Friday, January 30th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Feb 2
- 16 min read
Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with legislative, public health, and Cambridge updates. If you want even more updates, please follow me on Instagram @repdecker.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
Menopause Hearing
The Joint Committee on Public Health, which I co-chair, held a hybrid, public hearing this week on bills pertaining to emergency medical services and reproductive health. The hearing included one of my bills, An Act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care (H.4838), a comprehensive bill related to perimenopause and menopause filed in the state to address gaps in awareness, education, health care, and workplace protections related to perimenopause and menopause in Massachusetts. Perimenopause and menopause are not niche issues– these conditions directly impact over half of the population, with women spending more than ⅓ of their lives in menopause. Perimenopause and menopause also have a wider impact on the workforce, oftentimes pushing those impacted out of the workforce before they are ready. Although perimenopause and menopause are predictable life stages, physicians still receive only 1-2 hours of training on these stages during residency.
Stakeholders from across the spectrum testified in support of H4838, including physicians certified to treat menopause, menopause coaches, people with lived experience, the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association.
House Passes AED & Apprenticeship Bills
The House voted this week to pass two bills that I filed: An Act requiring automated external defibrillators at sporting events, or the “Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act” and An Act Preparing Apprentices through Training, Hiring, and Skills in Massachusetts, or the PATHS Act. The “Preston Settles Every Minute Counts Act” will require sports facilities, including gyms, stadiums, and sports centers, to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. The PATHS Act will expand apprenticeship opportunities and strengthen the Commonwealth’s skilled workforce, which we also know is a direct path to reducing poverty. I am proud to lead these efforts to build on the standards we have already set in Massachusetts to safeguard public health and our workforce.
Legislative Briefing on Childhood Immunizations
This week, I attended a briefing hosted by my colleague, Representative Andy Vargas, and Massachusetts Families for Vaccines. Speakers at the briefing emphasized the critical importance of vaccines and highlighted An Act relative to routine childhood immunizations (H.2554). This bill would protect public health across the Commonwealth by removing the non-medical exemption for required school vaccines. As Public Health Chair, I prioritized this bill and reported it favorably from my Committee this past July.
Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition Tax Season Briefing
On Wednesday, my staff attended a briefing held by the Healthy Families Tax Credits Coalition, a statewide group working to expand refundable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Family Tax Credit (CFTC). The briefing highlighted An Act supporting families through enhanced tax credits (H. 3073), which I filed alongside Representative Andy Vargas and Senator Sal DiDomenico. The bill would increase the tax credits and ensure that more people can access them. Residents can go to findyourfunds.org to see which tax credits are available to them and if they are eligible for free tax help.
Governor Files FY27 Budget
On Wednesday, Governor Healey released her budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year. As a reminder, the Governor files their budget in January, and it comes to the House in April, the Senate in May, and then the House and Senate work to reconcile the differences in a conference committee in June. I am grateful to see that the TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) benefits that go to our most economically vulnerable families have not been cut.
Immigrant Justice Legislation
I am pleased to share that this week, the AFL-CIO MA Board endorsed legislation I filed alongside my colleague, Representative Michael Day, An Act relative to access to justice (H.1635) as a priority for the organization. This bill would prohibit the Massachusetts RMV from sharing information with federal agencies for immigration purposes, forbid courts and prosecutors from asking victims, family, and witnesses about their immigration status, and ensure that agencies are only notified about people attending court proceedings when required to do so by federal law As you may know from reading my emails, I have filed this legislation for the past four sessions.
On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus introduced the PROTECT Act (An Act promoting rule of law, oversight, trust, and equal constitutional treatment), which incorporates provisions from An Act relative to access to justice. The PROTECT Act also includes protections for immigrant communities, safeguards our courts, and ensures consistent due process and equal protection under the law. I am proud to co-sponsor this omnibus legislation, which is the result of many months of discussions between lawmakers, immigrants, and other stakeholders.
In addition, Governor Healey has introduced legislation that would ban federal immigration enforcement from entering churches, schools, courthouses, childcare programs, and hospitals; make it illegal for another state to deploy its National Guard in Massachusetts without the Governor’s permission; and allow parents to pre-arrange guardianship for their children in case they are detained or deported. The Governor also signed an Executive Order to ban new 287(g) immigration enforcement agreements "unless there is a public safety need," prohibit ICE from making civil arrests in non-public areas of state facilities, and ban the use of state property for immigration enforcement staging.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Thank you to everyone who joined my recent office hours, including everyone who trekked out in the snow on Monday. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from each of you, learn more about community needs, and talk about how we can move forward together on ICE, cuts to health care funding, energy efficiency, and protecting the Commonwealth.
