top of page

Friday, June 13th Legislative & Public Health Updates

  • hannanur3
  • Jun 16
  • 17 min read

Dear friends,


I am writing to you today with legislative, Cambridge, and public health updates.


Table of Contents

  • Legislative Updates

  • Public Health Updates

  • A Glimpse at the Past Week

  • Cambridge Updates

  • Recent Press

  • Services and Resources



I am excited to host office hours on June 20, from 11 am to 12 pm at Little Crêpe Café, located at 102 Oxford Street, and from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm at Andala Coffee House, located at 286 Franklin Street. You can schedule a meeting with me here. It was great to meet so many of you recently in coffee shops across Cambridge, as well as in the homes of those who invited me. I cannot wait to continue to engage in more conversations!

Legislative Updates

Public Health Committee Hearings 

On Wednesday, the Joint Committee on Public Health held two hearings on 100 bills spanning a variety of topics. These are important opportunities for the public to weigh in and testify in support of or in opposition to bills before the Committee. As a reminder, it is one of my responsibilities as Chair to lead these hearings, which help inform me and my staff as we review the over 400 bills before us and decide what issues to prioritize and work on in a given session.


Hearings on Bills That I Filed

I am grateful to the Chairs of the Judiciary, Municipalities & Regional Government, Labor & Workforce Development, Financial Services, and Public Safety & Homeland Security Committees for holding legislative hearings this week on several of my bills. As you can see, hearings are in full swing, and I look forward to updating you on the progress of this legislation.


Public Health Updates


RFK Dismisses Members and Announces New Appointments for Key CDC Vaccine Advisory Panel

On Monday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. fired all seventeen members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). ACIP is an advisory panel of vaccine experts responsible for developing recommendations on the immunization schedule to present to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kennedy has publicly expressed concerns about the potential conflicts of interest and lack of transparency among ACIP members, citing a 2009 government ethics report. It has since been made clear that Kennedy’s statement is not accurate and a “total misrepresentation” of the report. Following the firings, Kennedy promised that his new recommendations for this board would not include ideological anti-vaxxers. On Wednesday, Kennedy announced eight nominees to the committee: Dr. Joseph R. Hibbeln, Martin Kulldorff, Retsef Levi, Dr. Robert Malone, Dr. Cody Meissner, Dr. Michael A. Ross, Dr. James Pagano, and Vicky Pebsworth. Public health experts are concerned that none of the new appointees have relevant, recent experience in immunology. 


Department of Health and Human Services Reinstates Hundreds of CDC Employees

This week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued job reinstatement notices to over 460 former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) employees impacted by the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce the size of the federal workforce earlier this year. These mass layoffs resulted in HHS’ workforce being reduced from 82,000 to 62,000 full-time employees, directly resulting in the shutdown of entire programs within the CDC, including those focused on asthma and air quality, workplace safety and health, and gun violence. HHS has confirmed that about 200 of the reinstated employees work at the CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and Tuberculosis Prevention, which aims to reduce health disparities, morbidity, and mortality related to the most prevalent infectious diseases in the United States. Furthermore, it is estimated that 150 employees working at the CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health, including laboratory staff researching lead poisoning, have also been reinstated. 


New Study Finds Firearm Deaths of Children Rose in States with Lenient Gun Laws

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics on Monday has found that firearm deaths of children and teenagers significantly increased in states that have enacted more lenient gun laws in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in McDonald v. City of Chicago. The decision, handed down in 2010, specified that the right to bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment is applicable to state and local gun control laws, effectively limiting the power of state and local governments to regulate firearms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), guns are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for people ages 1 to 17. The study, led by Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital emergency room Doctor Jeremy Faust, examined the 13-year period after the Supreme Court’s decision in McDonald. Using a CDC database, researchers analyzed firearm mortality trends between 1999 and 2010, and compared the data with that from the 13 years afterward. The study found that states with stricter gun laws experienced stable or declining rates of firearm deaths after the ruling


