limit visitation.
I am grateful for the partnership of advocates and impacted community members in ensuring incarcerated people and their visitors are granted basic dignities, including holding their children and touching their loved ones, during their short time together.
I joined a legislative briefing on traffic camera safety on Tuesday, highlighting An Act relative to traffic regulation using road safety cameras. I am a co-sponsor of this bill, which would allow municipalities to install safety cameras for red lights, work zones, school zones, and speeding to improve road safety. This is a public health issue, and we need to be using the technologies available to us to address it. Only two months ago, I was at office hours talking to a constituent who had been hit by a distracted driver 4 days earlier. The constituent was severely bruised, using a knee walker, and lucky to be alive. This is one example of why this bill is so urgently needed.
In 2018, following a tragic death in Cambridge, I filed legislation requiring trucks to have working backup cameras. That bill was included in the 2022 Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities, which requires backup cameras on state-operated trucks, as well as side guards, convex mirrors, and crossover mirrors. This session, I filed An Act expanding truck safety requirements (H.3653) to extend those requirements to trucks that are contracted, leased, or purchased by municipalities, utilities, wireless providers, or quasi-public entities. I will continue to champion policies to ensure that other communities do not have to grieve these preventable losses.
I was pleased to host a policy dialogue along with Senator Sal DiDomenico at the State House this week, bringing together legislators, policy experts, state officials, and nonprofit leaders to examine the findings and recommendations of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Poverty in the Commonwealth. I am grateful to the panelists and Commission members for their participation, and I will continue championing and advocating for these evidence-based interventions.
The Poverty Commission, which Senator DiDomenico and I co-Chaired, is an important tool that affirms that poverty is a temporary state of being. Through meaningful policy and budget solutions, much of the state of poverty can be addressed. It is both our fiscal responsibility and our moral obligation to act.
Immigration Policy Meeting
On Wednesday, I engaged in a productive and meaningful conversation with House Leadership and members of the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus that focused on newly filed immigration legislation, which you may have read about in my email earlier this week, and the broader landscape of immigration policy in Massachusetts and the nation.
The discussion reflected months of thoughtful collaboration, with House Leadership expressing appreciation for the Caucus’s work to reach consensus on their bill, while also acknowledging the deep nuance of the issue and the real limitations the Commonwealth faces in shaping immigration policy. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Chair Dan Cahill and Leader Carlos González, ask questions, and engage in an honest dialogue about what is possible—and what is at stake—moving forward.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I was pleased to attend the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Massachusetts Office Warming Party and celebrate this new space alongside educators, elected officials, and advocates from across the Commonwealth. It was a warm, energizing gathering that reflected AFT Massachusetts’s continued commitment to supporting workers, strengthening public education, and building community. It was especially meaningful to see the garment workers of UNITE HERE lease a portion of their office space to AFT, underscoring the power of labor solidarity. We know that when families are able to work one job that allows them to afford rent, put food on the table, and meet their basic needs, children do better in school and teachers have the time and bandwidth to focus on education. The new office is more than just a workspace—it’s a hub for organizing, collaboration, and collective action, and it was wonderful to mark this milestone together.
I joined the “ICE Out Everywhere” rally at the State House on Saturday morning. In Massachusetts, we continue to stand arm-in-arm with communities and organizers in Minnesota and Maine demanding justice and humanity for immigrants everywhere. No human is illegal. I hope that you saw the email I sent earlier this week about actions that Massachusetts is taking to protect immigrants and our communities.
On Tuesday, I stopped by a legislative and budget briefing held by the Coalition for Homeless Individuals, which represents more than 60 community-based providers from across the Commonwealth that serve individuals experiencing homelessness. The programs provide shelter, transition, and supportive housing in a system that is under extreme stress with more demand and less federal support. I am deeply grateful to organizations like Pine Street Inn, not only for the services that they provide, but also for their advocacy. This issue is at the heart of my career in public service, and I will continue working to ensure that service providers have the resources that they need.
I was happy to welcome students from Buenos Aires to the State House this week. I showed them around the building, brought them to the floor of the House Chamber, and had an engaging conversation with them in my office. Please reach out if you would like to arrange a visit by calling 617-722-2130 or emailing Marjorie.Decker@MAHouse.gov.
I continue to be actively working with my colleagues to protect Massachusetts residents from the harmful actions of both the Trump administration and of Secretary Robert F. Kennedy. Even as recently as this week, Secretary Kennedy came out with directives that will harm hospitals and community health center funding and could potentially revoke the licenses of providers who carry on offering gender-affirming care to their patients. We remain closely engaged on this with providers and had another marathon meeting to try to figure out how Massachusetts can protect our hospitals, community health centers, and providers while ensuring that we’re centering the patient care that all families and adolescents deserve.
If you have a loved one or know someone who is an adolescent receiving gender-affirming care, call your primary care provider, who will have the most up-to-date information. If you have additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to my office directly. I’m happy to help in navigating this very challenging and difficult time.
I had the opportunity to host a legislative briefing at Cambridge Cohousing, where residents came together for a wide-ranging and substantive discussion. We explored topics including recent immigration legislation proposed by the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus and An Act relative to end of life options. It is always a highlight to catch up with many longtime friends and former neighbors, as well as to meet new folks, while discussing current legislative priorities and addressing questions and concerns about how policy decisions affect daily life. I’m grateful to the residents for their warm hospitality and for their thoughtful engagement throughout the conversation.
My staff attended a Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) Public Policy Briefing at the State House on Thursday, with the theme “Finding the Way Forward Together.” The conversation highlighted the importance of collaboration across sectors to address poverty and economic insecurity, and underscored the critical role that community action agencies play in supporting families and strengthening communities across the Commonwealth.
Earlier today, my staff attended Cambridge Public Library’s 2026 Legislative Breakfast and joined library leaders, staff, and fellow community members for a thoughtful conversation about the role our libraries play in civic life. The breakfast was a great opportunity to hear directly about the Library’s priorities, the challenges it faces, and the impact it has on residents of all ages. As someone who benefited immensely from bookmobiles and the library system growing up, I am always heartened by Cambridge Public Library’s commitment to access, learning, and community—and grateful for the chance to engage in dialogue about how we can continue to support this essential public resource.
Public Health Updates
Measles Outbreak in South Carolina Reaches Historic Levels, Local Immunization Rates Below Protective Thresholds
South Carolina health department officials have reported 29 new cases since last Friday, bringing the total to 876 since last October. Of these cases, 786 are in children under 18, and 91% of the cases occurred in unvaccinated people. This is the largest U.S. measles outbreak in 25 years. Measles, also known as rubeola, is a contagious viral illness. An infected person can spread measles four days before symptoms, such as rash, fever, and cough, may begin. As of January 29th, 118 additional cases outside of South Carolina have been reported across the U.S. in 2026. Nationally, the U.S. is at risk of losing its measles elimination status, which requires at least 12 months without disease transmission in that region. Because measles is highly contagious, at least 95% of the population must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity. The current national measles vaccination average is 92.5%, although many regions, including the epicenter of the South Carolina outbreak, average below that. In Massachusetts, it is recommended that individuals be vaccinated against measles by receiving the MMR vaccine at 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose in kindergarten. 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 https://www.mass.gov/info-details/measles.
Planned Parenthood Withdraws Lawsuit After Court Upholds Medicaid Cuts
Planned Parenthood withdrew its federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration for Medicaid cuts to abortion providers last Friday. Since July, Planned Parenthood and two Planned Parenthood members – Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah – have been fighting to overturn a section in Trump’s 2025 tax bill aimed at blocking Medicaid and federal funding to abortion providers. However, a federal appeals court ruled in December that Medicaid funding could continue to be withheld from health centers. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood’s patients depend on Medicaid, and since being defunded, 23 of their health clinics have been forced to close, with 75% of Planned Parenthood closures being in medically underserved areas or in health care deserts. One in three women says that they have gone to a Planned Parenthood clinic for care. When Texas cut off funding from Planned Parenthood clinics in 2016, claims for long-acting contraception decreased by more than 30% in the state, and Medicaid-financed births rose 27%. Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) is still in operation and providing services. Patients with Medicaid (MassHealth and Medicaid Managed plans) can use Medicaid coverage at PPLM for anything BUT abortion care. Patients should keep their appointments and call 1-800-258-448 to get the care they need. For more information about how this will impact MassHealth patients in Massachusetts, please visit https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-massachusetts/online-health-center/medicaid-information.
Illinois and NYC Join the WHO after the Trump Administration Withdrew the US
On Tuesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the state will join the World Health Organization (WHO), specifically the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). This coordinated international network includes public health institutions, national governments, academic centers, laboratories, and response organizations focused on detecting and responding to global disease outbreaks. Membership in the WHO will provide Illinois with direct access to resources, including timely global alerts, outbreak intelligence, public health networks, and opportunities for technical collaboration. Illinois has followed California's lead, becoming the second state to join the WHO's pandemic response network after the Trump Administration officially withdrew the U.S. from the WHO last week. As an agency of the United Nations, WHO plays a crucial role in protecting public health and responding to global health emergencies. Public health experts have criticized this decision, calling it shortsighted, misguided, and reckless. Following Illinois' decision, New York City's Health Department announced on Wednesday that it would also join GOARN. I am working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to explore what it would be like for the Commonwealth to do this.
