Dear Friend,
As we transition into a new month this week, with Labor Day just around the corner, let's shift our focus to an issue that remains critical in our society: worker's rights. In a rapidly changing economy, it's more crucial than ever to advocate for and strengthen labor laws. Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and protection against exploitation are key components of building a just society.
As Black August also draws to a close, we honor the rich history it represents – a time to commemorate the struggles and sacrifices of Black activists who fought for justice and equality. Read on for the latest events, updates on our initiatives, and opportunities to get involved! In Solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team |
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: -
PM Events: Annual Gala
- PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF
- Events from Allies
- State & National news
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ANNUAL GALA – Limited Tickets Left🎟️
Don’t miss our Annual Gala on September 21st at 4pm in Annapolis featuring a special awards presentation! With only a handful of tickets remaining, this is your last chance to secure your spot. Get your tickets today! |
Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns |
Healthcare Justice Campaign: Taking on Big PhRMA and the Insurance Industry and Winning!
Tomorrow, President Biden will announce the ten drugs that Medicare will focus on in price negotiations with drug manufacturers! Watch our social media posts and pages for more details! The authority to negotiate lower prices was one of the most significant features of the Inflation Reduction Act which our members and leaders (and progressives all over the country) worked to pass a year ago, starting with the Build Back Better campaign in late 2021. In other great news here in Maryland, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board is getting close to making recommendations for an Upper Payment Limit system that could go into effect next year. We submitted a letter last week to their Stakeholder Council urging them to urge the Board to push the legislature to support a robust Action Plan that will start bringing down the amount of money our state is paying and that we’re paying as individuals for medicines.
We’ll keep pushing on the state and national level for accountability from drug companies even as they bring lawsuits and put pressure on Congress to back down on the promise of the IRA and raise objections to the work of our Prescription Drug Affordability Board and similar boards in other states.
Thanks to People’s Action and our sister organizations in other states we’re also collectively taking on health insurance companies who keep raising their rates, denying people’s care, and putting our lives at risk. We’re organizing public pressure campaigns, calling for Senate hearings about these horrible practices, and supporting individuals in their attempts to overturn insurance company denials. Take 2 minutes to watch this: Care Over Cost explainer video
Share your experience or concern about care denials here.
Last but not least, join us! We’re going to have a fun, power packed September, October and November building this campaign and we need you to help make it happen. Sign up! Contact Patty to learn more.
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Operation Clean Sweep– 8/28 - 9/1 & 9/5 - 9/8
The Maryland Department Of Transportation will be starting the third phase of Operation Clean Sweep! Mark your calendars for August 28 - September 1st and September 5 - 8. Help MDOT make our community cleaner and greener. Life After Release Expungement Clinic
The criminal record’s expungement clinic is a chance for members of the community to meet with an attorney to have their criminal records expunged. The goal is to have a petition for expungement drawn up after meeting with an attorney. Time: Tuesdays and Saturdays 1 – 3 p.m. EDT
Location: 4719 Silver Hill Rd Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746 PG Change Makers
Sign up here to join a virtual community conversation about food in the Prince George’s County jail on August 30 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
State and National News:
It's getting and spending, as usual, on the top of the headlines. Maryland needs more money for schools but boards are spending it in sometimes mysterious ways. Meanwhile, how do we fix the state's roads when (we hope, soon) E-vehicles dominate the state's traffic pattern and gas tax revenues plummet? Plus, Larry Hogan's toll lane plans survive in reduced form and odd, distant whiffs raise new interest in our air quality. It's News You Can Use, even if it's not always cheerful. And it includes People’s Action’s latest on federal government action, even if Congress is still more or less snoozing.
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Don't forget to follow us on social media! |
Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States
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