DPH Issues Warning on Suspected Cases of Botulism Linked to a Milton Spa

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a warning about cases linked to cosmetic botulinum toxin injections, commonly known as Botox, at a spa in Milton. Botox is frequently used for both cosmetic and medical purposes. However, if too much botulinum toxin is injected, it can lead to iatrogenic botulism, a rare but serious illness. This condition occurs when the botulinum toxin spreads beyond the injection site, potentially resulting in life-threatening symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms following Botox injections may include blurred or double vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems. At least 14 cases of suspected iatrogenic botulism have been reported in connection with Botox procedures performed at Rodrigo Beauty, located at 464 Granite Avenue in Milton, Massachusetts, and these cases are currently under investigation. DPH urges anyone who received Botox at this location between May 1 and June 4 to contact the department at 617-983-6800 or their local board of health immediately.

A Glimpse at the Past Week

On Saturday, I stopped by Cambridge’s annual gun buyback at Reservoir Church. This year’s buyback was aptly held one day after National Gun Violence Prevention Day. Taking guns off the streets is a proven way to reduce gun violence in our communities effectively. Pictured above, you can see how similar the BB guns that were collected are to real firearms, and this is made possible when gun manufacturers sell the rights to use their name. 


I am grateful to those who organized and worked at this event, including the Reservoir Church, Pentecostal Tabernacle, Cambridge Police Department, Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office, and Many Helping Hands 365. 


According to a study published Monday by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics, “permissive firearm laws contributed to thousands of excess firearm deaths among children living in states with permissive policies” between 2011 and 2023. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and adolescents in the U.S. These tragedies are not inevitable — states that follow Massachusetts’ lead in enacting common-sense gun ownership laws can help prevent these devastating losses.

On Sunday morning, I attended the Firefighters' Memorial Sunday event, which honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It also remembers those who have lost their lives outside the line of duty, which includes many who battled cancers and illnesses related to their work-related exposures to toxins and PFAS. These chemicals are all around us. They are especially toxic when they burn, and are also present in firefighter turnout gear. 


I am proud that I was able to pass language last session that bans PFAS in the turnout gear for firefighters, along with my colleagues Representative Jim Hawkins and Speaker Pro Tempore Kate Hogan. I also worked to pass a bill four sessions ago to ban toxic flame retardants in household products and children’s toys.


It is always a humbling and important reminder of what our firefighters and their families risk every day in service to our community. Of course, it is always nice to see my former CRLS classmates and neighborhood friends who have also chosen to serve the community in which they were raised. Thank you to the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, Cambridge Local 30, and the Cambridge Fire Department for all the incredible work you do to keep our community safe.

Happy Pride, everyone! It was amazing to celebrate Cambridge Pride at the 36th annual event with so many friends and community members last Sunday. I have attended Cambridge Pride since I was a student at CRLS, which was then called the Lavender Alliance. I remember having the honor of witnessing the first same-sex couples in the Commonwealth and the nation have their relationships legally recognized as a second-term City Councillor. In light of the continuous attacks on LGBTQ+ health care and civil liberties occurring federally, this year’s event felt particularly powerful. Thank you, Mayor Denise Simmons, for your steadfast leadership in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Thank you also to the Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission for helping to plan the event.

On Monday morning, I met with Brianna Earle and Stephen Shieh of Novo Nordisk to discuss GLP-1 drugs, which are prescribed for diabetes treatment and weight loss. Novo Nordisk manufactures Ozempic/Wegovy, one of the most popular GLP-1s. 


I am meeting with manufacturers, insurers, and healthcare advocates as I investigate how the state can ensure that residents have access to these medications. There are already barriers to access for underserved communities — a Boston Globe data analysis found that patients taking drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are disproportionately white, female, and affluent — and insurers are beginning to limit or withdraw coverage due to cost concerns.

On Monday evening, I was honored to attend and speak at the graduation ceremony for Cohort 7 of The Loop Lab’s Media Arts Apprenticeship. I congratulated the graduates — Anderson, Jakieh, Ami, Armani, Jarrid, Nick, Tyrron, Rafi, and Sameen — on their achievements. The Loop Lap helps develop the talents of young professionals. In return, they utilize the skills they have learned and developed to give back to their communities and make a positive impact on the world. 


I also shared the exciting news that Senator Sal DiDomenico and I worked to successfully secure an earmark for state funds for The Loop Lab in the FY26 budget. I will continue to advocate for its inclusion in the Conference Committee and am proud to continue to champion the amazing work of Chris Hope and The Loop Lab. It was such a pleasure to connect with good friends, meet new ones, and celebrate the accomplishments and bright futures of these talented young people.

On Tuesday morning, my staff and interns attended the STEAMS Expo at the Benjamin Banneker Charter School. They had an opportunity to see all of the students’ hard work and learn about various scientific issues related to water and the ocean, this year’s theme. Some of the projects included building a coral reef, testing water acid levels, and creating a model spaceship. It was amazing to see what they were able to learn and how they shared their findings through experiments and presentations. The future is bright!

As the author of the Maternal Health Omnibus last session, one of the most comprehensive bills in the nation, I was honored to speak at the Maternal Health: Policy Impact and Implementation briefing alongside my colleagues Representative Brandy Fluker-Reid and Senator Liz Miranda, as well as Dr. JoAnna Rorie, a Certified Nurse Midwife at Boston Medical Center. This briefing provided an opportunity for advocates, coalitions, and legislators to come together and celebrate the culmination of years of hard work pushing for reform in maternal health care and services. 


This legislation aims to improve the safety and well-being of all birthing people and centers Black birthing people, who often face worse health outcomes. It conveys Massachusetts’ dedication to tackling the longstanding maternal health crisis that has impacted our communities and the racial disparities that have historically plagued our healthcare system. 


Four years ago, when I was appointed by Speaker Mariano as Chair of Public Health, I was given the privilege of co-chairing the Special Commission on Racial Inequities in Maternal Health alongside Senator Jo Comerford. As Chair of that Commission, I committed to bringing forth a comprehensive bill that reflects the recommendations of my colleagues and the advocates who worked with us. The call of the Commission was to explore and make recommendations. The omnibus bill was inspired by the momentum and work of the Commission, which had also been fighting for maternal health and working to pass bills that I was able to incorporate into the comprehensive bill. However, there is still more work that has to be done. 


I could not be more proud that the Legislature took decisive action to address the maternal health crisis in the Commonwealth at its core, as it reaffirmed our commitments to reproductive equity and birthing racial and economic justice. I am deeply appreciative of the collaboration of my colleagues, as the bill incorporates maternal health bills filed and supported by both chambers. Special thanks to Representatives Brandy Fluker-Reid, Chris Worrell, Manny Cruz, Vice Chair Sally Kerans, Chair Carole Fiola, and Senators Julian Cyr, Liz Miranda, and Joan Lovely. I am so grateful to Speaker Mariano, whose support enabled me to draw from the Commission report, along with the breadth of bills championed by many colleagues, and resulted in our ability to craft a comprehensive maternal health omnibus bill.

It was wonderful to have Lindsay Gibson, my friend and founder of Majestic Yoga Studio, stop by the State House and accompany me to various events that took place throughout the day. She came by to attend the maternal health event. One of the greatest joys of being an elected official is to help connect and facilitate people who share common goals and values. Last year, I introduced Lindsay to Birth Equity and Justice Massachusetts (BEJMA) and the Center for Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice (CBMHRJ), with the goal of expanding access to communities that have traditionally been excluded or have not always felt included in the practice of yoga. Additionally, to build the next generation of wellness leaders, Lindsay has helped to graduate the first class of maternal health yoga instructors successfully.


Majestic Yoga Studio, located at 382 Huron Ave, is dedicated to providing yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and natural therapies to improve our health and well-being. Lindsay created a yoga teacher-training program with the hopes of expanding and diversifying the yoga industry. She has offered generous scholarships, free mentoring, and apprenticeship opportunities for BIPOC and marginalized students. It was also great to show Lindsay around the building!

