Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
On Monday, Senator Sal DiDomenico and I convened the first meeting of the Massachusetts Poverty Commission. We were tasked by the Senate President and Speaker of the House, respectively, to co-chair the Commission based on our history of leadership on anti-poverty legislation in the State House. The Commission is charged with creating a set of recommendations that would significantly reduce poverty in the Commonwealth over the next 10 years. The Commission is composed of over 30 individuals representing state agencies, anti-poverty nonprofits, and academic institutions who will work with us to come up with the recommendations. The Commission will be hosting three hearings across the Commonwealth over the next three months.
I am proud to co-chair this Commission with Senator DiDomenico, my CRLS classmate and terrific policy partner. Over the past 12 years that we have served in the Legislature, we have worked together and achieved many progresses related to anti-poverty legislation. Our progresses include:
Lifting the cap on Temporary Aid for Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) benefits
In 2019, Massachusetts capped state assistance through the TAFDC program for families based on the number of children they had when they first began receiving benefits, also known as “when the clock starts.” This punitive policy meant that no matter how many years had gone by since a parent originally received cash assistance, if they gave birth to another child, they would not be eligible for additional assistance. Now every child in every family that is experiencing deep poverty receives the support they are entitled to and need to survive.
Increasing TAFDC cash grants for the first time in 33 years and Emergency Assistance for the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) for the first time in 21 years
In 2021, TAFDC had not been increased since 1988, and EAEDC had not been increased since 2000. Through working with House and Senate leadership, we have been successful in achieving increases for the past four budgets. Prior to these efforts, a family of three received $593 per year in TAFDC assistance. Since then, we have increased grant levels to $652, $712, $783, and finally $861.
While the Governor eliminated last year’s 10% increase to $861, I just secured the restoration of that increase in the House budget that passed last week, as outlined in the previous newsletter.
Increasing and improving the Earned Income Tax Credit in Massachusetts
Over the past ten years, I have filed legislation to increase the EITC from what was 15% to 50%. I am so proud of the progress we have made over the years. The House has led increases and expansion – from 15% to 23%, later to 30%, and finally to 40% in the tax reform package that the Legislature passed in October 2023. I am thankful that the House included language from my bill that also allows expanding the child family tax credit that was capped and limited for the first two children and now allows for a credit for every child.
You may recall I was able to secure language that made Massachusetts the first state in the country to allow married individuals who were survivors of intimate partner violence to file and claim EITC benefits separately from their abusive spouses. Prior to that, survivors had to file jointly in order to access EITC. Massachusetts continues to be the only state that has adopted this policy.
Public Health Updates
New Data Indicate Maternal Mortality Declined, But Are Not Cause for Celebration
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) published data indicating that the maternal mortality rate decreased to 22.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 compared to 32.9 in 2021. Despite this apparent decrease, maternal health experts highlight these data should not be celebrated, as they simply represent maternal mortality data realigning to where they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. These new data do not represent systemic changes resulting in better health outcomes for birthing people. In the new NCHS data, racial disparities in maternal health outcomes persisted, with Black-birthing people dying at over two and a half times the rate of white-birthing people. Many factors contribute to stark racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health, such as structural racism, differences in healthcare quality, and medical bias. Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, professor and founder of the Center of Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice at the Tufts University School of Medicine, stated, “Structural racism does not show up in the birthing experience as one bad actor… it’s the entire health care system that has policies, procedures that are enacted and enforced, really to exacerbate racism.”
EPA Bans Consumer Use of Methylene Chloride
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned consumer use of methylene chloride, a toxic chemical commonly used by consumers to remove grease and oil from surfaces and as a paint stripper. Exposure to methylene chloride is associated with liver, lung, breast, brain, and central nervous system cancers, neurotoxicity, liver damage, and even death. At least 88 people, primarily employees working on bathtub refinishing and paint stripping, have died due to acute exposure to methylene chloride since 1980. The EPA’s final risk management rule for methylene chloride permits the use of the chemical for most industrial and commercial uses; directs manufacturers of methylene chloride to reduce the production, processing, and distribution of the chemical; requires all consumer uses of the chemical be phased out in a year, and that most industrial and commercial uses be prohibited in two years.
