Friday, May 30th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Jun 2
- 9 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 honored to share that I have been selected as Emerge Massachusetts’s Trailblazer Honoree. I am grateful to share a platform with my sisters in service. 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 for Child Care Costs
This week, the Legislature enacted and Governor Healey signed a supplemental budget to ensure that child care providers serving low-income families continue to get paid in June. The bill includes $95.6 million for the Department of Children and Families and Department of Transitional Assistance-related child care, as well as $94 million for income-eligible child care. I am grateful that we were able to get this funding approved so that vulnerable children and families can keep getting the services that they need.
Public Health Updates
CDC Removes COVID-19 Vaccine from Recommendations for Healthy Children and Pregnant People
On Tuesday, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that COVID-19 vaccines have been removed from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women. The announcement, which was posted in a 58-second video on X, did not feature any officials from the CDC. The changes come just one week after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its plans to 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. Historically, changes to the CDC’s immunization schedule are voted on by the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) before the CDC director makes a final decision; the advisory committee has not voted on the changes announced by Kennedy this week.
Healey Administration Launches New Partnership to Improve Maternal and Cardiometabolic Health
Yesterday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a new partnership aimed at improving maternal health and cardiometabolic health, as well as strengthening access to quality healthcare in Brockton, Lawrence, and Lowell. This initiative is part of the Administration’s Advancing Health Equity in Massachusetts (AHEM) program, which focuses on maternal health and social determinants of health to eliminate racial, economic, and regional disparities in health outcomes across the state. The partnership includes Point32Health Foundation and Health Care For All (HCFA), one of the many collaborations that AHEM seeks to establish with private sector partners to address health inequities. HCFA has received $920,000 in grant funding from the Point32Health Foundation to support their work in coalition building, collaboration, and policy efforts in Brockton, Lawrence, and Lowell over the next five years to address barriers that limit access to healthcare.
Trump Administration Cancels Contracts with Moderna to Develop Pandemic Flu Vaccines
The Trump Administration recently revoked $766 million worth of contracts awarded to Moderna in July 2024 and January 2025 to develop vaccines against potential pandemic influenza viruses, including the H5N1 bird flu. These federal funds were provided to Moderna through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a program within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that focuses on developing drugs and other therapies necessary to combat public health threats, such as pandemic illnesses. The contracts aimed to expedite the development of Moderna’s mRNA-based bird flu vaccine by funding late-stage clinical trials to assess the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials under the Biden Administration stated that Moderna could easily pivot the development of the bird flu vaccine to target other forms of influenza if necessary to protect public health. Unlike other types of vaccines, mRNA vaccines are both easier and quicker to produce because their formulas can be easily adapted to fight various kinds of viruses. mRNA technology allows scientists to develop vaccines within hours of sequencing a new viral strain.
DPH Warns of Potential Exposure to Hepatitis A in Provincetown, MA
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), along with the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment and the Provincetown Board of Health, is alerting the public about a case of hepatitis A virus exposure in Provincetown. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. It is primarily spread through contaminated food or drink or through direct contact with an infected person. Vaccination against hepatitis A can provide protection against the virus and has been recommended as part of childhood immunizations since 1991. The reported case is linked to a food service employee at The Red Inn, located at 15 Commercial Street in Provincetown. Officials are warning that patrons who dined at The Red Inn between April 30 and May 15 may have been exposed to hepatitis A. They urge these individuals to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible for appropriate medical treatment, since early detection can help limit the virus's spread.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
I attended several Memorial Day observance ceremonies for military personnel and maritime service members. When I was first elected, my mentor Alice K. Wolf told me, “Goodbye to your three-day weekends.” As I began my career in public service, I understood the obligation. Each year, I am honored to attend these ceremonies; my presence alone will never equate to the sacrifice of being called into active duty or conflict. However, as an elected official, honoring the legacy of those who have served is a reminder of elected officials’ responsibility for the care and protection of those who serve.