I hosted a meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Rep. Steve Owens, Rep. Jenny Armini, John Buonopane, President of New England Gas Workers Alliance, Dan Leary President of Local 369 Utility Workers Union of America President, Ryan Murphy Executive Director of Climate Jobs Massachusetts, and Rich Marlin, Legislative Director for the Massachusetts Building Trades Council to discuss An Act relative to a tactical transition to affordable, clean thermal energy (H.3539) — legislation that was brought to my attention by advocates from Mothers Out Front. I support the bill’s goals of requiring plans and establishing incentives for transitioning to clean, affordable energy, and I want to ensure that impacted workers have a seat at the table and that the bill’s provisions outline a clear path to implementation. 


We also discussed ways to address some of the complexities not outlined in the bill, such as how to balance the drive to move away from gas and ensure that we have better metrics to guide the amount of pipe to repair or replace. In doing so, we can avoid the explosion like the one that occurred in Lawrence, MA, as well as the increase in gas production that was triggered by gas leaks. I was happy to be part of a conversation that asked important questions and tried to meet important climate policy goals. I appreciate Rep. Owens’ and Rep. Armini’s commitment to a just transition and am grateful to labor leaders for continuing to engage in these conversations.

I had the pleasure of speaking on the Public Health Starters Podcast with my good friend Dr. Craig Andrade, Associate Dean of Practice and Director of the Activist Lab at Boston University’s School of Public Health (BUSPH). We discussed some of the many issues that I am focusing on as Public Health Committee Chair, including perimenopause and menopause, environmental health, workforce development, and prior authorization. We also talked about the Racial Inequities in Maternal Health Commission and the Poverty Commission, both of which I co-chaired, and Dr. Andrade served on. 


When Dr. Andrade asked about the federal attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, I shared some of the work I have been doing in partnership with healthcare providers, advocates, and my colleagues to ensure that we can continue to provide gender-affirming care in Massachusetts. Dr. Andrade ended our conversation by inviting me to offer advice to public health students. I urged them to be methodical, intentional, critical thinkers and to remember to care for themselves so they don’t lose the ability to find joy. I am always grateful to connect with Dr. Andrade, who, along with his colleagues at BUSPH, is an incredible resource and advocate for health equity. I also recently partnered with BUSPH to organize a Public Health Overview Briefing for members of the Joint Committee on Public Health; it is always great to work in partnership with them.

I met with Maureen O’Connell, who served on the Cross-Secretariat Emergency Assistance Incident Command team, on Tuesday, about steps we can take to alleviate the crisis of homelessness in Massachusetts. I shared with her the bills I filed this session, which aim to protect the right to shelter for children and families, codify RAFT, and expand housing vouchers for people with disabilities. Maureen is an incredible advocate for people experiencing homelessness, and I am grateful for people like her who recognize the dignity of every person regardless of their housing and socioeconomic status. Thank you to Maureen for spending her birthday with me and sharing her experience and knowledge.

The MA LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus and Governor Maura Healey hosted a Pride Month celebration and flag-raising on the front steps of the State House. It was a joyous affirmation of love, authenticity, and allyship. I am so proud to live in a state that values the humanity and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community and continues to enact laws ensuring that their rights and those of their providers are protected, especially as the federal administration continues to attack the rights and dignity of our LGBTQ+ community.

It was an honor and a privilege to be selected as Emerge Massachusetts’ Trailblazer Honoree during their annual “Women of the Year” event alongside my fellow awardees Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Lydia Edwards, and Register of Deeds Eileen Duff. It was a joy to be introduced by my friends and colleagues, Senator Julian Cyr and City Councillor Sumbul Siddiqui. 


According to the National Organization for Women, on average women need to be asked seven times to consider running for an elected position. I love that Emerge plays a role in inspiring more women to run and equipping them with the skills they need to win. I know that many of my colleagues are Emerge alumnae, and I continue to be so grateful to work in partnership with 59 other women in the Legislature — and with the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators — to pass good policy and serve the Commonwealth.


Congratulations to my friend, City Councillor and Executive Director of Emerge Massachusetts Ayesha Wilson for putting on her first, fantastic, Women of the Year event. I also want to thank Chair Aaron Michlewitz for attending, as well as my colleagues Rep. Sam Montaño, Rep. Amy Sangiolo, Rep. Michelle Badger, and Rep. Sean Garballey.

On Thursday morning, I attended Governor Healey’s announcement of funding for 33 life science companies across Massachusetts. This funding is derived from the economic development bill passed by the Legislature last session and will create nearly 1,500 life science jobs in the Commonwealth. As crucial and life-saving funds for discoveries in life sciences continue to be cut at the federal level, I am proud that Massachusetts has stepped up to ensure health equity-driven innovation does not come to a halt.

Cambridge Updates

Hoops ‘N’ Health

Hoops ‘N’ Health is on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Hoyt Field in Cambridge (between Gilmore Street and Western Ave). The basketball tournament is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Family Health Fair is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a free lunch as well as games and activities for the whole family. This includes kids activities, live music, and community resources. The rain date is Saturday, June 21, 2025. For more information, contact Richard Harding at rharding@challiance.org.


Cambridge Bike Give Back

Give your unwanted bikes a new life to benefit a community member! This Sunday, June 15, from 11 AM to 2 PM at Greene-Rose Heritage Park there will be games and activities, live music, free breakfast, barbecue and dessert. The city of Cambridge has partnered with Cambridge Bike Give Back (CBGB) to help Cambridge residents get refurbished bicycles. You can find more information about the CBGB program here. 


Celebrate Juneteenth 

Wednesday, June 18th, 12 to 2 p.m. at the Kendall/MIT Open Space (292 Main St.) There will be live music, delicious food truck options, lawn games and more! This event is free but requires an RSVP.


War Memorial Pool

Over the summer, the War Memorial Pool will offer a variety of recreational classes for children, youth, and adults this summer! Offerings include six levels of children's instructional swim classes; Iado, Zumba, swimming and yoga for adults, and more! Registration opens for Cambridge residents on June 16 at 5pm and registration opens for non-Cambridge residents on June 18th. Also starting on June 23rd will be recreational swim hours. Information here.


250th Anniversary of the U.S Army Postponed to July 7

The City of Cambridge, in partnership with the Cambridge Veterans Services Office, invites residents of all ages to a community celebration honoring the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army. Due to weather concerns forecasted Saturday morning and early afternoon, the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army event at the Cambridge Common will be postponed to Monday, July 7 (time TBD). This free, family-friendly event includes a bounce house, an obstacle course, food and live music, and will be held on the Cambridge Commons (1500 Mass. Ave, Cambridge). 


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


Bill would require public construction projects worth $1M+ to include apprentices

Sam Drysdale - State House News Service


Public construction projects costing over $1 million would be required to use apprentices, under a bill that union supporters say will guarantee the future of the state's trade workforce. 



"It's about building a workforce that is local, highly trained and ready to meet growing demands of the construction industry. We have aging infrastructure, ambitious clean energy goals and a retiring generation of skilled workers. We need to be proactive about training new talent now," Khary Brown, a registered electrical apprentice in IBEW 103, told the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development on Tuesday. 


The requirements within the Rep. Marjorie Decker and Sen. Lydia Edwards bill (H.2085/S.1303) scale up over time. Within six months of its passage, 5% of all hours building public construction projects will have to be done by apprentices. After one year, 10%, and after two years, 15%. 



"The so-called worker shortage doesn't exist in our registered apprenticeship programs. Every year when applications open for our apprenticeship training programs, unions receive two or three times more applicants than they have open slots," said Chrissy Lynch, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO.

Services and Resources


Cambridge Public Health Helpline Supports Residents with COVID-19

To speak with someone, call the confidential COVID-19 Hotline at 617-933-0797. Learn more here.


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 with a 24/7 for caregivers and patients. More information is available at alz.org, or by calling 800-272-3900. 


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. You can learn more about their services at denovo.org.


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

 
 
Marjorie Decker State Representative Logo

STAY CONNECTED

Sign up here for weekly updates

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter / X

Copyright 2024 Authorized and Paid for by The Friends of Marjorie Decker © All Rights Reserved

bottom of page