Friday, July 11th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Jul 14
- 11 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.
I also want to share a job opening in my office for the position of Staff Director. As the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health and a State Representative for Cambridge, I am seeking an experienced individual to support my legislative, district, and Committee work. For more information and to apply, visit the MassCareers job posting.
Table of Contents
Intern Spotlights
Legislative Updates
Public Health Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Intern Spotlights
Each summer, my office hosts several interns who get an opportunity to learn about the legislative process, explore their policy interests, and hear from legislators, agency officials, and advocates at the daily speaker series. Each of the interns has been invaluable in assisting my staff with constituent, legislative, and public health-related responsibilities, and I am thrilled to have them as part of the team through the next several weeks.
Ella Lehrich
Ella grew up in North Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge Rindge and Latin in 2024. She is now studying at Barnard College in New York and is majoring in Education Studies. Outside of class, she is the president of the America Reads teaching club, where she helps college students become assistant teachers in local schools. In her free time, she is part of Planned Parenthood, the student radio, and an on-campus magazine. This summer, she has enjoyed learning to write testimonies, attending the speakers series, going to hearings, and participating in local events in her community. She is very glad to spend the summer working on issues affecting where she grew up.
Evelyn Almeida
Evelyn was born and raised in Cambridge and is a rising junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. She has been a part of her High School's girls varsity tennis team since her freshman year and plans to continue. This is her second summer interning at the State House, and she is very excited to learn more about what goes on here. Evelyn is interested in psychology, languages, and international travel. She is taking an early college class, junior year, at Lesley through CRLS to learn more about psychology. Evelyn plans to pursue this interest beyond high school, helping others.
Josephine Nichols
Josephine is a Cambridge native and a rising junior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School. She has interests in politics, philosophy, literature, and international relations, which she has pursued through prior internships at the Cambridge Mayor’s Office, the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women, and currently at Representative Decker’s Office. During the school year, she continues to explore these interests by staying active in her school’s debate, tennis, and Model UN teams, and by managing social media for the schoolwide literary magazine, The Bridge. Josephine is excited to observe the inner workings of state government and contribute to local policy work through her internship this summer.
Mia Soldtwedel
Mia is excited to be working in the office this summer. She has German and Peruvian heritage and has lived in both Peru and Germany before moving to Mid-Cambridge. She is a rising senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where she serves as a Mediator. During the school year, she interned at Harvard’s Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology through the Teen Saturday Workshops, a program that introduced teens to the museum’s use of VR technology and other innovative practices. This summer, she has enjoyed attending Speaker Series events and Public Health Committee hearings. A highlight so far has been observing how legislation is shaped through committee work and testimony, as well as learning how social media can be used effectively to share updates about the new fiscal budget and its impact on Representative Decker’s constituents in Cambridge.
Patrick Cincotti
Patrick, born and raised in Brighton, spends a lot of his time across the river in Cambridge. A rising sophomore at Vassar College, Patrick is interested in studying Political Science and Economics with a focus on labor inequality as well as prison reform. During the summer, he has attended a variety of events, ranging from the intern speaker series, where he’s heard from various governing officials and lobbyists, as well as hearings for the Public Health Committee. Patrick enjoys writing testimony for bills as well as listening to advocates support bills. When he’s not at the State House, Patrick is lifeguarding at Magazine Beach Pool.
Legislative Updates
The Department of Public Health and the Department of Agricultural Resources, in partnership with the Joint Committee on Public Health, held a virtual informational briefing on Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV) to discuss the Commonwealth's approach to managing these mosquito-borne viruses. Dr. Catherine Brown, State Epidemiologist and State Public Health Veterinarian, and Taryn LaScola, Director, Crop and Pest Services Division, presented their findings, testing and prevention tools, and annual public awareness campaign efforts. Vice Chair of the Committee, Representative Sally Kerans, spoke on the importance of a multi-agency response for surveillance and communication, which is crucial for identifying areas at risk for human disease, sharing findings with local health agencies and municipalities, and providing guidance on control actions to mitigate disease risk.
As Chair of the Public Health Committee, I look forward to continuing to work with them on informing the public and Legislature about mosquito-borne diseases.
On Thursday, I chaired a Public Health Committee hearing on bills relating to reproductive health, health equity, vital records, disease prevention, screening and treatment, and miscellaneous public health matters. As always, I am grateful for those who took time out of their day to testify, some after driving hours through the rain. I particularly appreciate those who shared their deeply personal stories in the hope of preventing others from suffering. Testimony from the public, whether written or oral, is essential to deepening my and my staff’s understanding of these issues as we review the over 400 bills before us and decide how to categorize and prioritize them.
Public Health Updates
Massachusetts and National Health Organizations Sue HHS over Vaccine Policy Changes
On Monday, several major national medical organizations, including leading Massachusetts organizations, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming “unlawful, unilateral vaccine changes” due to recent decisions limiting access to vaccines and undermining trust in vaccines among the public. The six groups, which represent pediatricians, infectious disease physicians, and public health professionals, include the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians (ACP), and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM). They filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in an effort to “defend vaccine policy and put an end to the Secretary’s assault on science, public health, and evidence-based medicine.” The lawsuit cites Secretary Kennedy’s announcement in May that COVID-19 vaccines would no longer be included in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommended immunization schedules for healthy children and pregnant individuals.