On Monday, I met with some of the founders of the Boston Sex Workers and Allies Collective to discuss the issue of decriminalization of sex work. We had an important conversation about safety, health, and the lived experiences of sex workers, and the ways policy can better protect people from harm. I’m grateful for their advocacy and for the opportunity to listen and learn directly from those closest to this work.
I joined Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Undersecretary Power and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner LaChapelle at a meeting of the Charles River Task Force on Equitable River Access on Wednesday at the offices of Task Force consultant Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). This workshop-style session was held to allow the Task Force to discuss the feedback received so far in depth. We reiterated that the Task Force must continue centering its mission: to develop a set of recommendations for DCR to integrate into its projects moving forward and to establish a framework for consistent communication with communities of color and low-income residents in Cambridge. I continue to work alongside DCR, EEA, MAPC, Task Force members, and community members to ensure the Task Force fulfills its goal of creating intentional and inclusive community engagement at DCR.
I had the privilege of welcoming constituents from the Equal Justice Coalition (EJC) to the State House on Wednesday. I served as the first Executive Director of the Equal Justice Coalition years ago, and initially developed the EJC logo. I’m proud to have been part of launching the Walk to the Hill 27 years ago. It is always meaningful to see this community, and the private bar, continue to champion the importance of access to justice for everyone, and to witness how the coalition has grown and strengthened over the years. In meetings with constituents who were participating in the event, we talked about the ongoing fight for equal justice, the importance of sustained advocacy, and the critical role community voices play in shaping policy.
It was an honor to join my colleagues at the State House for the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators’ Annual Meeting on Wednesday. I stand alongside passionate members committed to strengthening women’s political power and supporting policies and opportunities that center women.
I was excited to join colleagues and other health care leaders at the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA) 2026 Annual Meeting on Thursday morning. It was great to hear from many passionate leaders and professionals in the healthcare sector who are committed to driving meaningful change and advancing health outcomes. Congratulations to MHA and President/CEO Steve Walsh for an inspiring and informative annual meeting.
On Thursday morning, I met with Dr. Ann Kiessling of the Bedford Research Foundation, along with several of her colleagues, about the state of biomedical research in Massachusetts. My colleagues and I are committed to upholding scientific research in the face of the federal administration slashing grants and funding across a spectrum of areas and disciplines.
I had the opportunity today to tour the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children with the Special Legislative Commission To Conduct A Comprehensive Investigation And Study Into The Future Of The Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital For Children. A school and rehabilitation facility in Canton, Pappas serves children and young adults with complex disabilities. Nearly 25% of kids in the Commonwealth have special health care needs — meaning they require more services than typical peers — yet many families still face barriers accessing care and support. Too often, families struggle to get the services, information, or therapies their children need to thrive, from early intervention through school and beyond. I am committed to addressing these unmet needs and building a system that works for all kids and families in the Commonwealth
Public Health Updates
U.K. Loses Its Measles Elimination Status
The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this week that the U.K. has lost its measles elimination status due to a recent surge in cases: 3,600 in 2024 and 1,000 in 2025. The increase in cases occurred when vaccine coverage fell below 95%, the threshold required for herd immunity. In 2024, for example, the first-dose vaccination rate was 92%, and the second-dose rate was 85%. Measles, also known as rubeola, is a contagious viral illness that causes a rash, fever, and cough. The illness is highly contagious, and about 90% of people exposed to measles who are not immune will develop measles. For a disease to reach “eliminated” status, there must be no transmission within a region for 12 months, and a national surveillance system must be in place to monitor outbreaks. 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.
New Study Finds CDC Databases Face Unexplained Pauses, Leading to Implications for Public Health Monitoring
A new study published Monday in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine found that nearly half of the databases used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to track disease spread and vaccination rates in near real-time have experienced unexplained pauses. Research found that in early 2025, the CDC maintained 82 databases, all of which were updated at least monthly. However, by the end of October 2025, 46% of these regularly updated databases encountered unexplained pauses. Nearly 90% of the paused databases were related to vaccination surveillance. Researchers noted that these unexplained pauses began predominantly in March and April of 2025, shortly after Donald Trump assumed the presidency. The study also suggests budget constraints may have played a role, as the CDC was directed to reduce spending by approximately $2.9 billion within a few weeks. Public health experts warn that these pauses make it more difficult to assess vaccination coverage at national or regional levels, consequently making it harder to address new outbreaks.
