Friday, May 16th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- May 19
- 12 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
Services and Resources
I am also excited to share that I have been selected as Emerge Massachusetts’s Trailblazer Honoree. I hope you can join us for the 2025 Women of the Year event with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Senator Lydia Edwards, and Register of Deeds Eileen Duff on Wednesday, June 11th. Visit https://bit.ly/decker2025woty to RSVP.
Legislative Updates
Governor’s Energy Affordability Bill
On Tuesday, Governor Healey filed An Act relative to energy affordability, independence, and innovation, which seeks to tackle the high costs of energy in Massachusetts. I heard from many constituents this winter about their skyrocketing heating bills. As I shared at the time — both in correspondence with individuals who reached out and through this newsletter — I signed onto letters to the Department of Public Utilities and the Attorney General voicing my concern and frustration with the rates our Commonwealth was facing this winter. This legislation would take concrete steps to address these costs. It would do so by reforming or phasing out ratepayer programs that are no longer deemed cost-effective. This bill would also direct the Department of Public Utilities to review and reform usage-based “reconciling charges” that cause bills to spike during peak usage months. It also includes the following provisions:
Granting the Department of Energy Resources expanded authority to negotiate contracts for clean energy procurements. Currently, utility companies serve as the contracting entity and charge a fee for doing so that is passed on to ratepayers.
Repealing a law mandating nuclear energy facilities be approved through statewide ballot initiatives, clearing the way for a major source of clean energy to be utilized
Codifying bans on the use of taxpayer money for utilities’ travel, advertising, and lobbying expenses
Expanding moderate low-income rates to gas customers
Establishing labor standards for geothermal work done by utilities
Placing a moratorium on electric shutoffs during periods of unhealthy heat
I am proud that the language regulating procurement and the labor standards on geothermal work are reflective of bills I filed this session. I have worked closely with organized labor and environmental advocates over the past several sessions to craft legislation that ensures a just transition to clean energy for workers.
Hearings On Bills That I Filed
I am grateful to the Chairs of the Financial Services and Labor and Workforce Development Committees for holding legislative hearings this week on two of my bills:
An Act to conform private with public subrogation policy (H.1129) would prevent medical bills from eroding the majority or all of an injury victim’s compensation received through a settlement or court order. Under current law, insurers can claim some or all of a settlement in order to recoup the costs of provided benefits. This bill would create a system where, if subrogation would eat into a settlement, the amount would be a proportionate share, leaving the individual with a reasonable share.
An Act relative to roadway excavation and quality assurance (H.2089) would require utility contractors and subcontractors working on roadway excavation projects to pay workers the prevailing wage and employ licensed, competent labor. Permits for such projects could not be issued without contractual wage agreements and proper payroll documentation.
Impact of Federal Funding Cuts on Massachusetts
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is working to build a comprehensive picture of how federal actions are affecting businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities across Massachusetts. This information will inform policymakers across state agencies as we develop the state's response to directives from the federal government.
The Administration has published a website that highlights funding cuts to state government programs. If your nonprofit organization or business has been impacted by federal government actions, use this link to tell them about your experience. Recent examples include, but are not limited to, funding cuts, grant or program terminations, and freezes of awarded funding.
Public Health Updates
Environmental Protection Agency Rescinds Regulations on PFAS in Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that it is rescinding some rules from the Biden Administration aimed at limiting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," in drinking water. PFAS are a class of chemicals used to make products non-stick or resistant to water, stains, and grease. Exposure to these chemicals at high levels is harmful to human health, resulting in liver damage, immune dysfunction, and increased risk of some cancers. In April 2024, the Biden Administration introduced the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR), the first legally enforceable national standard setting maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFAS in water systems. While the EPA stated that it will maintain current regulations for PFOA and PFOS, it plans to rescind and reconsider regulations limiting the four other PFAS addressed by the NPDWR. In addition, the EPA also announced that it plans to give drinking water systems more time to develop plans to address PFOA and PFOS levels and comply with federal MCLs for these chemicals through the rule-making process.
HHS Restores Employment for Selected NIOSH Staff
This week, the Trump Administration sent letters to employees across the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) informing them that they will be reinstated to their roles and no longer be impacted by the administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce. This comes after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) laid off over 90% of those working at NIOSH and thousands of other federal health employees. NIOSH, part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, disabilities, and deaths. Since its establishment in 1970, NIOSH has achieved critical milestones, including the creation of the first asbestos safety standards and pioneering research on health and safety concerns related to indoor air quality and occupational musculoskeletal injuries. These include the Respiratory Health Division, the Division of Safety Research, the Division of Compensation and Analysis Support, the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, and part of the Division of Field Studies and Surveillance. These divisions focus on researching and providing direct services to workers in high-risk professions, such as firefighters facing occupational cancer and coal miners suffering from Black Lung Disease, an incurable condition caused by inhaling coal dust.