Surge in Tick Activity Across the Northeast, including Massachusetts
This summer, emergency departments (EDs) across the Northeastern region of the U.S. are experiencing a significant increase in tick bite cases, with levels at their highest since 2019. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Tick Bite Data Tracker, there have been 191 tick bites per 100,000 ED visits so far this July, whereas there were only 92 for the entire month of July in 2024. Ticks are known to carry a number of illnesses, including Lyme disease, Alpha-gal syndrome, and Powassan virus. In Massachusetts, the counties with the highest number of tick-borne disease visits are Plymouth, with 111 visits, followed by Dukes/Nantucket, with 107 visits, and Bristol, with 99 visits. Most cases of tick-borne diseases occur from June to August, and children between the ages of 5 and 14, as well as older adults, are most frequently diagnosed with tick-borne diseases.
U.S. Reporting the Highest Number of Measles Cases in 33 Years
In the last 7 months, the U.S. has experienced an unprecedented increase in measles cases, with over 1,200 confirmed cases — the highest recorded number of cases in three decades and the highest number of cases since the disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago. Cases of measles have been reported in more than 36 states, as well as the District of Columbia. The largest outbreak to date has occurred in Texas, with the state reporting 753 cases since the beginning of this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 92% of these cases occurred in people who were not vaccinated against measles or whose vaccination status was unknown. Measles is highly contagious, requiring at least 95% of the population to be vaccinated against the illness to achieve herd immunity.
First Malaria Drug Approved for Newborns and Infants
This week, the first malaria medicine for newborns and infants, known as Coartem Baby, was approved by Switzerland’s medical products authority. The drug was developed by the pharmaceutical company Novartis in collaboration with the Medicines for Malaria Venture, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing accessible antimalarial medicines. The approval of Coartem Baby helps reduce a significant treatment gap – up until now, medical professionals have had to carefully administer antimalarial drugs meant for older children to infants, which comes with the risk of accidental overdose or medication-induced toxicity. Novartis states that it intends to introduce this new drug on a “largely not-for-profit basis” in parts of the world where malaria is endemic.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Monday, I spoke with State House interns at the Intern Speaker Series. I am always excited to connect with the young people who are passionate about public service. The Legislature’s internship speakers series is always informative and engaging. Thank you to Representative Brian Murray, Chair of the House Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, for helping to support the House Internship Program Speaker Series.
While speaking, I shared my work to reduce poverty, promote gun safety, and improve access to healthcare and services throughout the Commonwealth. I also described my journey to public office, which continues to shape my legislative work and dedication to serving my community. Finally, I spoke about the importance of seeking joy as an act of resistance. Through joy, we find the strength to continue to face the moment and the courage to stand up for our values. In light of the attacks we are experiencing from the federal government, it is essential to utilize this practice as we continue to fight to preserve our democracy.
I was impressed by the questions the interns asked during the Q&A portion of the event. I continue to be inspired by the curiosity and brilliance of young people engaging in the legislative process. The future is bright!
I met with Reproductive Equity Now on Monday afternoon as part of my ongoing conversations about how we can ensure access to reproductive and gender-affirming care in Massachusetts, as well as how we can protect patients and providers. Updating the state’s shield law will be critical to these efforts, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House as we once again demonstrate our strong commitment to preserving the rights of privacy and bodily autonomy.
I spoke at the second Brian Donaghue Simpson Naloxone Training on Tuesday, held in honor of my colleague Rep. Kate Donaghue’s son Brian. Brian tragically passed away due to an overdose in 2018. I am grateful to my colleagues Rep. Kate Donaghue, Rep. Mindy Domb and Sen. John Velis (co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery), Rep. Andy Vargas, and Sen. John Keenan for hosting this training and advocacy event. I also appreciate Boston Medical Center for providing training and Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh for her supporting remarks.
We have made significant progress in Massachusetts towards addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to care for substance use disorder, but there is more work to do. I filed An Act relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment (H.2196) with Chair John Lawn in order to establish overdose prevention centers as part of a harm reduction program framework and to provide legal immunity for providers, users, and property owners of harm reduction sites. The fact that overdose prevention centers save lives must outweigh the potential discomfort around opening them.
Cambridge Updates
R-Jay Jones Youth Scholarship Fund
The Cambridge Community Center (CCC) is launching the R-Jay Jones Youth Scholarship Fund to ensure that no child is turned away from our summer or after-school programs due to financial barriers. This fund honors the extraordinary legacy of Ronald “R-Jay” Jones, who has served the CCC for over 50 years. In previous years, your generosity helped fund field trips and enrichment experiences. This year, due to recent cuts in external funding beyond their control, they are shifting their focus to scholarships. Your support will help families continue to access the full range of services the CCC offers, including daily meals, social-emotional support, mentorship, physical activity, and a caring community. If you'd like to include a note to R-Jay with your gift, email it to info@cambridgecc.org with "R-Jay" in the subject line. They will make sure he receives it.
Recent Press
Anna Salvatore, The Provincetown Independent
The state’s fiscal 2026 budget, which Gov. Maura Healey signed into law on July 4, also contains a new Affirming Health Care Trust Fund that aims to pay for transgender health care services in the event that federal funding is cut off.
State Rep. Marjorie Decker of Cambridge, who helped develop the proposal, told the Independent that she spoke with state Dept. of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Cape and Islands state Sen. Julian Cyr, and state Rep. Samantha Montaño of Jamaica Plain before filing a budget amendment to establish the trust fund in April.
“There’s a Sophie’s choice that they’re going to present to our hospitals: ‘If you continue to provide gender-affirming care, then we will threaten to withdraw hundreds of millions of dollars of federal funding,’ ” said Decker.
“Massachusetts is in a position to pivot and provide gender-affirming health care outside the hospital system” if hospitals are prevented from providing that care due to federal rules, said Decker. The trust fund won’t change health care financing in the present, Decker said, but having the fund available means “if we decide we have to, we’re ready to do that.”
Services and Resources
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.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie