Friday, May 23rd Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- May 27
- 11 min read
Dear friends,
I am writing to you today with legislative, public health, and Cambridge 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
Supplemental Budget
On Wednesday, I voted with my House colleagues to pass a supplemental budget (H.4150). This bill provides funding to ensure the continuation of essential state programs. Among the provisions of the bill are:
$190 million for financial assistance for childcare providers, all from Fair Share funds
$134 million for the Medical Assistance Trust Fund, which provides supplemental Medicaid payments to certain safety net hospitals, including Cambridge Health Alliance
$60 million for home care services for older adults
$7.5 million for the Healthy Incentive Program
$43 million for Residential Assistance for Families in Transition
$15.5 million for the transition to chipped EBT cards. Currently, EBT cards are swipe-only, leaving them vulnerable to card reader theft and fraud
Language that codifies into law the rights of English Language Learners and students with disabilities, ensuring these students receive both English language development and Special Education services in a coordinated, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, regardless of school district or demographic. It also prohibits discrimination in public schools based on immigration or citizenship status, or disability.
Public Health Updates
FDA Sets New COVID-19 Guidelines, Limiting Access to Certain Groups
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established new requirements for annual updates to COVID-19 vaccinations that would limit immunizations to individuals at the highest risk for serious complications from the disease, reducing access to COVID shots for healthy individuals— those without risk factors for severe illness. The FDA will implement a new regulatory framework that prioritizes COVID-19 vaccinations for adults aged 65 and older, as well as for anyone over the age of 6 months who has one or more risk factors associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes, as published by the New England Journal of Medicine on Tuesday. Under this policy shift, healthy younger adults and children will no longer be automatically approved for vaccination.
Trump Administration Pulls Federal Research Funding from Harvard
This week, the Trump Administration canceled billions of dollars in federal grants awarded to Harvard University, particularly affecting Harvard Medical School and the T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Since last month, researchers at the medical school have lost over 350 federal grants, and 130 researchers at the School of Public Health have had their grants terminated, which has severely impacted nearly all of the school's direct federal funding. Notably, 59% of the School of Public Health's operating revenue comes from federal money. These grant cancellations will abruptly halt numerous biomedical research studies. One scientist was only six months away from completing a five-year-long study aimed at determining whether air purifiers benefit former smokers diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a respiratory illness projected to increase by 23% globally in the next two decades. Until this point, millions of research dollars have been invested in this project,and they will now go to waste.
ACOG Issues New Guidance Urging Physicians to Treat Pain During Gynecological Procedures
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has released new guidelines urging physicians to adopt a more proactive and individualized approach to pain management during in-office gynecological procedures such as Intrauterine Device (IUD) insertions, cervical biopsies, and intrauterine imaging. ACOG recognizes that pain is a personal experience for each patient, and they now recommend clinicians have up-front conversations to facilitate shared decision-making around pain management approaches. During these conversations, physicians should offer patients a variety of potential pain relief options tailored to their needs, including paracervical blocks, topical anesthetics, and, when appropriate, sedation or anti-anxiety medications. Historically, people receiving gynecological procedures, especially IUDs, are told they will experience pain or cramping during the procedure; however, very few are prescribed pain medication outside of ibuprofen.
FDA Issues Recall of Cucumbers Due to Salmonella Contamination
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for cucumbers grown by Bender Growers, a Florida-based farm, between April 29 and May 19 due to salmonella contamination. As of this Tuesday, over two dozen people in 15 states have become sick, 9 of whom had to be hospitalized due to the severity of their illness. Salmonella is the most common bacterial food poisoning in the United States. Symptoms of this intestinal illness typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure to the bacteria and include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach pains, oftentimes lasting 4 to 7 days. Most people recover on their own after several days, but some cases can result in severe dehydration, requiring medical attention.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Last Saturday, I had a great day at the Cambridge Community Center (CCC) Cookout to celebrate 96 years of the Center and the fifth anniversary of their pantry service. It was great to see old friends and make new ones.
I am so grateful that the CCC has been a pillar in our community and continues providing us with a space to unite and uplift one another. I have had the pleasure of experiencing the incredible services and resources the CCC has provided since I was young. I am so honored and privileged to represent our community, advocate, and secure resources that enable the CCC to do what it does best: innovate and respond to our community's evolving interests and needs. In the FY26 House budget, I secured funding for the CCC to receive $100,000 to support the center's community-based behavioral health program and capital improvements.
Attending events such as this is how we find joy, build community, and navigate the painful times as we try to thrive, not just survive. This was just a glimpse of the party. We were having too much fun talking, laughing, and dancing with friends, neighbors, and residents.
On Monday, I attended a roundtable discussion at Mass General Brigham's (MGB) Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. We heard from Greg Jackson, President and CEO, Dr. Cheri Blauwet, Chief Medical Officer, Chris Philbin, Vice President of MGB's Office of Government Affairs, and several of their providers from their locations in Boston, Cambridge, Brighton, and Cape Cod.
During the roundtable, we learned about the services Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital provides with its world-class care, medical education, research, and innovation. We also discussed the health care challenges posed by the federal administration, especially the impacts on post-acute care.
I was pleased to be joined by my colleague, Chair Dan Ryan, for these discussions. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with MGB and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital to ensure that individuals have the resources they need to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
I continue to meet with healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to learn more about the state of perimenopause and menopause care and services in Massachusetts. On Monday, I met with Dr. Monica Ruehli, Clinical Director of Reproductive & Gender Affirming Health of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Massachusetts, along with Paul Jones, Director of Policy & Legislative Affairs at BCBS. During our meeting, we discussed potential ways to improve clinical care for menopause and ways the Legislature can provide support to improve care and services overall. I am working to craft a comprehensive menopause bill that will address education, coverage, and treatment of care and services, and I will continue to share more with all of you.
It was great to meet with MassHealth staff and representatives from the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) on Monday afternoon. I am so grateful for the work that MassHealth does every day to ensure that economically vulnerable residents have access to the care that they need, and for the work that MDS does to ensure that dentists across the Commonwealth accept patients on MassHealth. We know that there have been challenges recently due to some transitions, but to every dentist who sees MassHealth members: thank you. Your service is deeply appreciated.
I met with Horizons for Homeless Children on Tuesday regarding H.215, An Act supporting the development of children experiencing homelessness, a bill that I filed to expand access to child care and early intervention services for families experiencing homelessness. I am deeply grateful for the staff and volunteers at Horizons, who work tirelessly to help young children mitigate the trauma and stress associated with homelessness. I appreciate their partnership on this legislation and am committed to getting it over the finish line this session so that children and families experiencing homelessness get the care and services that they need.
On Wednesday, I joined constituents and local news outlets, including Cambridge Day, for an informal discussion on the state of local news. As you may know, Cambridge Day was recently purchased by a group with significant journalism experience and is operating as a nonprofit with strong board leadership, so I am excited to see how it continues to grow and cover our community. I am always grateful for my friend Lori Lander’s hospitality and continued convenings, where we are able to dive into current events and important local topics.
Following Lori’s breakfast, I met with advocates at Luxor Cafe to discuss how they can best support my prison visitation bill, An Act to build restorative family and community connections (H.2591). As a reminder, I have filed this bill with Prisoners Legal Services for the last three sessions, and it would require the establishment of policies to maximize visitation and forbid policies that would unreasonably limit visitation. I enjoyed getting to know Michael Jacoby Brown, Bob Marra (who works at Cambridge Health Alliance!), and Peg Newman, and learn more about their experience supporting justice-involved populations.
I was grateful to have Ginny and Bob Swain welcome me and my staff, along with the Swains’ friend and mine, Jennifer Miles, into their home to discuss options for replicating the model of care developed at High Spirit Community Farm. Located in the Berkshires, High Spirit is a community where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live and work together with their caregivers in a warm, supportive environment and are afforded an opportunity to develop a sense of belonging, purpose, and accomplishment. While High Spirit has been operating as a pilot program under the Department of Developmental Services, change is necessary at the state level in order for this innovative model to become a mainstream option for adults with IDD.
I joined my good friend John Rosenthal at a celebration for Mariann Bucina Roca, the outgoing Executive Director of Friends of Boston’s Homeless, on Wednesday. As you may remember, I have worked closely with John on a number of gun safety bills in his capacity leading Stop Handgun Violence. John also started and still Chairs the Board of Friends of Boston’s Homeless, a nonprofit that supports innovative, solution-oriented programs that help people move out of homelessness once and for all. Mariann served as Executive Director for 28 years, and I am so grateful for her leadership of this important organization.
I was so happy to also see my former colleague and friend, Speaker Bob DeLeo, and Dr. Jim O’Connell, President of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), and one of my local heroes. You can read more about Dr. O’Connell and his work in founding and growing BHCHP in Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder.
It was a pleasure to visit my alma mater, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, on Thursday. I met staff from Youth Guidance, a nonprofit that provides school-based counseling programs, and joined a Working On Womanhood (WOW) circle with CRLS students. The circle’s focus was self-care, which included giving out mini bubble wands, coloring pages, and — my favorite — stress balls. I was so impressed by these young women’s thoughtfulness and energy, and I encouraged them not only to reach out to me anytime but also to consider running for office in the future. I always appreciate being back at CRLS, especially when I run into friends like Interim Principal Allan Gehant, Interim Assistant Principal Tanya Milner and Dean Jamalh Prince. And yes — that is an original CRLS swim team sweater from my time at the high school!
I had the privilege of hosting nearly 500 eighth graders from Cambridge Public Schools today as they presented their Civics Projects in the Great Hall of the State House. I am inspired by the incredible research that these students did on salient issues that we as legislators are debating in the State House. There were presentations about school segregation in Cambridge, access to MassHealth, and support for immigrant workers. Many students brought their personal perspectives into their presentations, and their passion and advocacy shone through.
I also had the opportunity to bring them into the House Chamber to discuss my journey in politics, my record of legislation that I’ve passed, and answer some great questions. I continue to be confident that the future of our city and country is in great hands, especially after seeing the brilliance and passion in our CPS students.
Cambridge Updates
Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Impacts and Street Closures
This weekend will bring traffic impacts and street closures across Cambridge due to Boston Calling and Boston’s Run to Remember Road Race. The Boston Calling Music Festival will take place at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston from Friday, May 24, through Sunday, May 26. Expect street closures in Harvard Square between 9 p.m. and midnight each night. Cambridge residents who experience noise or other impacts from the event should contact the 24/7 Boston Calling Hotline at 617-420-2245 or call the City of Cambridge Non-Emergency Line at 617-349-3300. Boston's Run to Remember will take place along the Charles River on Sunday, May 25, beginning at 7 a.m. The race route begins and ends in Boston, but a portion of the half marathon takes runners through Cambridge on DCR property along Edwin Land Boulevard and Memorial Drive. More information is available here.
MLBCC Arts and Community Weekend May 30 and 31
On May 30 and 31, the Maria L. Baldwin Community Center is holding a celebration of their staff, students, and programs. It will feature their annual spring artist market, student gallery show, a tai chi demonstration, and an open house for their school year and summer children’s programs. Both days are free to attend and open to all ages. The event will take place rain or shine; more information is 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
