Dear Friend,
As we approach the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this Friday, July 26th, we are reminded of the significant strides we’ve made towards inclusion and accessibility. Yet, there is still much more to be done to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources. Our commitment to this cause remains unwavering, and we must continue to push for a more inclusive society.
In the midst of this reflection, we also find ourselves navigating a pivotal moment in our nation's history. The news of President Biden dropping out of the election has undoubtedly left many of us feeling uncertain about the future. However, we have a choice to make: we can either dwell on our disappointments or we can rise to the occasion and organize. Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination by Biden has garnered significant media attention and excitement, and she is quickly gaining support from Maryland leaders.
We choose to organize. On August 15th, from 5:30 to 6:30pm, we are hosting a virtual campaign launch event on Zoom to bring together like-minded individuals who are determined to take action. Click here to RSVP. This event is crucial in our fight to ensure that Donald Trump, if elected, does not have a Republican-controlled Senate at his disposal. That’s why we are throwing down support for Alsobrooks to defeat Hogan in this important race. We urge you to join us in this fight.
This week's memo is packed with opportunities for you to get involved, from upcoming events to important updates on our issue campaigns. Now, more than ever, we need all hands on deck.
In solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team |
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| Here’s what’s in today’s memo: Throwdown Thursdays - PM Events
Victory Captains - Task Forces & Issue Campaign Updates
- Local Chapter Updates
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Events from Allies
- State & National News
PM Job Openings
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PM Mobilizers Squad Throwdown Thursdays! |
Join us this week for Throwdown Thursday and make a real impact in the Senate race! With the recent news about President Biden dropping out of the election, it's more important than ever to ensure our Senate remains in progressive hands. Every Thursday, we’re phone banking to protect our Senate and advance progressive values. Sign up for a shift and help us make a difference!
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Mark your calendars for our big virtual campaign launch event on August 15th! From 5:30 to 6:30pm, join us on Zoom as we unite progressives across Maryland in the aftermath of the June 27th Presidential Debate and recent Supreme Court decisions. This event will feature inspiring speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Together, we will strategize our next steps and take action.RSVP Today.
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Become a Victory Captain: Leading the Charge for Democracy in Maryland
We are excited to announce the launch of Victory Captains, an exclusive program by Progressive Maryland! We are searching for dedicated individuals like you to take a leadership role in the 2024 campaign to elect Angela Alsobrooks to the United States Senate.
As a Victory Captain, you will gain essential leadership skills through campaign training and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and seasoned political professionals. Apply by Friday, August 9th, to secure your spot. Apply now! |
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Justice Campaign
Last Monday, after a powerful People’s Action national Strategy Summit, more than 100 of us participated in a direct action on UnitedHealthCare’s headquarters in suburban Minneapolis. We went there to call out their horrible practices the day before their parent company, UnitedHealth Group, announced its quarterly earnings of $8 billion in profits. That’s money they extracted at our expense from the corporate health care system. Eleven organizers and leaders from several states were arrested at the action. The demonstration and civil disobedience got the attention of local news as well as CBS National News, which connected the action to rising health care costs, and a health care industry site.
We’re excited to build on this moment, to step up our corporate pressure campaign and our grassroots organizing! The 2024 general election offers us a chance to put healthcare issues on the ballot. Let’s raise issues like lowering Rx costs and stopping Medicare Advantage plans and insurance company profiteering. We’ll be in Baltimore, Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s Counties and will host healthcare days of action this fall. Join us!
➢ Volunteer ➢ Email Patty to tell us about a community or healthcare event we should attend, or to learn more.
And a note on Vice President Kamala Harris: we’ll share more in the coming weeks. For today we want to remind you that not only has she been a tireless champion on reproductive health and freedom, she’s also co-sponsored the Medicare For All bill in the Senate!
Environmental Justice Task Force:
After attorney Taylor Lilley of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation filed a civil rights complaint with the EPA about the Bresco-incinerator on behalf of South Baltimore Community Land Trust , in May, and in consequence a quagmire resulted. Shocking news was revealed by WMAR 2 News, on Monday July 15th, that the EPA would investigate Bresco concerning the civil rights violations complaint.
The Environmental Justice Task Force sees this as a big blow to the biggest polluter in the city, and will amplify this message among the frontline EJ communities in South Baltimore.
Lastly, the EJTF is holding a new member community meeting this Wednesday, July 24, 3p-5p, at Enoch Pratt Library Brooklyn Branch (300 E Patapsco). If you would like to attend, register here.
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South Prince George’s County
As it hits over 100 degrees in some places, the amount of heat-related closures for schools continues to escalate. We are heating up our campaign for better schools in Oxon Hill! We want more resources for our schools through saved utility bill money from solar panels. And as the heat continues to heighten (and our schools’ utility bills continue to climb), it becomes even more urgent that we fight for every resource we can for the sake of our kids' education.
Join our fight by signing our petition to demand change from the school board or by sending an email to District 8 representative, Madeline LaSalle Frazier. To get involved, contact Anton.
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Baltimore is Not For Sale
Join us on Monday, July 31, at 7pm at Red Emma's for a critical event defending Baltimore from special interests and real estate developers. Hear from faith, labor, and community leaders, including City Councilmember Odette Ramos, about the threats to our city’s services and jobs and how we can resist. Click here to register for this event.
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Food & Water Watch Rally
On Wednesday, July 24th, Food & Water Watch is holding a rally urging Governor Wes Moore and the Maryland Department of the Environment to release an actionable plan to get Maryland off fossil fuels and moving towards 100% clean energy by 2034. Sign up for this important event! |
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Lots of little stories behind the Big Story, or maybe not
It’s hard to imagine any political story, all the way from the fed level to the local government level, that hasn’t been discombobulated by the announcements and events of Sunday. It's The Big Story, no mistake. As you’ll see, repercussions of that day are ricocheting in all states, cities and towns. Still, local legislative bodies and governments keep on plowing through their do-lists (or ignoring them), meaning lots of little stories, and life goes on. Let’s have a look..
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Don't forget to follow us on social media! |
Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
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