Friday, July 18th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Jul 18
- 15 min read
Updated: Jul 21
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
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.
Grace van Bever
Grace van Bever is a Cambridge resident who studies at McGill University in Montreal. As an aspiring doctor, she is excited to be an intern with Representative Decker’s Public Health team. Grace’s interest in public health and women’s health issues drew her into Representative Decker’s office. In her free time, she is a dancer, a seamstress, and recently earned her EMT license. She hopes to complete an English-to-Chinese medical translation certification this coming year and work towards a more equitable, accessible medical field. This summer, she has enjoyed attending and working at the front desk of hearings, doing bill summaries, attending meetings with bill advocates, and learning about the full process that bills undergo, from research and drafting to becoming law.
Eris Dodds
Eris Dodds is enrolled in the Data Analytics and Computational Social Science Program at UMass Amherst. He has previous experience in areas of Psychology, Data Analytics, and Behavioral Sciences, and has worked with teams in the Department of Public Health for Maine and Massachusetts. He is excited to be working with the Office of Marjorie Decker, House Chair of Public Health and continue to explore the relationship between policy, behavior, and public health.
Legislative Updates
Reproductive and Gender Affirming Care Shield Law
On Wednesday, I voted with my House colleagues to pass An Act strengthening health care protections in the Commonwealth, which preserves and protects access for individuals seeking gender affirming and reproductive health care, and also offers protections for providers offering that care. Building on the first shield law that passed in 2022, this legislation prohibits state agencies, employees, and law enforcement from cooperating with other states or federal investigations into reproductive or gender-affirming health care that is legally protected in Massachusetts. It also includes the following provisions:
Restricts businesses that manage electronic health records from sharing patient data connected to these services
Exempts the personally identifying information of patients and providers regarding reproductive and gender-affirming health care from the public records law
Requires hospitals to provide stabilizing health care services to patients presenting with emergency medical conditions
Protects attorneys licensed in Massachusetts from removal or discipline for advising or representing clients on the topics of reproductive or transgender health care services
Prohibits courts from using the laws of other states prohibiting gender-affirming care as grounds to alter custody or visitation rights for children in Massachusetts
I am proud to be part of a body that has prioritized enhancing protections for both patient access to gender-affirming care and reproductive care, as well as protections for providers who offer such care. I have added a list of resources for gender-affirming and reproductive care to the Services and Resources section at the end of this newsletter.
While the passage of the Shield Act 2.0 was exciting, I also want to be clear and highlight the continual and alarming attacks that the federal government is making against the LGBTQ+ community, including the discontinuation of specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. It is despicable that this targeted support for a population that disproportionately faces abuse, harassment, and mental health challenges has been cut, and there are significant concerns that this will lead to less outreach from LGBTQ+ individuals. As federal actions continue to reaffirm, the cruelty is the point. LGBTQ+ youth should still feel comfortable using the 988 hotline, or the youth peer-to-peer text line, Hey Sam.
I am grateful to the advocates, providers, constituents, and parents who have shared their concerns and suggestions with me. I will continue to lead the charge in the Legislature for investing in resources, services, and protections for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hearing on the Protect LABOR Act
On Tuesday, the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development held a hearing on An Act protecting labor and abolishing barriers to organizing rights (H.2086), a new bill I filed this session alongside Senator Paul Feeney and the Massachusetts AFL-CIO in anticipation of the Trump Administration’s attacks on organized labor. Project 2025 made it clear that the federal administration wanted to destroy unions. They are 42% through their blueprint with no plans to stop. This bill would establish state-level private sector organizing rights, permit health care workers to unionize, protect immigrant union members, among a litany of other protections that will be needed should the National Labor Relations Act be repealed or the National Labor Relations Board continue to be disempowered. Notably, this bill is a trigger law, meaning it would only become effective should federal law no longer apply.
During the first Trump Administration, after the Supreme Court’s Janus decision, the state moved to protect public sector unions’ right to organize. H.2086 offers a similar inoculation for private sector unions, ensuring hundreds of locals and thousands of workers retain their right to organize and collectively bargain. This bill offers a direct response to the Trump Administration, and I look forward to continuing to work to advance this bill to protect organized labor in our state.
Letter in Support of Teamsters Local 25
I was proud to join 85 of my colleagues in signing on to a letter to the President of Republic Services in support of the over 400 hardworking members of Teamsters Local 25 who are employed by Republic Services to deliver essential waste and recycling collections services to residents, businesses, and construction sites. Teamsters Local 25 members are on strike to demand fair compensation, an outcome that became unavoidable when Republic Services failed to meet basic standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions. I appreciate Rep. Jessica Giannino and Sen. Paul Feeney’s leadership on this issue and urge Republic Services to return to the bargaining table in good faith.
Hearings on Bills that I Filed
I am grateful to the Chairs of the Financial Services and the Labor and Workforce Development Committees for holding legislative hearings this week on three of my bills:
An Act improving the health insurance prior authorization process (H.1136) would require prior authorization to be valid for the duration of treatment, or at least one year, and establish a 24-hour response time for urgently needed care. Insurers would be required to honor prior authorization from a different insurer for at least 90 days.
An Act protecting labor and abolishing barriers to organizing rights (H.2086) would establish state-level private sector organizing rights, permit health care workers to unionize, protect immigrant union members, among a litany of other protections that will be needed should the National Labor Relations Act be repealed or the National Labor Relations Board continue to be disempowered. Notably, this bill is a trigger law, meaning it would only become effective should federal law no longer apply.
An Act to restore collective bargaining for teachers and other school employees (H.2088) restores collective bargaining rights for teachers and school employees by repealing statutory limitations imposed under the state’s accountability laws. Specifically, it removes language that excludes certain employment conditions and practices from collective bargaining in underperforming and chronically underperforming schools.
Public Health Updates
FDA Convenes Panel to Discuss Menopause, Calling for the Removal of Warnings on Menopause Treatments
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a panel on Thursday to discuss menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), focusing on treatments, education, and comprehensive care beyond mere symptom management. HRT is a treatment that replenishes hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, which are diminished during the menopausal transition. It is often used to alleviate associated symptoms, such as hot flashes, brain fog, and joint pains, and the panel’s goal was to reassess the warnings associated with hormone therapy. In 2003, the FDA issued a black box warning for menopause treatments containing estrogen, noting these medications should not be used to prevent cardiovascular disease or dementia, and they could increase the risks of strokes, blood clots, and probable dementia, which deters doctors from prescribing and people from using this treatment. However, some Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) investigators have argued that NIH officials initially overgeneralized the study's findings, as the data largely focused on women aged 60 and older. A reanalysis of the WHI trial and subsequent studies indicates that the risk of adverse events related to hormone therapy is low for menopausal women, especially those under 60. Specifically, research has shown that hormone replacement therapy can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health, reducing insulin resistance and improving various cardiovascular biomarkers, among other advantages. Despite this evidence, the use of hormone therapy has declined significantly over the past few decades. Approximately 27% of women in menopause in the U.S. were using estrogen in 1999, but by 2020, this figure had dropped to less than 5%.
New Report Estimates Thousands of Deaths Could Result from Trump Medicaid Cuts
A new report published in JAMA Health Forum on Wednesday estimates that cuts to Medicaid in Donald Trump’s domestic policy bill could lead to over 1,000 additional deaths every year. The report also found that the Medicaid cuts could lead to almost 100,000 more hospitalizations annually, and about 1.6 million people may delay seeking care. The Medicaid cuts equal nearly $1 trillion, primarily through the addition of strict work requirements and a reduction in federal funding to the program. Additionally, the budget bill will impose shorter deadlines for filing paperwork, end auto-renewal processes for Medicaid, and require twice-yearly renewals. The report’s projections are based on a previous estimate from the Congressional Budget Office that found changes to Medicaid could result in 7.6 million people in the U.S. losing their health insurance by 2034, including 300,000 Massachusetts residents. In Massachusetts, one in three residents has MassHealth, and several hundred more rely on insurance purchased through the Health Connector, the state marketplace established under the Affordable Care Act. The report found that, by 2034, more than 100 rural hospitals could be at risk of closure, resulting in over 300,000 jobs lost.
Vaccination Rates Decline Globally and Across the U.S.
The World Health Organization (WHO), in partnership with UNICEF, recently published its 2024 data on childhood vaccination rates, and although gains remain modest, the numbers continue to be strong. There are 14 million “zero-dose” children globally, a term the WHO uses to describe children who have never had a single vaccine. The WHO, through its Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), seeks to decrease this number to almost zero by 2030, ensuring that every parent and child has access to these disease-preventing treatments. Children living in conflict zones and humanitarian crises make up 50% of the zero-dose population. The number of zero-dose children shrank by almost 200,000 from 2023 to 2024, falling short of the 10-million-child goal that IA2030 set for 2024. The U.S. is facing declining vaccination rates as well, particularly noticeable since the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased socioeconomic disparities and misinformation on the rise. More than 30 states have seen their vaccination rates decline, according to the CDC. This comes as measles outbreaks are the highest they’ve been in 33 years. Three people have died so far in the U.S. this year despite the disease being declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000. A recent study published in JAMA predicted that a 10% decline in measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage could result in more than 11 million measles infections over the course of 25 years.
Arizona Resident Dies from Pneumonic Plague
Last week, Coconino County Health and Human Services officials confirmed an Arizona resident passed from pneumonic plague, the first recorded death from the disease in the county since 2007. The patient died at Flagstaff Medical Center after attempts to provide life-saving resuscitation. Pneumonic plague is one of three types of plague, including bubonic and septicemic plagues, and is the least common type of plague. Pneumonic plague is also the most dangerous type of plague and the only type of plague capable of human-to-human transmission, although the risk of such transmission is low. Approximately 1,000 to 2,000 people globally are diagnosed with plague each year, and only about seven cases are reported in the United States annually. According to the CDC, pneumonic plague is characterized by fever, headache, weakness, and a rapidly developing pneumonia with shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing. The disease develops through the spread of bacteria to the lungs. Plague can be treated and cured with antibiotics, but treatment must be provided quickly. While Coconino health officials have not confirmed how the patient contracted pneumonic plague, but have stated that the risk of exposure to the public remains low.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Monday, I chaired a Public Health Committee hearing on bills relating to children’s health, tobacco, and professional licensure. I am grateful for those who took time out of their day to testify before the Committee, especially those who shared personal stories with us. Public testimony 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.
On Tuesday morning, I met with constituents who are members of the Mass Power Forward Coalition, the Sierra Club, UU Mass Action, and 350 Mass at the Cambridge Community Center. We had a great conversation about many of their priorities. I am lucky to have constituents who share my values and are advocates for bills that I have had the opportunity to work on and support, including legislation regarding PFAS, indoor and outdoor air quality, and a just transition for workers affected by the move away from fossil fuels.
On Wednesday morning, I visited Cartwheel, located in Central Square. The Cartwheel team comprises mental health professionals who collaborate with students, their families, and schools to deliver individualized mental health care. They are on the front lines of the youth mental and behavioral health crisis, and I am grateful for the work they do to ensure young people get the care they need.
I spoke to fellows from Mountaintop International during their visit to the State House on Thursday. Mountaintop International offers a fellowship program designed to equip local international leaders with the resources and tools to stay in or return to their home communities, contributing to systemic change in lower-income areas worldwide. I had a wonderful and insightful conversation with the fellows on a variety of topics, including housing, poverty, maternal health, and climate, among others.
The fellows asked great questions and were eager to explore and inquire about the Legislature, coalition building, and advocacy skills. I was happy to share my journey into public service, including some of the obstacles and challenges I faced in becoming an effective policymaker, as well as ways to increase women's involvement in politics and policymaking. I also reminded the fellows of the essential work they do and how crucial it is for them to share their journeys in light of the current attacks on our immigrant communities in our federal landscape. Immigrants have and continue to play a pivotal role in the foundation of our nation, and we must come together to foster change.
Thank you to Reed Shafer-Ray, the CEO and Founder of Mountaintop International, for creating this incredible organization and providing support for communities worldwide. I have known Reed since 2018, when he served as president of the Harvard Democrats. His story of his friend who died by suicide inspired me to file the red flag bill in 2018, which successfully passed.
It was a joy to attend the second annual Commonwealth Caribbean Breakfast, celebrating the spirit, culture, and strength of the Caribbean community across Massachusetts. I was excited to nominate Keith Mascoll, a lifetime Cantibridgian and friend, to be honored for his incredible accomplishments. Keith is a producer, actor, and mental health advocate. Through his acting and mental health efforts, he helps uplift the stories of others, especially Black men.
Thank you to my colleague Representative Chris Worrell for partnering with the Boston Caribbean-American Association to recognize the critical contributions of the Caribbean diaspora in the Commonwealth. I am honored to represent a city with a vibrant Caribbean population that has shaped our community.
I joined Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Health & Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah as they announced the creation of an Anti-Hunger Task Force that will work to prevent Massachusetts families from going hungry as President Trump cuts food assistance for children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. The task force is a public-private partnership that will bring together leaders from state and local government, food banks, non-profits and business leaders, as well as those who are directly impacted by federal cuts, such as SNAP recipients, farmers and small business owners. They will develop recommendations for how Massachusetts can mitigate federal cuts to SNAP and other food assistance programs and adopt long-term solutions to hunger.
I appreciate the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment not only to meet the urgency of this moment but also to address the root causes of food insecurity in Massachusetts. The task force’s mission closely aligns with the work of the Special Legislative Commission to Study Poverty in the Commonwealth, which I co-chaired with Sen. Sal DiDomenico. We are working to finalize and publish the Poverty Commission’s report as well as to advance An Act significantly alleviating poverty (HD4622), the ASAP Act. This omnibus anti-poverty bill targets the root causes of food insecurity and poverty by giving people increased direct cash benefits and more economic opportunities.
I was honored to join the Fenway Health Strategic Plan launch event on Thursday evening, and speak about the importance of Fenway Health’s direct care, research, and advocacy. At a time where the country is on fire, we must continue to pour water around Fenway and protect what they do. Fenway is a beacon of light and hope for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, a role that is more crucial than ever as the federal administration continues to move to restrict access to gender affirming care, specialized mental health services for LGBTQ+ individuals, and refuses to acknowledge the trans and non-binary identities.
I appreciate Fenway’s continued partnership, including their collaboration on the creation of the first-in-the-nation Affirming Health Care Trust Fund that I worked to establish in the FY26 budget with Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Julian Cyr.
Cambridge Updates
Traffic Advisory: Memorial Drive and Sparks Street Closures Start Tomorrow
Due to structural concerns at 221 Mount Auburn Street (Riverview Condominium Building), the City of Cambridge and DCR will close segments of Mount Auburn Street and Sparks Street starting Saturday, July 19. Multiple detours and traffic changes will be in place to maintain the closure, which may last through the end of 2025. The streets and sidewalks immediately surrounding 221 Mt. Auburn Street, at the corner of Mt. Auburn Street and Sparks Street, will be closed to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Access will be maintained for direct abutters.
Red Line Closures July 10–13 and 17–20
From July 10 to 13 and July 17 to 20, shuttle buses will replace Red Line service between Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass. Shuttles will stop at Haymarket and State in downtown Boston to provide connections to the Green, Orange, and Blue Lines. The MBTA will be performing regular, planned maintenance work during this closure of the Red Line. This will address routine needs, ensure that all infrastructure is in good operating condition, and includes inspections, adjustments, and repairs to keep the system safe and running smoothly.
Services and Resources
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.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie
