Friday, October 31st Legislative & Public Health Updates -- SNAP News Alert
- hannanur3
- Nov 3
- 16 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.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Public Health Updates
Cambridge Updates
Services and Resources
NEWS ALERT: Judge Rules That Trump Must Cover Some SNAP Benefits
A Rhode Island federal judge ruled today that the Trump administration must tap into emergency funds to partially cover food assistance benefits in November. However, this amount won’t be enough to fully fund the program.
At stake was the loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance benefits on November 1 for more than 1 million residents of Massachusetts due to the federal government shutdown. Earlier this week, I joined 151 of my colleagues in the Massachusetts State Legislature in signing on to a letter to President Trump to urge him to use his existing authority to supplement and transfer available funds to SNAP through the duration of the federal government shutdown.
Again, the incoming dollars are not enough to meet the level of need. You can still donate to funds such as the Cambridge Community Center (CCC)’s Nourish a Neighbor fund and the United Response Fund to support local and statewide food assistance programs.
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. There is also a new state website, Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze, with resources for people in need of food assistance and ways for residents and businesses to donate or volunteer.
Please see the “Services and Resources” section at the end of this newsletter for additional food assistance resources.
Legislative Updates
House Approves Three Literacy Bills
On Wednesday, I voted with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to pass three education bills. The first, An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy, seeks to improve reading outcomes among elementary school students. The second, An Act relative to personal financial literacy education, creates a Financial Literacy Trust Fund for educating middle- and high-school students on personal financial literacy. The third, An Act expanding student access to the state seal of biliteracy, updates the criteria for awarding a Seal of Biliteracy for bilingual graduating students. The bills passed the House of Representatives 155-0 and now go to the Senate for consideration.
The three amendments that I filed to the early literacy bill, which were approved by roll calls, will:
Invest in expanding access to reading specialists, including school librarians, through state literacy grants.
Create a study that will require the state’s education departments to work with stakeholders, including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, to develop recommendations for school reading support staffing levels and equitable access to school libraries.
Require districts to start reporting data on staffing levels for school librarians and reading and literacy educators so we can clearly see which school districts have more or less support.
DPU Blocks Eversource Rate Hikes
The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued an order on Wednesday to block Eversource’s proposed 13% rate hike, saving NStar Gas customers approximately $45 million this year. In the order, DPU stated that Eversource has failed to meet requirements set in a 2020 order, including customer satisfaction metrics. As I have shared earlier, I have been consistently advocating against these rate hikes, including communicating to the Governor and signing on to two letters last winter imploring both the Chair of DPU and the Attorney General, to take action on skyrocketing utility bills. I am grateful that the Administration is working to protect Massachusetts residents from further increases this winter.
Hearing on Gun Safety Legislation That I Filed
The Joint Committee on Public Safety held a public hearing this week on gun safety legislation, including three bills that I filed:
An Act requiring licensed gun owners to submit a yearly affidavit (H.2589), which would require all licensed gun owners in Massachusetts to file an annual sworn affidavit stating whether they have had any firearms lost or stolen since the last time their license was issued or renewed.
An Act making firearm owners civilly liable for damage caused by lost or stolen firearms (H.2590), which creates civil liability for firearm owners in Massachusetts who fail to report a lost or stolen gun that is later used to commit a crime.
An Act authorizing the voluntary disavowal of eligibility to purchase a firearm (H.2592), which would require the establishment of a list, administered by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, of individuals who have voluntarily terminated their ability to purchase a firearm. They will also develop a standard form for the disavowal of firearm ownership.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
This past weekend, I was honored to speak at the NAACP's 90th New England Area Conference state convention on the heels of the work we did last session in passing a comprehensive maternal health omnibus bill. I had the opportunity to discuss my work this session on perimenopause and menopause.
Women spend more than one-third of their lives in menopause, and their experiences vary significantly in both duration and symptoms, impacting their quality of life and long-term health. Despite its significance and affecting over half the population, menopause is often overlooked, accompanied by stigma and inadequate attention in clinical care and workplace policies.
I filed An Act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care, which seeks to alleviate the confusion and stigma around menopause and perimenopause by establishing a commission on perimenopause and menopause care, education, coverage, and its impact on the workforce. Additionally, it will also require the Department of Public Health to develop a public health awareness campaign to increase menopause and perimenopause awareness and treatment options. My bill will also add perimenopause and menopause to the list of workplace protected conditions, preventing employers from discriminating against workers based on menopausal symptoms in Massachusetts. It provides workplace accommodations for those experiencing perimenopause and menopause and seeks to improve education and training on perimenopause and menopause among healthcare providers.
I would like to extend my gratitude to President Tanisha Sullivan for inviting me to speak about menopause and perimenopause awareness and my bill to address the gaps in awareness, education, coverage, and care.
On Tuesday, my staff attended Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services’ (SCES) Future of Aging Forum at Boston University. Speakers and panelists discussed the impact of federal funding cuts on care for older adults, the importance of a thriving care workforce, and the rising — and increasingly unaffordable — costs of age-related care. Thank you to SCES for holding this informative event!
It’s always great to run into members of Cambridge Mothers Out Front, who were attending a Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy hearing at the State House!
I spoke on the House floor on Wednesday in support of my amendments to An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy (H.4672). In my remarks, which begin at 1:59:45, I talked about how reading is part of a civil society that allows us to be critical thinkers on where we are historically, where we should go, and how we get there as a society. Reading was my first path out of poverty, and I discovered the joy of reading at the Central Square Library and the bookmobile that used to come to Woodrow Wilson Court, where I grew up, making sure that I had access to libraries and reading support.
Last week, I met with Cambridge teachers and spoke with longtime literacy educators in Cambridge who provided me with more context about the potential challenges this bill would pose to some teachers in our community and around the state. While we clearly need to address achievement gaps and drops in overall scores in reading and literacy, my commitment is to also ensure that we are centering students and what is best for their learning. That means listening to teachers, including reading interventionists, early education providers, and librarians, along with the Cambridge Education Association, the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and the American Federation of Teachers.
I’m grateful for the partnership and support of all of these organizations, along with that of my colleagues, in passing the three amendments that I filed and that were approved by roll calls:
The first amendment will bring the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education together with stakeholders including the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the American Federation of Teachers Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, to analyze where we are in terms of student access to school libraries and reading support staff, and what needs to happen to achieve equity in access for every student in our schools.
The second amendment will allow school districts to use grants from the Literacy Launch Fund to invest in school libraries and to hire reading support staff.
The third amendment will ensure that we have good district-level data on the numbers of reading specialists, reading interventionists, literacy coordinators, school librarians, library aides, education support professionals, and other staff who directly support student reading and literacy development.
I spent the morning on Thursday at the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Treatment Summit on Thursday, hosted by The Center for Law, Brain & Behavior in conjunction with The Petrie-Flom Center for Health Law Policy, Biotechnology, and Bioethics, and The Program in Criminal Justice Policy and Management at Harvard Law School. I was honored to be invited to be part of a really informative conversation with leaders who are on the ground and in the courts tackling how we can support people struggling with substance use disorders, both in terms of treatment and holistic approaches, as well as harm reduction. This conversation included how we can best support people who are in or have been in carceral facilities. We are working to ensure that substance use disorder cannot be used to punish or place people back into the carceral system.
I have worked on this issue for many years, both as former Chair of the Joint Committee of Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery and someone leading policy efforts in partnership with experts with lived experience, those facing substance use disorder, and people championing justice reform.
The objective of the SUD Treatment Summit was to convene Massachusetts stakeholders to brainstorm strategies for reducing harms from substance addiction. Massachusetts remains the only state in the country that statutorily commits men with alcohol or substance use disorders to carceral facilities for treatment. It is imperative that people struggling with substance use disorders can access the treatment they need and deserve in non-carceral facilities conducive to their recovery.
There was so much joy in the room as we celebrated the Cambridge Senior Center’s 30th anniversary. A staple in the community, the Senior Center was full of friendly faces and longtime supporters hitting the dancefloor with DJ Owen Howell.
Snug in the middle of Central Square, the Cambridge Senior Center serves residents aged 60 and older and offers a variety of programming, classes, and food and resource services.
On a personal note, it was lovely to publicly celebrate Ellen Semonoff, Cambridge Assistant City Manager for Human Services, for her decades-long work caring for our community. She will be retiring later this year.
Congratulations to the Cambridge Senior Center and all of the people who have helped to make it a central hub for Cambridge residents over the last 30 years. To 30 more years!
Public Health Updates
States Challenge SNAP Suspension Amid Prolonged Government Shutdown
A coalition of twenty-two attorneys general and three governors, co-led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell, has filed a joint lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its Secretary Brooke Rollins to restore federal nutrition assistance payments amid the ongoing government shutdown. On October 10, the USDA notified state SNAP agencies that it would not provide $8 billion to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are set to lapse for over 42 million Americans starting November 1. The USDA claims this decision is due to insufficient funds to maintain regular operations during the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now extended into its fifth week. SNAP is the nation’s largest primary anti-hunger safety net, providing monthly funds to low-income individuals and families to purchase groceries —a program that supports approximately 1 in 8 U.S. residents. The suspension threatens food security for over one million residents in Massachusetts alone, many of whom are children, older adults, or individuals with disabilities. The loss of SNAP benefits could have significant downstream public health effects, including rising food insecurity, increased reliance on community food banks, and heightened health risks tied to hunger and malnutrition. Such immediate consequences will particularly impact lower-income communities with higher participation in SNAP. The program’s funding is subject to annual congressional approval, which expired at the start of the new fiscal year. The lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts alleges that the agency unlawfully suspended SNAP payments. Despite the USDA’s claim of insufficient funds, the agency has access to billions of dollars in SNAP-specific contingency funds, which Congress appropriated specifically to preserve essential services, such as food assistance, during funding gaps. However, the agency issued a memo stating that these reserves are not legally available to cover regular benefits. Governor Healey has launched the United Response Fund in partnership with the state’s 13 United Way chapters to deliver emergency food assistance across all 351 communities throughout Massachusetts. The initiative aims to protect families from the sudden loss of SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Today, a Rhode Island federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must tap into emergency funds to partially cover food stamp benefits in November. However, this amount won’t be enough to fully fund the program. The judge additionally ordered the administration to examine whether other federal funds would be available to keep the program operating in the absence of a Congressional funding bill. For more information on SNAP updates, visit Mass.gov for FAQs.
FDA Approves Lynkuet, a New Non-Hormonal Option for Menopausal Symptoms Relief
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Lynkuet (elinzanetant), a new non-hormonal medication for hot flashes and night sweats—two of the most common and disruptive symptoms of menopause. These symptoms can affect up to 80% of women and may persist for years. Menopause, which is defined as twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period, typically occurs around the age of 52. The transition period, known as perimenopause, often brings hormonal fluctuations that lead to hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and vaginal or urinary issues that significantly impact quality of life. Lynkuet works by blocking two brain receptors that influence temperature regulation and sleep, which sets it apart from previous non-hormonal medications like Veozah, which only target one receptor. This dual mechanism may help alleviate not only hot flashes and night sweats but also the sleep difficulties commonly associated with menopause. In clinical trials involving over 2,000 women, more than 70% of participants taking Lynkuet reported a reduction of at least 50% in the frequency of hot flashes after 12 weeks. Additionally, over 80% maintained this level of improvement after 26 weeks, with benefits often becoming apparent within the first week of treatment. Side effects were generally mild and included headache, fatigue, and joint pain; however, the medication is not recommended for individuals with liver problems. Manufactured by Bayer, Lynkuet is expected to be available in November, with a list price of approximately $625 per month. However, eligible patients with insurance may pay as little as $25.
Preliminary Study Results Show COVID Vaccines May Increase the Efficacy of Cancer Treatments
A clinical research briefing published in the scientific journal Nature has found that mRNA-based vaccines, specifically the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, may help the immune system respond better to certain immunotherapy drugs used to treat cancer. Researchers analyzed the medical records of almost 1,000 advanced cancer patients undergoing checkpoint inhibitor treatment, a type of monoclonal antibody that helps the immune system find and attack cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Scientists compared the treatment outcomes of those who received a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine with those who did not and found better outcomes. Vaccinated patients with advanced lung cancer were two times more likely to be alive three years after beginning cancer treatment when compared to unvaccinated cancer patients. Vaccinated melanoma patients also had a significantly higher median survival rate than those who were unvaccinated. The lead researcher of this study stated that the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA COVID vaccines activate immune cells throughout the body, priming immune-resistant tumors to respond to immune therapies, thereby increasing the effectiveness of these treatments. Non-mRNA-based vaccines, like the flu shot, did not show the same benefits. Researchers hope to continue this work by validating their preliminary results in a future clinical trial.
Weight-Loss Drugs Linked to Declining U.S. Obesity Rate, Survey Finds
A recent Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index survey shows that the obesity rate among U.S. adults has declined for the first time in years, decreasing from nearly 40% to 37%. Researchers largely attribute this change to the rapid increase in the use of GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, which are primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. These medications have also been found to reduce food intake, appetite, and hunger. According to the survey, the percentage of Americans utilizing these medications for weight management has more than doubled since early 2024, now reaching 12.4% of adults. The most significant reductions in obesity were observed among adults aged 40 to 64. Awareness of these medications has surged, with nine in ten Americans now more familiar with them. The popularity of these drugs has also expanded alongside broader Medicaid coverage, with 13 states now offering full benefits for obesity treatment. However, high costs and disparities in coverage continue to limit access to these medications. Experts warn that access and affordability issues are likely to persist, as many insurers plan to cease coverage for these medications in 2026, potentially leaving patients to pay around $500 per month out of pocket.
New HPC Report Found that 580,000 Residents in MA Live in Pharmacy Deserts
Last week, the Health Policy Commission (HPC) released a report finding that over half a million people in Massachusetts (8.3% of the population) live without easy access to pharmacies. Communities with limited access to pharmacies, known as pharmacy deserts, face challenges in obtaining medications and health services, where residents must travel long distances to reach the nearest pharmacy. Pharmacy closures and deserts can exacerbate existing health disparities and make it difficult to access vaccinations, medications, and other health care services. About 580,000 residents in Massachusetts live in pharmacy deserts, while an additional 525,000 (7.5% of the population) reside in “near deserts,” areas at risk of becoming pharmacy deserts. Since 2018, nearly 370 pharmacies have closed in the state, with grocery-based pharmacies, small chains, and independent pharmacies experiencing the largest relative decreases. The highest concentration of pharmacy deserts is found in urban areas and neighborhoods with lower population densities and a higher proportion of residents aged 65 and older. This poses significant risks for both patients and healthcare systems. Pharmacy deserts have been associated with negative effects, including older adults skipping their cardiovascular medications and increased use of hospital and emergency department services. This trend places additional stress on the healthcare workforce, raises costs, and leads to worse overall health outcomes.
Cambridge Updates
Road Closures This Weekend for Cambridge 5k and Half Marathon
There will be road closures and traffic impacts across Cambridge this weekend due to the 2nd Annual Cambridge 5k and the 8th Annual Cambridge Half Marathon.
The 5k is on Saturday, November 1 and begins and ends at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge. Beginning at 10 a.m., participants will travel through Kendall Square and Cambridgeport. Expect road closures in the area between 9 a.m. and noon.
The half marathon is on Sunday, November 2 and begins and ends at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge. Beginning at 7 a.m., participants will travel through Kendall Square, Cambridgeport, Riverside, West Cambridge, Lower Allston, and Watertown. Roads along the course will close during the event. Expect road closures in the area between 5 a.m. and noon.
MWRA Considering Proposal to Allow Sewage Releases in Charles River
The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) Board of Directors is considering a proposal to reclassify the Charles River water quality standards in order to allow combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges. The current classification would eliminate untreated sewage and stormwater, which have continued due to a special variance. If approved, the reclassification would impact the health of boaters, swimmers, and anyone who comes into contact with sewage-tainted water and would represent a tremendous step backward in achieving equitable access to this shared natural resource. I am working with the Charles River Watershed Association on this issue and plan to bring together my colleagues whose districts also abut the Charles in order to urge the MWRA to reject this proposal.
Services and Resources
Food Assistance Resources
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.
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.
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.
As always, please contact me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker@mahouse.gov.
Sincerely,
Marjorie