Trump Names New Nominee for US Surgeon General
President Donald Trump withdrew his nomination of Dr. Janette Nesheiwat to serve as the U.S. Surgeon General just one day before she was scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee for her confirmation hearing. The U.S. Surgeon General oversees the operations of the 6,000-member U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, which is part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The Surgeon General provides leadership and direction during public health crises, such as natural disasters and pandemics, and informs the public on how to improve their health and reduce their risk of illness and injury by issuing advisories, calls to action, and reports on critical health issues. Previous Surgeons General have informed the public about important health issues, such as AIDS, suicide prevention, and the risks associated with alcohol and cancer. Trump recently announced his new pick for U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Casey Means, a health care entrepreneur, social media influencer, and prominent advocate of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. She aligns with initiatives that promote Kennedy's agenda, including his controversial views on vaccination requirements, the childhood immunization schedule, and the food and drug industry.
FDA Approves First At-Home Test to Screen for HPV in the US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first at-home test for screening Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer. This newly approved tool from Teal Health provides an alternative to the Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, which is conducted during a pelvic exam to collect cells from the cervix for analysis to test for changes in cells that might be pre-cancerous or cancerous. According to the National Cancer Institute, cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable if detected early. HPV vaccination is a safe and effective method to help prevent cervical cancer. Studies show that individuals who are vaccinated against HPV have a lower risk of developing HPV-related cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine HPV vaccination for adolescents ages 11 or 12.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Tuesday morning I met with constituents from Mothers Out Front at Hi Rise Bread Company in Cambridge to learn more about their priority bills, share about my work and leadership on environmental issues in the Legislature, and provide guidance about how to navigate the legislative process. Mothers Out Front was founded in Cambridge and I am grateful for their tireless advocacy for climate justice.
I met with MASSPIRG and Clean Water Action on Tuesday to discuss Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” These substances are harmful to both human health and the environment. As House Chair of Public Health last session, I worked to redraft and favorably report out An Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS (H.2450) from my Committee. This bill has been refiled and is once again before the Public Health Committee. I look forward to continuing my efforts to reduce and mitigate the impacts of environmental PFAS contamination and to safeguard the public from PFAS exposure.
It was great to see many constituents stop by the State House with Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services and Mass Senior Action Council during the Older Adult Lobby Day on Tuesday in honor of Older Americans Month. These agencies have continued to be trusting partners and have shown dedication to improving services and the lives of our aging population in the Commonwealth.
On Wednesday, I was honored to be a featured panelist for The Boston Globe Health Equity Summit. It was truly inspiring to hear from other healthcare leaders from across the state and learn more about the critical work being done to achieve health equity for all. It was great to join DPH Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, Harvard School of Public Health Professor Rita Hamad, and my colleague Senator Liz Miranda to discuss current policies and initiatives focused on advancing the needs of underserved communities. I was also happy to connect with Dominique Lee, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts.
Thank you to the Boston Globe and to Sanofi for convening a gathering focused on centering equity, particularly in light of the egregious attacks the federal government is levying on our state and national healthcare system, impacting our most vulnerable residents in the Commonwealth. Huge thanks as well to Tanisha Sullivan, President of the New England Area Conference of the NAACP and Sanofi’s Head of External Engagement & Health Equity Strategy, for her continued leadership on health and racial equity, as well as for moderating my panel.
I loved hearing other panels, with many featuring friends and colleagues who are also leaders in the fight for health equity. They include, among others:
Dr. Thea James, Vice President of Mission and Associate Chief Medical Officer at Boston Medical Center (and a Cambridge resident!);
Michael Curry, President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers;
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission;
Dr. Sean Cahill, Director of Health Policy Research at the Fenway Institute; and
Dr. Kevin Churchwell, CEO of the Boston Children’s Hospital;
Representative Leigh Davis; and
Representative Chris Worrell.
As part of my serving on the panel, I was able to nominate a local non-profit to attend and also table at a reception after the speaking program. I nominated The Mental Health ACCESS Program at the Cambridge Community Center, led by Dr. Kwame Dance. Dr. Dance grew up in Cambridge and continues to be such an incredible and innovative mentor, teacher, and service provider for youth in our community.
