Friday, September 26th Legislative & Public Health Updates
- hannanur3
- Oct 2
- 10 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.
YWCA Cambridge and Transition House are holding a personal care item and gift card drive to benefit survivors during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The flier below includes information on what can be donated, or you can click here to give directly to Transition House if you are able to do so.
Table of Contents
Legislative Updates
Public Health Updates
A Glimpse at the Past Week
Cambridge Updates
Recent Press
Services and Resources
Legislative Updates
Hearing on Legislation That I Filed
This week, there was a hearing on two bills that I filed this legislative session. Thank you to the Chairs of the Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee for hearing:
An Act relative to healthy and sustainable schools (H.3476), which would establish a Healthy and Sustainable Schools Office, directing building authorities for public schools to conduct energy audits that measure opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades, ventilation improvements, renewable energy usage, and greenhouse gas reductions.
An Act relative to clean lightbulbs and energy efficiency standards (H.3477) which would establish updated lighting and appliance efficiency standards, including a 2027 ban on the sale of compact and linear fluorescent lamps, and mandates stricter energy and water efficiency criteria for various appliances.
Public Health Updates
Trump Administration Makes Unsupported Claim that Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Causes Autism
On Monday, President Trump and top federal health officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, announced an extensive attack on what the administration has dubbed the “autism epidemic.” In addition to endorsing leucovorin, a B-vitamin-based drug, to treat autism and announcing new research on the potential links between autism and childhood vaccines, the Trump Administration also made a bold and unfounded claim that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in the common pain reliever Tylenol, is a cause of autism when taken by pregnant women. At the same time, the President advised pregnant women to “tough it out” rather than take Tylenol when in pain or ill. Since the announcement, various medical groups and organizations have come out against the President’s comments including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) also released a statement asserting that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Previous studies demonstrating a link between autism and acetaminophen use in pregnant women have since been discredited. Additionally, doctors and public health experts worry that the President’s remarks could spark unnecessary fear among pregnant patients and put their health at risk due to a lack of other safe options to treat fevers and pain that could prove dangerous to expectant mothers. In fact, a great deal of scientific evidence shows a clear link between fevers early in pregnancy and specific birth defects and injuries, including neural tube defects, cleft palates, and spina bifida. Importantly, autism is not an illness or medical condition with treatments or a "cure." People living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may behave, communicate, interact, and learn in different ways from others. As such, health care providers focus on helping people with ASD take advantage of their strengths while managing unique challenges, rather than "curing" autism.
Increase in Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria in the United States
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) highlights a significant increase in drug-resistant “nightmare bacteria” across the United States, with cases increasing nearly 70% between 2019 and 2023. The bacteria driving these drug-resistant infections contain the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) gene. The NDM gene encodes an enzyme in bacteria that confers resistance to many commonly used antibiotics, including carbapenems, a class of antibiotics used as a last resort treatment for serious infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The rise of NDM bacteria in the U.S. is incredibly concerning, as many people may not be aware that they carry this antibiotic-resistant bacteria and could spread it to others. The further these bacteria spread, the more difficult it will be to treat infections that were once easily treatable. Researchers believe that the increase in NDM bacteria may be linked to the increased use of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics when people take antibiotics that are not strong enough to kill the bacteria they’re being treated for, or when people don’t finish the full course of prescribed antibiotics.
Massachusetts Strengthens Public Health via Northeast Coalition and Releases New COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance
Earlier this month, the state Department of Public Health (DPH) released COVID-19 vaccine guidance for 2025-2026 as the respiratory illness season approaches. The guidance, released just ahead of the ACIP meeting held last week, recommends that all adults and children aged 23 months to 6 years old receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, DPH recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals at higher risk for disease or exposure, pregnant or lactating individuals, and those who are immunocompromised. Notably, the guidance mirrors recommendations released by the newly formed Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a voluntary regional coalition of public health agencies and leaders, last week, of which Massachusetts is a member. The coalition’s recommendations are notably more expansive than those expected to be issued by the CDC, are backed by science, and are consistent with U.S. professional medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. The collaborative effort, informally established earlier this year, represents a Massachusetts-led effort to synchronize public health policies between neighboring states and strengthen public health infrastructure. Members of the coalition include Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York City, representing a concerted effort by the Northeast to bolster public trust in vaccines amid the Trump administration’s attempts to undermine that trust. In addition to vaccine recommendations and purchasing, the coalition will focus on emergency preparedness and response, data collection and analysis, infectious disease, epidemiology and laboratory capacity and services. The full DPH vaccine guidance and the Northeast Public Health Collaborative’s consensus statement are available here.
A Glimpse at the Past Week
On Monday, I was happy to join Boston 25’s Kerry Kavanaugh to discuss my bill, An Act expanding access to perimenopause and menopause care. Although menopause affects over half of the population and women spend more than one-third of their lives in menopause, it is often overlooked, accompanied by stigma and inadequate attention in clinical care and workplace policies. Many individuals navigate this transition without sufficient guidance, support, or resources, and even when seeking help, many remain untreated. The bill 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.
The bill will also require the Department of Public Health to develop a public health awareness campaign to increase menopause and perimenopause awareness and treatment options. Thank you to Kerry and the Boston 25 team for having me in the studio to discuss this important legislation, particularly during perimenopause awareness month and in preparation for menopause awareness month in October. You can watch the interview in its entirety here.
On Tuesday, I had the honor of being the keynote speaker at the UMass Boston Addictions Counselor Education Program (ACEP) graduation. ACEP is an award-winning program that enables professionals in substance use disorders treatment to hone their skills and prepare for licensure/certification. I told the graduates that we need them now more than ever, and my job as a legislator is to continue being a partner in ensuring that they get the tools and resources they require.
As a society, we have to create opportunities, laws and a shared culture that recognizes that treating substance use disorder means treating the whole person and meeting them where they are in all of their needs. That includes economic security, housing security, and food security in addition to access to behavioral health services with readily available treatment and coverage. People who are struggling with addiction deserve to live, but more than that, they deserve joy and hope.
I am deeply grateful to the graduates for choosing this work and will lean on them to continue to inform my advocacy. Thank you as well to John Christian, President and CEO of Modern Assistance and an ACEP instructor, for inviting me to speak.
On Wednesday morning, I spoke to early-career and resident psychiatrists during the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society’s advocacy day at the State House. Psychiatrists are on the front lines of the Commonwealth’s mental and behavioral health crisis, and it is imperative that the workforce reflect those seeking and receiving treatment.
I was thrilled to meet Celtics player and 7uice Foundation founder Jaylen Brown, who stopped by my office with Representative Chris Worrell on Wednesday. We had a great conversation about our historical and comprehensive maternal health bill that we crafted and successfully signed into law last session, which increases access to out-of-hospital birth options care and improves maternal health outcomes across the Commonwealth.
Jaylen asked about the other initiatives the Joint Committee on Public Health is currently working on, and I was happy to share that among the many important bills before the Committee, we have been doing extensive work on issues from improving indoor and outdoor air quality to expanding access to reproductive health and safeguarding reproductive justice, especially as it relates to perimenopause and menopause care, menstrual equity, and abortion care.
I am so grateful that Jaylen uses his platform to advocate for educational opportunities, socio-economic mobility, access to health and wellness, and to ensure individuals are included in policy and decision-making processes.
On Thursday, I chaired the first hearing of the Massachusetts Commission on Violence Prevention Services Funding. The Violence Prevention Commission was established by the sweeping firearms safety omnibus passed last year and is tasked with both making recommendations to strengthen the funding structures for violence prevention services in the Commonwealth and studying the feasibility of a statewide grant to implement a public health and safety approach to preventing targeted violence.
Massachusetts has some of the safest gun laws in the country, but there is always more that can be done. In an average year, 259 people die from gun violence in the Commonwealth, meaning someone dies from gun violence every 34 hours in our state. I was very moved by the testimony provided by the invited community-based organizations engaging in violence prevention work, many of which have first-hand experience with the impacts of gun violence through the loss of a loved one. Many organizations shared how significant federal funding cuts have negatively impacted their daily operations -- several reported having to make reductions in staffing and the scope of services they provide.
Their testimony was even more powerful as Thursday was also the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims. I look forward to continuing the work of the Violence Prevention Commission this session and collaborating with commissioners to develop recommendations for supporting the critical efforts of violence prevention organizations in our communities.
Cambridge Updates
Community Events and Traffic Impacts This Weekend
Cambridge is hosting several community events this weekend that will impact local traffic. Arts in the Park and the S.S. Cosmas and Damian Society Open House will take place on Saturday, September 27, and the Paddy’s Cambridge Classic 5k and the East Cambridge Business Association Rib Fest will take place on Sunday, September 28. Details on each event and related street closures are available here.
Cambridge Public Health Department Vaccine Clinics
The Cambridge Public Health Department is planning its fall vaccine clinics in various community locations this year. All clinics will offer flu vaccines for individuals aged 6 months and older. COVID-19 vaccines will also be available for adults and, pending supply, children 6 months and older. Appointment links will be available here next month.
October 21, 10am-2pm: Senior Center, 806 Mass Ave.
October 23, 4:30-7pm: King Open School, 850 Cambridge Street (Includes VaxAbilities for individuals with special needs)
October 24, 1-4pm: Cambridge Community Center, 5 Callender St
October 29, 3:30-6:30pm: Reservoir Church, 170 Rindge Ave
October 30, 4-6:30pm: Pisani Center, 131 Washington St
Recent Press
Psychiatrists taking on policy, “existential problems”
Ella Adams, State House News Service
As psychiatrists lament persistent barriers to mental health care access and "existential problems" revolving around medicine and science, top health care figures in the Legislature are seemingly on board with implementing more mental and behavioral health reforms.
The Legislature and former Gov. Charlie Baker in 2022 teamed up on a comprehensive mental health care law that introduced mental health parity in Massachusetts and attempted to reform mental and behavioral health care access. House Public Health Committee Chair Rep. Marjorie Decker emphasized a need for continued focus on the field at a Wednesday event at the State House.
"Why should it matter to us? We have a lot of things that are happening in the state right now, and the country is literally on fire. They are burning down so many resources, opportunities, tools, programs, data and pathways to helping people," Decker said. "And if that happens, anyone who's involved in the field of supporting behavioral health and mental health, your work only becomes, not only more important, but the demand continues to grow."
Services and Resources
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