New Study Finds Association Between Menopause and Reduced Brain Volume
A new study published in the Cambridge University journal Psychological Medicine found an association between menopause and changes in the brain’s grey matter similar to what is seen in people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Grey matter is a central nervous system tissue found in the brain and spinal cord, critical for information processing and reasoning. Loss of grey matter leads to cognitive decline and impairment. Notably, women are twice as likely as men to develop Alzheimer’s. Researchers analyzed brain scans of over 10,500 participants. They found that the scans of postmenopausal participants showed a lower volume of grey matter, specifically in parts of the brain responsible for storing and retrieving memories and regulating emotions. Scientists also examined whether hormone replacement therapy (HRT), one of the most effective treatments for menopause, would reduce neurological symptoms associated with menopause, including loss of grey matter, anxiety, and depression. Participants taking HRT to treat menopause were found to have lower volumes of grey matter in some areas of the brain than those who did not receive HRT.
CDC Suddenly Pauses $5B in Public Health Grant Funds, Raising Concerns Among State Officials Before Funding Was Reinstated
Recently, local and state health officials across the country were notified of a sudden pause in more than $5 billion in Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Notably, all 50 states, Washington DC, and 8 territories receive some level of PHIG funding. PHIG funding supports health departments, national public health partners, direct service delivery, and emergency preparedness infrastructure. It also invests in data modernization, workforce retention, and disease surveillance. HHS lifted the pause in PHIG grants only hours after initially instating it. HHS claimed the pause was necessary to implement a new process to review how PHIG funds are being used and ensure alignment with agency priorities. This incident adds to a pattern of sudden funding cuts by the Trump Administration, which have often been reversed within a short timeframe without further explanation. While the brief pause may not lead to immediate financial issues, it has caused confusion among public health agencies nationwide.
Trump Administration Expands Mexico City Policy, Barring Aid to Foreign Organizations Involved in Abortion-Related Care and Equity Work
The Trump Administration announced an expansion of the Mexico City Policy, which bars foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that receive federal global health funding from providing or promoting abortions and abortion-related care. Changes to this policy are not rare: since it was first implemented in 1985 by President Reagan, it has only been in effect for 22 of the following 41 years, with administrations rescinding and reinstating it depending on political affiliation. In his first term, President Trump expanded the policy to cover nearly $9 billion in international health program funds. The 2026 rule, which will take effect on February 26, goes a step further. It mandates that organizations receiving foreign assistance may not promote "gender ideology, discriminatory equity ideology, and unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)." Moreover, the updated policy applies to international organizations, domestic NGOs, and foreign NGOs. With the new rules on gender and equity, certain foreign organizations – such as those that provide health care to LGBTQ+ individuals and those that treat conditions for which racial or ethnic groups bear a disproportionate burden – may lose access to U.S. funding.
Eli Lilly and Repertoire Partner to Develop Autoimmune Disease Therapies
In an $85 million deal, Repertoire Immune Medicines, a Cambridge-based biotech company, will partner with Eli Lilly & Co., a pharmaceutical company, to develop therapies for autoimmune diseases. A recent Mayo Clinic study estimated that approximately 15 million people in the US have one or more of 105 autoimmune diseases. As part of this deal, Repertoire Immune Medicines will utilize its discovery platform focused on T cells— a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight infections—to create drug candidates that target the underlying causes of specific autoimmune diseases. This partnership marks Repertoire's fourth collaboration with a top-15 pharmaceutical firm in two years.
Cambridge Updates
Free Health Screening at CCC
The Cambridge Community Center (CCC) is partnering with Care Access to offer free health screenings at the Center Court Game at CCC on Saturday, January 31 from 10am - 2pm. Bringing health services and advancing the future of medicine for people of all backgrounds is the center of the Care Access mission. Anyone 18 and older is welcome to participate, no insurance or payment is needed, and the tests include both standard medical screenings done at the doctor’s office as well as additional tests that insurance does not normally cover.
Memorial Drive Phase III Construction Public Meeting Feb. 5
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is holding a virtual public meeting to provide updates for the Memorial Drive Phase III construction pertaining to landscape maintenance and access to Riverbend Park on Thursday, February 5th from 6pm – 7pm. The public will be invited to ask questions during the meeting, after the presentation. Register for the meeting via the Zoom Registration Link and please visit the project page for further information on this project.
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
NEW: Guidance for Immigrants and their Employers
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute and the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition 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.
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