As the child of a Disabled Vietnam Veteran and an active member of the VFW, I always centered my time around attending services and commemorations to honor and remember those who served in the military. These moments dedicated to remembering and honoring those who have served in active duty armed conflict and war shaped my respect for my father’s experience of pain, hardship, and sacrifice. They are powerful reminders that elections are crucial.
We must remember and be mindful that our military is made up of brave individuals who choose this path or see it as the best option to secure future job training and education, and that they give up their agency and voice once in service. They rely on the ability of elected officials in Congress and the President to be prudent, wise, and strategic, and not to put them in harm’s way unless it is in the genuine interest of safety and security for our nation. It has also meant serving overseas to help countries secure their peace and security.
To my colleagues who show up, thank you. To those who serve and love those who serve, thank you. To the families whose loved ones never came home, may their memories and sacrifice never be forgotten. To those whose lives have been forever changed because of your service, thank you.
On Tuesday, I spoke on a Women in Politics Panel hosted by Cambridge Rindge and Latin School students with my fellow alumna, Cambridge City Councillor Ayesha Wilson. I was impressed by the students’ insightful questions and their eagerness to learn about my journey to becoming their State Representative. I was also thrilled to meet the young women and men who attended, many of whom told me that they are planning to study political science when they go to college in the fall or are considering running for office in the future. Thank you to Weyni Kidanemariam and Mira Patel for putting on such a fantastic event! The future looks bright, smart, compassionate, and ready!
On Wednesday, my staff met with constituents and advocates from Progressive Massachusetts during their lobby day. I am happy to see they have prioritized three of the bills I filed:
An Act to build restorative family and community connection (H.2591) would strengthen visitation rights in correctional facilities by requiring policies to maximize visitation and forbidding policies that would prohibit or unreasonably limit visitation.
An Act relative to preventing overdose deaths and increasing access to treatment (H.2196) establishes a harm reduction program framework to include overdose prevention centers with authorization from the Department of Public Health. It provides legal immunity for providers, users, and property owners of harm reduction sites.
An Act to lift kids out of deep poverty (H.214) would raise cash assistance grants by 20% per year over FY25 levels until they reach 50% of the federal poverty level, and then increase grants each year to keep up with inflation.
While I try to attend Harvard Commencement ceremonies most years, this year I felt particularly compelled to stand in solidarity and support of our Harvard community. It was uplifting and inspiring to attend Harvard’s 374th Commencement on Thursday, and to celebrate the accomplishments of students who came to Harvard from across the globe. It was also incredibly powerful to hear from keynote speaker Dr. Abraham Verghese and Harvard President Alan Garber as well as from exemplary students, and to see two legends -- Kareem Abdul Jabar and Rita Moreno -- recognized with honorary degrees. I loved walking the procession and congratulating and cheering on the students along the way; it was especially exciting to see so many first-generation graduates and high five about our shared journey of being the first to graduate from college. I was happy to have my colleagues Rep. Steve Owens and Rep. Joan Meschino join me, as well as so many of my friends. I am proud to see Harvard stand up for the rule of law, academic freedom, and our international community. I wanted to be sure they felt the love and support at this moment in time.
I was very happy to attend and speak at a party for Kelsey Wirth, a founder of Mothers Out Front. Mothers Out Front brings an authenticity through their grassroots advocacy that is really important for legislators. While we work closely with and appreciate all of the other statewide organizations that advocate on climate change, what makes Mothers Out Front distinct is their local chapters. The advocates are people we know — people whom we see when we drop our kids off at school, bump into them at the coffee shop or the grocery store, and spend time with them at the soccer field or baseball field. I’m so proud of Kelsey and grateful for what she helped launch and create 12 years ago, and I am wishing her the best in her next chapter. We know she’ll continue this work; she’ll just be doing it from Washington DC, which is probably not the worst place to have somebody like Kelsey Wirth living, shining, and organizing.
Cambridge Updates
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
