Dear Friend, Today marks the beginning of the Democratic National Convention and we’re excited to see the energy and commitment to democracy take center stage. This DNC comes at a crucial moment when we need a powerful, joyful, and united front against Trump’s attacks on our families, freedoms, and future. It’s a time to celebrate democracy and listen to the voices of everyday people.
With our presidential candidate Kamala Harris leading the charge and Governor Wes Moore set to speak, this is a critical opportunity for us all to rally behind our values and build momentum to defend our democracy. Harris and Walz should continue listening to grassroots people and organizers, and call for a new course on Gaza. But right now, we must also be clear: President Biden still has several months left in office, and it is his responsibility to use his influence to secure a real ceasefire and prevent U.S. weapons from being used against civilians in Gaza. We also commend those who are exercising their right to protest peacefully despite an atmosphere of pressure, intimidation, and provocation around this issue. We want a country where everyone belongs and everyone has a say, regardless of race, religion, or country of origin. As the DNC unfolds over the next four days, we hope you’ll tune in and stay engaged.
On Friday, we announced the date for our Annual Gala on September 26th, and tickets are now live! The early bird sale is happening now, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can find more details later in the memo. We still have a lot go ing on here at Progressive Maryland. Our issue campaigns and task forces have plenty of ways for you to get involved, so read on for important updates and news you can use. Let’s keep up the energy and stay focused on the work ahead! In solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team |
|
|
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: -
PM Events
- Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates
- Local Chapter Updates
-
Events from Allies
- State & National News
- PM Job Openings
|
|
|
Defending Democracy Maryland Communities in Action Recap
Last Thursday, we launched our electoral campaign, and it was incredible to have so many of you on the call with us. We heard inspiring remarks, laid the groundwork for our election plans, and even took action by making some calls to voters. A special shout-out to our incredible speakers: Patricia Fletcher from Delegate Alston’s office, PM Leader Tonia Chestnut, and PM Leader Crystal Parker. Their powerful insights and leadership truly underscored what’s at stake this election season and reminded us why our united efforts are more important than ever.
If you missed the event, you can watch the recording here. It was inspiring to come together, build our plan, and commit to keeping Maryland in the hands of those who fight for working families. Check out our full list of upcoming GOTV events here and make sure to get involved!
|
Progressive Maryland Annual Gala - Time to Celebrate!🌠 |
Join us for an unforgettable night on September 26th at Yellowfin in Edgewater, MD. This year’s Gala features keynote speaker Nina Turner, great food, drinks, and the best progressive energy in Maryland. Don’t miss it—secure your tickets now |
PM Mobilizers Squad Throwdown Thursdays!
Get ready—Throwdown Thursdays is back this week, and we need your energy! Join us from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM for some powerful phonebanking as we connect with voters and make sure they get out to the polls. Every call counts, and your efforts really do make a difference in this election. Let’s keep Maryland in the hands of leaders who fight for justice. Click here to sign up
|
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Justice Campaign: Join the fight against Corporate Greed in our Healthcare System!
Passing the landmark Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 was a major victory for progressives! The President and Vice President came to Maryland last week to celebrate the IRA and to thank advocates for working on the measure. We partnered a large coalition to galvanize grassroots support for the healthcare reforms in the Act. In doing so we took on and beat Big PhRMA! The first 10 drugs for which prices will be negotiated by Medicare have been announced, This article has a chart that shows the drugs and the price changes. Medicare can now negotiate the price of 10 prescription drugs a year in order to lower costs for seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare. This puts millions of dollars in people’s pockets, and will save billions in taxpayer money that can be reinvested in Medicare.
Speaking of Medicare, we’re taking on the greed that is toxifying the private insurance company Medicare Advantage (we call them Disadvantage) plans. It’s time to claw back the tens of billions of dollars of public money that insurers are pocketing from overcharging Medicare. These private plans and the proposals to cut Social Security, and roll back the benefits of the Affordable Care Act are priorities for Trump Republicans–see Project 2025 for more about their agenda!
We’re hosting a Forum this Wednesday, August 21st about Medicare and Social Security and the campaigns to preserve and strengthen these vital programs. Join us! RSVP here: Facts vs. Fiction: Forum on Protecting Medicare and Social Security When we’re informed we can organize and when we organize we can win!
Contact Patty if you have questions about the event or about our campaigns to lower Rx costs and to end insurance company care and claim denials. And don’t forget to take our quick health insurance survey. |
|
|
South Prince George’s County
PEPCO made 2 billion in profits last year, while our schools struggled to provide basic school supplies and teacher compensation. We are taking BACK those profits for us through solar panel opportunities.The school board just needs to APPLY for them.
We cannot afford to let these opportunities go, and YOU can be the one who changes things. Join us in our fight by signing our petition and testifying at the school board meetings! RSVP here and see more at our Linktree.
|
Money for schools continues to nag; Senate chief downplays any tax changes
The Maryland Association of Counties (MaCo) conference in O.C. is an event that brings state and local officials together (at the beach!) to hash out difficult details -- usually about budgeting. This year the ambitious K-12 education goals in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future were chafing all concerned, and as usual any discussion of tax changes sent all those officials scurrying for cover. Taxing the well-off and corporations (who are after all the source of campaign funds) is never popular, even in an alleged blue state.
Maryland is, however, excited about the Democratic Convention this week, even though it's in Chicago -- because a major stage was set here. Many will recall that just last week President Joe Biden and candidate-designate (and Vice President) Kamala Harris were at Prince George's Community College to ballyhoo the results of Medicaid's power to negotiate drug prices. That's a power that every large corporation has -- quantitative scale procurement pricing -- but the country's largest health care provider was shut out until now because of Congressional resistance and (not incidentally) as a result of lobbying and handouts to Congress from Big Pharma. See more below in the roundup by People's Action. The first ten medications, announced last week, will be followed by many more in sequence, assuming the next administration follows the law of the land. You can guess which one would. Note also that many states, like ours, are doubling down on health care concerns at the state level to buttress what's going on at the federal level. That kind of solidarity can only be good. It's News You Can Use.
|
Don't forget to follow us on social media! |
Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe or update your preferences in your supporter portal. |
|
|
|
