Friday, January 16th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Jan 20
- 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.
“Stop ICE Terror” Rally in Copley Square on Tuesday 1/20
We have an opportunity to come together and say no to ICE on Tuesday, January 20th at 5:00PM in Copley Square. This rally is part of a nationwide shutdown marking one year of the second Trump administration. I know that many of you have been joining rallies and marches, contacting your elected officials, and standing up for your communities in the face of ICE terror — I am deeply grateful to all of you for continuing to show up and speak out. I share your outrage and I will keep fighting in the State House to keep Massachusetts residents safe.
Upcoming Office Hours
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Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
Prior Authorization Reform in Massachusetts
On Wednesday afternoon, I joined members of the Healey administration and my colleagues in the Legislature for an announcement on measures to lower health care costs in Massachusetts. The new Department of Insurance regulations will eliminate prior authorization approvals for a range of services, including emergency and urgent care, primary care, chronic care, occupational and physical therapy, and certain prescription drugs. The announcement also included the creation of the Health Care Affordability Working Group to target the underlying causes of high costs.
My colleagues and I will continue to advance legislation that reins in the exorbitant costs of health care in Massachusetts.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Friday evening, I presented Jamie’s Ice Cream Co. with a citation congratulating them on one year of operation in Cambridge. As demonstrated by the long line for $1 “birthday” scoops, Jamie’s has become a beloved neighborhood institution. Stop by and try their delicious ice cream, sandwiches, and other treats if you haven’t yet!
I attended a Baldwin Neighborhood Council Meeting on Wednesday evening to hear from Cambridge residents Elizabeth Badger, Senior Attorney at the PAIR Project, and Ragini Shah, Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the Immigrant Justice Clinic at Suffolk University, about developments in the immigration landscape and how they are affecting local communities.
I was deeply moved by their presentation. We are committed to keeping our communities safe by standing up for our neighbors and pushing back against actions that create fear, separate families, or destabilize our neighborhoods.
On Thursday morning, I met with the co-directors of the Cambridge Holistic Emergency Alternative Response Team (HEART). HEART is a confidential, peer-operated helpline and resource that provides support to community members in crisis. Because crisis can mean different things to different people, HEART takes a multidimensional, community-centered approach to supporting each person’s safety and well-being. HEART is not affiliated with law enforcement and will offer emotional support, empathy, and a listening ear to those who need it. You can call 617-902-0102 and leave a message or email help@cambridge-heart.org to connect with someone.
My morning was full of laughter and tears as I joined the celebration of Patrol Officer Devon Brooks’s retirement from the Cambridge Police Department on Friday morning. Devon has devoted over three decades of his life to serving Cambridge. Before joining the Police Department in 1995, he spent 10 years as a Youth Counselor at the Area IV Youth Center, building strong, lasting relationships with young people across our city. Over the years, Devon served in many roles, including Operations, Training (both at the Academy and alongside student officers), Community Relations, and the Family and Social Justice Unit, always leading with compassion, mentorship, and a deep commitment to our community. One of my favorite photos of my daughter is from her running the Cambridge 5K, with Devon biking alongside her — such a perfect snapshot of who Devon is and how he shows up for our families. I am deeply grateful for Devon's extraordinary service and friendship, and I wish him a long, happy, and well-deserved retirement. I am excited for him, but it will be a huge loss for the Cambridge community.
I was proud to join the ACLU of Massachusetts’ Community Over Chaos unity gathering today to kick off Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Chaos has no place here in Massachusetts — we will continue to choose joy in community over chaos.
The energy in the room was inspirational after a week steeped in destruction.
Congratulations to Arnita Cooper, a longtime water aerobics instructor at the YMCA, who received the Roxbury Legacy Award; and to Mike Kozu, co-director of Project R.I.G.H.T. Inc., who received the Community Champion Award.
Public Health Updates
Massachusetts Officials Announce Efforts to Improve Access to Care and Lower Health Care Spending through the Elimination of Prior Authorization Requirements
On Wednesday, Governor Maura Healey, the Massachusetts Legislature, and state health care leaders announced new measures to lower health care costs by reducing administrative burdens on medical providers, making it easier and more affordable for residents to get the health care they need in Massachusetts. Specifically, the Division of Insurance will establish regulations to streamline prior authorization practices for many routine and essential services, which will apply to all insurers in Massachusetts. The new regulations will eliminate prior authorization approvals for a wide range of services, including emergency and urgent care, primary care, chronic care, occupational and physical therapy, and certain prescription drugs. These efforts will reduce delays in care and allow providers to focus more on patient care. The new regulations will require insurers to respond to urgent requests within 24 hours and ensure care is not disrupted when patients switch insurance plans. State officials also announced the creation of the Health Care Affordability Working Group, tasked with advancing proposals to reduce health care costs and make health care more affordable for patients, families, and employers. The working group will be composed of leaders in insurance, health care, business, and labor, and will focus on underlying drivers of high health care costs and will develop recommendations.
