Friday, March 13th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- 3 days ago
- 14 min read
Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with legislative, public health, and Cambridge updates. If you want even more updates, please follow me on Instagram @repdecker.
As the Massachusetts Legislature enters the second year of our two-year session, we’re moving into the most action-packed phase — when bills advance to the House floor, and key votes take place.
Your voice is essential to shaping this work. I deeply value hearing directly from constituents and regularly co-sponsor and file legislation based on the priorities you share with me. As we head into this busy stretch, I invite you to take a few minutes to complete our community survey and let me know what issues matter most to you and what you hope the Legislature will address in the months ahead. Your input directly informs and guides my work on your behalf. You can participate by scanning the QR Code below or by clicking here.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
I had the great joy of sitting with best-selling authors Celeste Ng, Malinda Lo, and Tui T. Sutherland to discuss An Act regarding free expression (H.3594) on Freedom to Read Advocacy Day. As an avid reader, I have to admit I had a bit of a fan-girl moment being in conversation with these incredible authors. It is always wonderful to welcome Cambridge resident Celeste Ng to the State House, and the day included an extra special treat when my former legal counsel stopped by with her daughter to join the event. I also happily participated in the Mass Freedom to Read coalition’s “Live at the MA State House” series on Instagram.
I am a co-sponsor and strong supporter of An Act regarding free expression, legislation that establishes clear statewide standards for library and school collection policies and book reconsideration processes, helping prevent politically motivated censorship while reinforcing First Amendment principles.
I remain committed to protecting the autonomy of our libraries, ensuring they can provide accurate, historical literature that recognizes diverse identities, and safeguarding the constitutional rights of students and families. With freedom of speech and information under attack from the federal government and from organizations fueled by hate, it is more important than ever for us to step up and protect the public’s access to inclusive and diverse collections of books and materials.
Today was the National Association of Social Workers - Massachusetts chapter's (NASW-Massachusetts) Legislative Education and Advocacy Day at the State House. I spoke at a workshop on An Act relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment (H.2196), legislation that I filed with Chair Lawn to establish a harm reduction program framework that includes overdose prevention centers (OPCs). OPCs save lives by providing safer drug consumption conditions and equipment, and they also offer medical care and support for navigating recovery.
For some, the concept of an OPC may feel counterintuitive and intimidating. However, when the conversation shifts to lives being tangibly saved by the availability of an OPC, folks generally become interested and receptive. Most people know someone who may struggle or have struggled in the past with substance use disorder. This is not a community people want to be a part of, but data confirms time and again that no one is immune.
Thank you to NASW-MA members for your advocacy on this bill and your tireless work for residents across the Commonwealth. I also want to thank the Harvard undergraduate students who came to my office to advocate for An Act ensuring access to state IDs for low-income people (H.3794) and An Act establishing the social work licensure compact in Massachusetts (H.380). I am always inspired to meet young people who are engaging in the legislative process and fighting for vulnerable members of our communities.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I was proud to present Eli Bartholemew with a citation recognizing his achievements as a new Eagle Scout in Troop 56 in Cambridge. Eli is a senior at Cambridge Rindge and Latin School — my alma mater — and his Eagle Scout Project was a Student-to-Student Transition to High School Workshop, conducted at his former Putnam Avenue Upper School. Eli organized older troop members and high school classmates to mentor students at Putnam to prepare for academic and social life at CRLS. Congratulations to Eli, and thank you to all of the community members who joined the event. It’s always great to see my CRLS classmates!
Last weekend, I held diaper drives in the Baldwin and Riverside neighborhoods. Diaper insecurity affects one in three families, and because diapers aren’t covered by federal nutrition programs, many parents face impossible choices. That’s why addressing diaper insecurity and child poverty remains a priority in my legislative work. This annual event is also a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community, connect, and look out for each other. Thank you to everyone who donated diapers or just stopped by to say hello to my team and me.
On Sunday, mothers, caregivers, and climate advocates from across the Commonwealth gathered for the Mothers Out Front Massachusetts State Assembly at Framingham State University. The convening brought together community leaders and volunteers to build collective power and advance shared priorities for climate justice and a livable future for children. The gathering served as both a moment of reflection on recent progress and a call to action, reinforcing the role of grassroots leadership in shaping climate solutions that prioritize children, families, and community wellbeing. Thank you to Attorney General Andrea Campbell for speaking at the assembly and reminding us all to be unafraid.
I was happy to meet with members of the Cambridge Public Library Staff Association on Monday afternoon. We talked about their priorities and concerns as well as the work that I am doing in the State House to invest in libraries, protect the public’s right to inclusive and diverse book collections, and safeguard access to information free from political interference.
Congratulations to the Harvard Square Business Association on holding its 116th annual meeting on Tuesday — a remarkable milestone that speaks to more than a century of dedication to the businesses, institutions, and community that make Harvard Square such a dynamic and beloved place.
It was an honor to celebrate alongside Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, as well as to present awards to four individuals whose work shapes our Harvard Square community: Paddy Swanson of Revels, Cambridge Police Sgt. Sean Lowe, Daniel Berger Jones of Boston History Company, and Diane Paulus of the American Repertory Theater. Thank you to Lesley University President Steinmayer for hosting the event at Lesley’s newly renovated St. John’s Memorial Chapel.
I was very happy to attend the Community Baby Shower at Riverside Early Head Start on Wednesday. Events like these celebrate and support new and expecting families, connecting them with resources, community, and one another during such an important moment in their lives.
As a Head Start kid myself, the program holds a special place in my heart. Head Start and Early Head Start provide critical early learning opportunities, family support, and stability that help children and parents thrive from the very beginning. It was wonderful to celebrate the growing families in our community and to recognize the dedicated staff and partners who make this work possible every day.
Thank you to the many advocates who visited my office on Thursday to share their legislative and budget priorities. We appreciated hearing from the American Red Cross, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and members of the American College of Physicians about a wide range of issues affecting the health and well-being of our communities. These conversations are an important part of the legislative process, helping ensure that the perspectives of healthcare providers, public health advocates, and community organizations inform our work on Beacon Hill.
I am grateful for their advocacy and for the opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities they see in strengthening access to care, supporting patients and providers, and improving health outcomes across the Commonwealth.
Public Health Updates
FDA Vaccine Chief Resigns Again Following Controversial Decision to Reject New Treatment for Huntington’s Disease
Dr. Vinay Prasad, the top vaccine regulator at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), will leave the agency at the end of April, according to federal officials—the second time he has resigned from this position in under a year. Dr. Prasad currently serves as the FDA’s Chief Medical and Scientific Officer and is the Director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), the division responsible for reviewing and regulating vaccines, gene therapies, and blood products used by millions of Americans. It is unclear exactly why Dr. Prasad is leaving his role again. Notably, this announcement was made soon after the FDA suddenly rejected the application for a gene therapy treatment for Huntington’s disease, stating that it no longer agreed with the parameters of the company’s study, even though it had approved them in 2024. Huntington’s disease is a genetic condition that often develops in midlife, resulting in nerve and brain cell decay that adversely impacts movement and thinking abilities. Dr. Prasad initially resigned in July 2025, only to return to the agency two weeks later after Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marin Makary requested his reinstatement. The FDA oversees the safety and approval of thousands of drugs, vaccines, and biologic therapies used across the United States, and this departure comes amid broader leadership changes, which can influence national regulatory decisions affecting vaccine policy, clinical trial requirements, and drug approval timelines.
DPH Launches Dashboard Allowing the Public to Monitor Opioid Settlement Fund Spending
The Department of Public Health launched an Opioid Settlement Fund Dashboard, allowing the public to easily track how the state and municipalities allocate the nearly $1 billion in settlement money they will receive over the next 18 years. The opioid settlement money is a part of massive nationwide settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and retailers in connection with their involvement in the opioid epidemic. In fact, 40% of the opioid settlement funds will be dispersed to municipalities, and the remaining 60% will be allocated to the state and administered through the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund (ORRF). The ORRF has received over $219 million in opioid settlement funds to date, including $40 million in fiscal year 2025 (FY25). Municipalities have received over $114 million, reporting $107.7 million in FY25. A total of $61 million and $13.2 million in state and municipal opioid settlement funds were expended by the state and municipalities, respectively, in FY25. The Opioid Settlement Fund Dashboard will be updated annually and will include key financial performance indicators, project and spending categories, and how funds are spent within regions of Massachusetts. You can access the dashboard here.