First Case of Powassan Virus Reported in Massachusetts
Public health officials at the Sharon Health Department have reported the first confirmed case of Powassan virus in Massachusetts this year. Powassan virus is a rare illness transmitted through infected tick bites. There have only been 100 reported cases of Powassan virus in the U.S. over the last decade, 16 of which were in Massachusetts. Most people infected with Powassan virus are asymptomatic; however, those who are symptomatic typically experience symptoms within a week to a month after being bitten. According to the Department of Public Health, mild symptoms of Powassan virus include fever, weakness, and headache, and more severe symptoms include meningitis, seizures, and speech difficulties. You can protect yourself from Powassan virus and other tick-borne illnesses by using insect repellent with DEET or permethrin, wearing long, bright-colored clothing when hiking, and showering immediately after potential tick exposure. Learn more about Powassan virus and how to reduce your risk of contracting it and other tick-borne illnesses here.
Cambridge Updates
Red Line Closure from Park Street to JFK/UMass
While no stations within Cambridge are closed, the current red line closure between Park Street and JFK/UMass will definitely impact riders. The MBTA has informed us that riders along the red line can expect longer-than-normal wait times during the closure, which lasts from May 2-10.
Central Square Block Party
Viva Central Block Party, hosted by the Central Square BID, Naco Taco, and Cambridge Arts, is on Saturday from 4-10pm. This block party is a celebration of Mexican heritage and will have music, food, shopping, games, and more.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I spoke at the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation Undiagnosed Day event at Harvard Medical School on Monday. Families of patients are at the forefront of the development of lifesaving therapies, and it was an honor to speak alongside them. Progress has been made in groundbreaking therapies for those with undiagnosed and rare diseases, yet treatments remain out of reach for so many. Equitable access to the lifesaving innovations made in science and medicine remains a priority for the Legislature. I look forward to continuing to work with my House colleagues on improving health outcomes for all people in Massachusetts.
On Wednesday, it was great to meet with Heart of a Giant, an organization devoted to reducing the incidence of heart-related diseases while eliminating disparities in heart health outcomes. Heart of a Giant provides no-cost, culturally competent services to underserved communities of color including blood pressure screenings, awareness campaigns, and health coaching for expectant Black birthing people.
It was an honor to receive a Certificate of Appreciation from the Boston Center for Independent Living and the Disability Policy Consortium. I have been working closely with the DPC for the majority of my years in the Legislature, and I continue this work with my colleague Representative Consalvo. We also continue to advocate for the codification and improvement of the Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) through our bill An Act to create affordable homes for persons with disabilities (H.1305).
It was great returning to the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) Lobby Day on Thursday. I spoke about the critical investments made in public health in the FY25 budget the House passed last week, which are a reflection of our continued commitment to the well-being of all Massachusetts residents. I also was joined by a special guest: a young public health advocate-in-training.
On Friday, I spoke at the MASSCAP 60th Anniversary Event at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. It was an honor to join the celebration of 60 years of community action agencies. These agencies are linchpins in our communities, ensuring that the most economically vulnerable residents receive the benefits, services, and care that they are entitled to. Growing up, my family relied on the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Council (CEOC), Cambridge’s community action agency. I later served on the board of CEOC.
I expressed gratitude for all of the staff who work every day to support the needs of people who work hard every day to meet their family’s needs yet are often failed due to inequality, lack of opportunity, and injustice. As someone who grew up in poverty, I reminded all of us it’s not an identity and each day we have the opportunity as policymakers to invest in policies and budgets that help people transition out of poverty.
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.
Overdose Prevention Helpline
The Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline is a virtual spotting/overdose detection service for people who use drugs. Learn more at massoverdosehelpline.org or access it by calling 800-972-0590.
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
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