DPH Issues Independent, Evidence-Based Pediatric Vaccine Schedule Following CDC’s Decision to Reduce the Number of Critical Vaccines Recommended for All Children
Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to overhaul the childhood and adolescent immunization schedule by removing six critical vaccines, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued its own evidence-based childhood immunization schedule, independent of the CDC. This effort was made possible through action taken by the Massachusetts Legislature that gives DPH the authority to set a state-level vaccine schedule independent of the CDC’s recommendations, ensuring that adolescents can continue to access evidence-based vaccines. DPH’s pediatric vaccine recommendations align with those issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which continues to recommend that children receive all vaccines the CDC no longer recommends, including hepatitis A and B, influenza, rotavirus, COVID-19, meningococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The AAP is a national professional organization representing pediatric physicians across the nation. In addition to ensuring that physicians in Massachusetts reference an evidence-based vaccine schedule, DPH has also directed physicians to continue to follow all state immunization requirements, including those related to school and camp entry and to reporting pediatric vaccinations to the Massachusetts Immunization Information System.
Federal Judge Orders HHS to Restore Previously Revoked American Academy of Pediatrics Grants
A federal judge in D.C. issued a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration on Sunday, ordering the restoration of almost $12 million in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced it had cancelled millions of dollars in grants awarded to AAP, including grants aimed at reducing sudden infant death, early detection of autism, improving teen mental health, and expanding 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. The cuts in grant funding came 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. AAP alleged the cuts were retaliatory, aimed specifically at the group for speaking out against the Trump administration’s positions and actions targeting the American healthcare system. Citing this evidence, U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ordered the Trump Administration to restore the previously revoked funding, saying that the evidence showed that HHS likely had a retaliatory motive when terminating grants. HHS may not terminate these funds until the litigation has concluded.
Trump Administration Attempts to Cut $2B in Mental Health and Addiction Services Funding, Then Reverses Decision
The Trump administration sent out letters to hundreds of mental health and addiction services organizations across the U.S., informing them that grant funding they received through the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) would be terminated effective immediately. However, after significant public pushback, the Trump Administration suddenly reversed its decision – reinstating the grants less than 24 hours after they issued cancellation notices. SAMHSA did not confirm the number of grants it intended to claw back; estimates suggest that upwards of 2,800 grants, totaling about $2 billion, were subject to the initial round of funding termination letters. According to the letters SAMHSA issued, the grants it tried to cancel were those that did not "align with the Trump administration's priorities." A significant portion of the funding that would have been impacted was allocated to nonprofit organizations providing community-based services to people experiencing mental health issues, addiction, or homelessness. In Massachusetts, SAMHSA's attempted grant cancellation would have cost both private and public programs across the state tens of millions of dollars, including over $5 million from the state's public health and mental health departments, $2 million from a program providing care coordination for people with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders, $1.5 million from youth suicide prevention programing, and $500,000 from services for young people experiencing psychosis.
HRSA Releases New Guidelines Authorizing At-Home HPV Testing
Last week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the federal Health and Human Services Department (HHS), released new guidelines allowing women ages 30 to 65 at average risk of cervical cancer to opt for a self-administered human papillomavirus (HPV) test at home. In 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a kit that allows women to collect their own vaginal samples for HPV screening rather than undergoing a Pap smear, but those tests could only be used in health care settings. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection that, while it usually goes away on its own, can cause almost all cervical cancers. According to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed, and 4,000 women die of cervical cancer in the U.S. However, cervical cancer is very preventable with the HPV vaccine and regular screening. The new HRSA guidance reflects the latest research showing that HPV tests, compared to Pap smears, can increase the detection of abnormal cells in the cervix that may lead to cancer. Insurance companies must comply with the new screening guidelines by January 1, 2027.
Cambridge Updates
Monday, January 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
St. Paul AME Church, 37 Bishop Allen Dr., Cambridge, MA 02139
This year’s program centers on the theme Community Begins With Us, emphasizing reflection, shared responsibility, and collective action. It will feature musical selections by the Millennium Gospel Choir and a keynote address by Roeshana Moore-Evans. Through music and spoken word, the program will honor Dr. King’s legacy and invite participants to reflect on how community is something we actively build together. The program will be live-streamed via Zoom (registration required).
Monday, January 19, 2-5 p.m.
Welcome Gathering at Central Square Church – 2 p.m.
Hands-on Service and Learning Projects - 2:30–5 p.m.
For Individuals, Friends and Families: Cambridge City Hall and Cambridge Senior Center
For Pre-Registered Groups: YWCA Cambridge and Central Square Church
Join MHH365, My Brother's Keeper Cambridge, YWCA Cambridge, Central Square Church, the City of Cambridge, CambridgeArts, Cambridge Community Foundation and others, in lending a helping hand in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy of service.
For 15 years, volunteers have been coming together on MLK Day to provide critical necessities to people served by more than 70 organizations in Cambridge and surrounding towns. The annual goal is to create an experience that brings the community together for the sole purpose of caring for our neighbors. Come by yourself, with friends, family, or an organized group. (When you register there is an option to sign up a group of 10 or more.) Register here.
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.
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
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.
Department of Energy Resources Energy Storage Grant
The Department of Energy Resources (DOER)’s Advancing Massachusetts Power (AMP) energy storage grant program is open for applications. Applicants interested in evaluating the feasibility of an energy storage system to provide community resilience and better prepare them to pursue follow-on implementation funding can apply for the Preconstruction Support pathway by January 26.
The AMP program aims to accelerate the equitable deployment of safe energy storage systems throughout Massachusetts. It prioritizes investments that deliver resilience, reduce pollution, create economic opportunities, and improve public health- especially in environmental justice, low-income, and historically disadvantaged communities.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie
