Dear Friend,
As we approach the final stretch of May, it's time to reflect on the progress we've made and gear up for an exciting summer ahead. We have the opportunity to close this month on a resounding note, taking swift and decisive actions that will drive meaningful change in Maryland. So let's dive right in and make every moment count! In the upcoming weeks, we are preparing to launch a wave of organizing efforts, events, and initiatives that will shape the course of our progressive movement. Together, we will work tirelessly to amplify our voices, drive policy reforms, and build a stronger, more inclusive Maryland for all its residents. We are confident that by taking quick actions and harnessing the power of our collective efforts, we will make significant strides in the months to come. Read on for quick actions you can take, updates on our task force work and opportunities to engage with these initiatives firsthand. In Solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team |
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: - Quick Actions
- PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF, EJTF & RCTF
- Events from Allies: Health Equity Summit
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State & National news
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Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns |
Healthcare Justice Campaign: What a Great Week For Healthcare Organizing!
We were on the Hill, on the doors, and on the phones talking about the need to bring down the high cost of health care and to guarantee healthcare as a human right in this country. On Wednesday, May 17, we were on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for the press conference held by Senator Sanders (I-VT) and Representatives Jayapal (D-WA) and Dingell (D-MI) as they reintroduced the Medicare For All Act in the Senate and House. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, which included dozens of Members of Congress, was electric! We send our love and appreciation to Mike Walsh for sharing his story at the event. Mike had to manage his cancer diagnosis in 2020 while dealing with the stress of being unemployed and trying to navigate his treatment options: “Nobody should have to feel even worse for getting sick, and that’s why we must transform our private for-profit health insurance industry into one that actually cares for each other.”
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Thank you to Maryland U.S. House Members Raskin, Sarbanes, Ivey, and Mfume who signed on as original co-sponsors of the Medicare For All Act! They know that a Medicare For All system will save thousands of lives and protect the millions of everyday Americans who are being harmed by our system. We urge Rep.Trone and Rep.Ruppersberger to co-sponsor this critical measure.
We can win health care for all with more people power! - Join us out in the community –contact Patty for information on our upcoming activities and actions.
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Sign our petition to support our core demand: Care Over Cost!
- Share your insurance experience in our survey here.
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Returning Citizens Task Force
On Saturday, May 20, five members of Progressive Maryland’s RCTF staffed a table at the Samuel P. Massie Academy Community Day in Forestville. We circulated amongst the Family Day participants, talking with people while in the background music was playing, a spirited raffle and quiz for students was held, music was playing, food cooked and eaten, kids running around and everyone having a good time. We received nearly 20 responses to a survey asking people at the event their opinions about giving folks who were incarcerated a second chance, whether they had concerns about having returning citizens as a neighbor or co-worker, and what they saw as answers to recidivism. A number of those surveyed indicated interest in working with us in the future. In addition, we also reached out to individuals at other tables at the event including Life After Release. Men in the Gap, National Association for the Advancement of Returning Citizens, and Prince George’s DSA.
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The survey and participation at the Family Day event had been discussed at RCTF’s May 16 meeting. In addition, the fifteen members participating in the meeting talked about RCTF’s legislative initiative to support pre-release transitional housing for people in prison and support more women-only post-release transitional housing. We also heard updates about Progressive Maryland’s regrant program for direct service providers and discussed our use of social media. Meeting participants decided to revive FACE – Faith and Community Engagement – meetings; we will hold one on Monday, June 5 from 6:30 – 7:30 and intend for them to be monthly thereafter.
Our next regular RCTF meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 6:30 pm. Contact Kurt for details about our upcoming meetings or any of our activities. Environmental Justice Task Force
On Sunday, June 4th from 10:30am - 4pm members of the Environmental Justice Task Force (EJTF) will be in attendance at Progressive Maryland's Basic's of community organizing training. This training will provide the basic skills and knowledge to support an effective door-to-door canvassing drive. Our Organizing director Lev Hirschhorn and SirJames will lead this training. If you would like to take part in this daylong training please register here . If you are interested in connecting with the EJTF please reach out to SirJames.
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EVENTS FROM ALLIES:
Health Equity Summit: The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation is holding a virtual summit on Tuesday, May 23. The 2023 Health Equity Summit provides attendees the opportunity to engage in an in-depth discussion with subject matter experts, community and business leaders, and members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Subjects include access to equitable health resources, trauma-informed and culturally competent care. Click here to register!
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State and National News:
Gov. Moore is putting pressure on state agencies to set an example for climate resiliency, wielding data to make change. Meanwhile, the ever-vigilant National Rifle Association jumped to sue the state as soon as restrictions on open carry of firearms got the governor's signature last week. The Blue Crab, a signature foodstuff associated with Maryland, has made something of a comeback in its Chesapeake Bay ecosystem but all parties agree more recovery is needed. And the on-again, off-again struggle in DC about the debt ceiling keeps Marylanders on the edge; a default could mean instant financial disaster while big cuts in public relief programs (and federal agency support) could affect Maryland's financial health very long-term indeed. All this and more in News You Can Use this week, critical News You Can Use for this fast-moving time. Don’t miss it!
It's enough to get you mad. It's enough to get you mad enough to organize and fight. For that, join Progressive Maryland. |
Don't forget to follow us on social media! |
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