DPH Releases New Report on Economic Impact of 2020 Flavored Tobacco Ban
On Monday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) released a new report on the economic impact of An Act Modernizing Tobacco Control, the 2019 landmark legislation restricting the sale of flavored tobacco, including menthol cigarettes, exclusively to licensed smoking bars, where these products may be sold only for onsite consumption. The policy was designed to reduce youth tobacco initiation and long-term nicotine addiction, as flavored products have historically been a major entry point for young users. The new report, conducted by DPH’s Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program in collaboration with economists at the University of Illinois at Chicago, concluded that smoking prevalence in Massachusetts decreased by 1.37 percentage points between June 2020 and January 2023 due to restrictions on menthol cigarette sales. As a result of reduced smoking prevalence, the team projected reductions in chronic diseases and resulting health care costs for lung cancer, heart attack, and stroke; and reductions in smoking-related birth/pregnancy complications and health care costs for the children of these pregnancies throughout their first year of life. Additionally, the report found that the flavored tobacco product restriction is projected to save more than $70 million in smoking-related health care costs since the legislation’s implementation in 2020. Public health experts note that policies limiting flavored tobacco access can help reduce smoking rates, prevent future tobacco-related illness, and lower long-term medical spending. Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to implement a comprehensive statewide ban on flavored tobacco sales.
Rising Rectal Cancer Rates Contribute to Increasing Colorectal Cancer in Younger Adults
A report published by the American Cancer Society indicates that rising rates of rectal cancer are driving an overall increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger Americans, particularly adults under 65. Colorectal cancers, which include both colon and rectal cancers, have been the third most common cancer diagnosis in women and men in the U.S., typically impacting people over the age of 50. Today, nearly 1 in 5 colorectal cancer diagnoses occur in people under age 55, and it is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in young adults. In 2021, the U.S. Preventive Services Taskforce updated its guidelines on colorectal cancer screenings, lowering the recommended age of screening from age 50 to 45. Public health officials emphasize that early detection remains the most effective strategy for preventing deaths from colorectal cancer, as screening can identify and remove precancerous polyps before they develop into cancer.
Cambridge Updates
Harvard Square Chili Cook-Off — Traffic Impacts
There will be road closures for the 16th Annual "Some Like It Hot” Chili Cook Off in Harvard Square on Saturday, March 14 that may cause traffic delays. Brattle Street between Eliot and Church streets will be closed from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Youth and Family Celebration
There will be a Celebration of LGBTQ+ Youth on Sunday, March 15th, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Main Branch of the Cambridge Public Library (449 Broadway). This will be a fun and joyful event for all ages, families, and adults. Drag Queen Aurora will share their journey into drag and facilitate a discussion of queer experience and community celebration. There will also be a runway, and folks are welcome to bring costumes or choose from our costume box. There will be snacks, music, and books about LGBTQ+ history.
Health and Human Services Job Fair
The Cambridge Office of Workforce Development is holding a Health and Human Resources job fair on Wednesday, March 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Central Square Library (45 Pearl St.). This is an opportunity to meet top employers, including ABCD Boston, Cambridge Health Alliance, Riverside Community Care, Heading Home, Inc. and Vinfen. This event is free and open to all, and no registration is required. Contact Josh Foley at 617-349-6259 or jfoley@cambridgema.gov with any questions.
Recent Press
Alex Degterev, Cambridge Day
Lively crowds of demonstrators turned out in force Saturday at all three Cambridge locations of Citizens Bank as part of a widespread effort to get the bank to stop financing companies that provide immigrant detention facilities for national immigration authorities such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Organizers said the local protests were among 68 across 12 states.
The protests are focused on the bank’s financial ties with private prison companies CoreCivic and The GEO Group, two of the largest operators of immigrant detention facilities in the United States. Fleming said Citizens has helped them raise more than $2.5 billion in financing, including this year.
State Rep. Marjorie C. Decker, who represents parts of Cambridge, issued a statement of support: “When people show up, speak out, and organize alongside one another, they strengthen the civic fabric of our community. They remind us that democracy is something we build and protect together.” She called current immigration enforcement practice “an assault on liberty and the rule of law.”
Services and Resources
Immigration Resources
MIRA Immigration Helpline: Through this helpline, MIRA provides individuals and community-based organizations with answers to the most commonly asked immigration questions. You can contact the helpline by scheduling a call online or leaving a voicemail at 508-293-1871.
Guidance for Immigrants and their Employers: MLRI and MIRA 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.
Reliable sources of information on policy changes:
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