Attorney General Campbell announces over $200,000 in New Pharmaceutical Settlement Funds and Additional Lawsuits Against Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
On Tuesday, Attorney General Campbell and a bipartisan coalition of 47 states and territories settled with two major pharmaceutical companies, Lannett and Bausch. The Commonwealth will receive a $203,410 payout, and eligible residents will be able to seek compensation. The companies were accused of artificially inflating prices and minimizing competition and trade for generic prescription drugs, such as anti-depressants, blood pressure stabilizers, and diabetes medications. Lannett Company, Inc., based in Pennsylvania, manufactures over 100 pharmaceutical products. Bausch, headquartered in New Jersey, develops and markets a wide range of pharmaceutical products. Purchasers of certain generic prescription drugs manufactured by Lannett or Bausch between May 2009 and December 2019 may be eligible to receive a portion of the $9 million earmarked for consumer restitution. For more information about eligibility and filing a claim, consumers can refer to the AG Generic Drugs Settlement website. Attorney General Campbell and Attorneys General across the nation also filed a new lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies Novartis and Sandoz, Novartis’ generics subsidiary. The suit alleges that the manufacturers engaged in illegal and anti-competitive practices with other drug companies. The Novartis and Sandoz complaint is the latest legal action from Attorney General Campbell; she has confronted the conspiratorial behavior of pharmaceutical companies on several occasions. Last year, she filed a lawsuit in Suffolk County Superior Court against insulin manufacturers such as Eli Lilly and Sanofi for their discriminatory drug pricing practices. In 2025, Attorney General Campbell and a coalition of states and territories also sought preliminary court approval of a nearly $40 million settlement with the manufacturer Apotex related to a conspiracy to inflate costs and reduce competition.
Second Surge of Flu Cases Driven by New Influenza B Variant
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that after several weeks of decline, flu activity is increasing for a second time in the U.S. The uptick in flu cases is attributed to a new strain: influenza B, which significantly differs from the subclade K strain of influenza A that was the previous driver of flu cases. It is not uncommon for two periods of increased flu transmission to occur in one season; notably, this occurred during the 2024-2025 flu season. The CDC has reported 52 pediatric flu deaths this season, putting this season on track to be more fatal than last. At this time last year, there were only 47 pediatric flu deaths recorded. To protect yourself and others from severe infection, it is crucial to get vaccinated. This season’s flu vaccine included two influenza type A strains and one influenza type B. Although the exact influenza B strain contributing to increased cases is not included in the flu vaccine, data still show that the flu vaccine is effective at reducing the risk of acute illness leading to hospitalization. Given the projected severity of the rest of this flu season, state health officials are urging people to get vaccinated if possible, especially those at high risk for severe illness. People at an increased risk for an acute infection due to influenza include people over the age of 65, people with chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, young children, and pregnant people. 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.
Cambridge Updates
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
City Budget Walk-Throughs 2/7 and 2/11
The Cambridge Budget Office is hosting interactive sessions on Saturday, February 7 from 2-4pm at the King Open School (850 Cambridge St) and Wednesday, February 11 from 6-8pm at the Citywide Senior Center (806 Mass Ave). City leaders and staff will break down how the budget is developed, how funding decisions are made, and how residents can meaningfully participate in future budget-shaping opportunities. Light food and refreshments will be provided. Register here.
Free interpretation services will be available at both events, upon request. Please email accesshelp@cambridgema.gov to submit a request for either date.
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.
Recent Press
MassPIRG
BOSTON – Federal energy and water efficiency standards have significantly reduced health-harming pollution, electricity demand and household utility costs over the last decade in Massachusetts, according to new analysis by the Appliance Standards Awareness Project released by MASSPIRG and Environment Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts legislature is considering H.3477 – An Act Relative to Clean Lighting and appliance efficiency standards, filed by Rep. Marjorie Decker. The bill, if passed, would phase out the sale of inefficient fluorescent light bulbs and adopt new and or update appliance efficiency standards for 8 commercial and/or residential appliances in Massachusetts.
“The cheapest, cleanest and safest energy – is the energy we do not use,” said Deirdre Cummings, MASSPIRG’s legislative director. “At a time when Congress is considering rollbacks, Massachusetts can keep making progress. In fact, if this bill passes – by 2050 Massachusetts households and businesses would save more than $1.8 billion on their utility bills, would avoid 49 lbs of toxic mercury waste, and avoid 894,000 metric tons of planet-warming carbon dioxide pollution.”
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