I had a wonderful discussion with James Pierre, who is an incredible artist and advocate, as well as Cambridge Housing Authority’s Career Development Specialist, at Luxor Cafe in Cambridge on Thursday morning. James’s recent work includes providing professional development for Cambridge youth and hosting Arts in the Park events in the Port neighborhood, and I am always looking for more ways to support and collaborate with him. I continue to be deeply appreciative of James’s commitment to serving Cambridge youth and our community at large.
On Thursday, I met with Amirah, Inc. about its proposed legislation this session, An Act to strengthen justice and support for sex trade survivors (H1683), which would support survivors of human trafficking and build upon existing efforts in Massachusetts. Originally conceived as an outreach services organization for adults who have experienced trafficking, Amirah began providing housing and residential recovery through group homes in 2014 and has since grown and transformed into a multi-pronged service organization today, providing mid-term housing through its Rapid Re-Housing program, economic mobility and stability planning, long-term housing navigation, comprehensive case management, peer care navigation, and community support. I am so grateful for the work of the advocates in the Amirah organization and coalition.
I met with members of the Massachusetts Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & Fibromyalgia (ME/CFS & FM) Association on Thursday to learn more about their work and discuss two Long COVID related bills I co-filed with Chair Mindy Domb this session: An Act to improve access to health care for people with Long COVID (H2399) and An Act measuring the impact of Long COVID in the Commonwealth (H2400). The ME/CFS & FM Association plays an important role in supporting individuals and families affected by these conditions, connecting them with resources, education, fostering mutual support, and advocating for a stronger healthcare and social service infrastructure in Massachusetts.
There is a lack of awareness of long COVID, with significant racial disparities contributing to delays in accessing appropriate care and support. These bills seek to reduce barriers faced by long COVID patients in obtaining treatment and social/emotional support, improve data collection and research efforts, facilitate access to vital medical information and resources, inform public health interventions, and promote health equity.
I was glad to meet with the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance (MPHA) this Thursday. We discussed the federal government’s efforts to erode public health infrastructure by slashing funding and staffing, and how these actions impact Massachusetts. As House Chair of the Public Health Committee, meetings like this are invaluable and play a critical role in how I respond to federal attacks on health. I am so grateful to collaborate with MPHA to ensure that science prevails and the most vulnerable communities maintain access to the health care and resources they need most.
I was happy that the Science Club for Girls (SCFG) stopped by my office on Thursday afternoon after they met with Governor Maura Healey and astronaut Suni Williams. I was able to secure funding for SCFG to receive $100,000 to support their STEM education programming in the FY26 House Budget. Thank you, SCFG, for all of the work you do to address systemic barriers that prevent underrepresented girls, gender-expansive youth, and the STEM workforce from reaching their full potential.
Cambridge Updates
Harm Reduction Material Distribution Event
The Cambridge Public Health Department, in partnership with Somerville Health and Human Services, will be handing out free Narcan, test strips, CPR face shields, and other harm reduction materials in Porter Square on Monday, May 19 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. The location is outside where the bike racks are located, surrounded by the parking lot in between Dunkin’ Donuts and CVS/Healthworks/Ben & Jerry’s. This is near the Porter Square T Station.
Everyone can help save a life from opioid overdose! For any questions about the event or to learn more about Narcan availability and overdose prevention training in Cambridge, please reach out to Danielle McPeak (dmcpeak@cambridgepublichealth.org).
Weekend Traffic Impacts
There will be multiple temporary street closures throughout the weekend due to scheduled community events on May 16-18. Events include Saint Anthony’s Santo Cristo Feast, Port Art Fest, the People's Party Music Festival, the 72nd Annual BB&N Circus, and Inman Eats & Crafts. Details are available here.
Comcast Rise Grant for Small Businesses
From Thursday, May 1, through Saturday, May 31, eligible small businesses in Cambridge and throughout the Boston area can apply for the Comcast RISE Program.
Local businesses will be chosen to receive a package that includes:
Tech Upgrade: Computer equipment and internet/phone/security for a year
Marketing Boost: A free TV commercial and help with your ad plan
Learning Tools: Access to online business courses for a year
$5,000 Grant: Direct financial support
Business Coaching: Expert advice to help your business grow
To qualify, your business needs to be at least two years old, have 100 or fewer employees, and the majority owner must apply. Learn more here.
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
