Dear Friend, As we approach the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29, we honor its significance as a time of renewal, reflection, and unity. To all who celebrate, we wish you a joyous and meaningful start to the Year of the Snake.
We’re also entering the last week of January, and it’s no surprise that President Trump has wasted no time attacking the progress we’ve fought so hard for. Just one week into his second term, his executive orders are already causing real harm, including the elimination of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. While we knew this was coming and were prepared, it doesn’t make the reality of these actions any easier to confront.
Thankfully, Maryland’s leaders are standing firm. Last week, a joint resolution in the state senate reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining DEI efforts in our state. Maryland has a proud tradition of fighting for inclusivity and justice, and we’re grateful for leaders who reject the harmful rhetoric and policies coming from Washington.
At the same time, we’re deeply concerned about President Trump’s new policy allowing ICE agents to enter schools and churches to conduct searches and make arrests—reversing protections established in 2011. We stand in unwavering support of immigrant families and recognize the serious anxiety and challenges this policy brings.
There are things we can do to take action. Progressive Maryland will be supporting our ally organization CASA at their "I Stand With Immigrants Rally" in Annapolis on Tuesday, February 4, at 9 a.m. We encourage everyone who can attend to come out and show their solidarity. You’ll find more details on this rally, along with other resources and updates on this critical issue, later in the memo. Read on for important updates and state and national news in our Blog Corner. Together, we’ll continue to fight for justice and protect the progress we’ve made.
In solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team |
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: -
Legislative Updates
- PM Events
- Issue Campaign Updates
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Events from Allies
- State & National News
- PM Job Openings
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2025 Legislative Session:
Click here to view the suggested dates of interest provided by the General Assembly.
The House and Senate will reconvene Tonight at 8pm and will post live updates on their website.
TRACKER: Click here to keep track of all active Maryland bills, their action status, top sponsors, and top committees. You can also view the bills from the previous legislative session. For more detailed updates on this year’s Legislative Session and to search specific bills click here.
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PM EVENTS: Make Your Voice Heard at Lobby Night
On Monday, February 24th, join us in Annapolis for our 2025 Lobby Night! This is your chance to meet with lawmakers, share your stories, and advocate for the bold, progressive policies Maryland families deserve. With national challenges mounting, it’s critical to show the strength of our movement right here in Maryland. Let’s stand together and push for real change—RSVP today!
Ready to Lead? Join the MPLI Info Session
Are you thinking about running for office or managing a campaign? Join our Maryland People’s Leadership Institute (MPLI) Info Session on Tuesday, February 6 at 6 PM to learn more about this transformative program. MPLI trains leaders ready to fight for economic, racial, health, and environmental justice. This session is your chance to ask questions and discover how MPLI can help you make a difference. Sign up now and take the first step toward bold leadership!
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Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Task Force: Show up now for healthcare justice!
Join the national fight back against Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump’s unqualified nominees to head critical government health agencies. See this rundown from our friends at Protect Our Care Trump’s Entire Health Care Team Is Dangerous and Puts Lives At Risk about who he has picked. We must oppose them and their plans to slash vital health care programs and services in order to cut taxes for the wealthy corporations and the rich. We also need to double down on the state level in Annapolis this session to protect access to health care, prevent hospital medical debt, and to rein in health insurance denials. Please join us, we need you now more than ever!
To find out more, including events happening in DC this Wednesday and Thursday to oppose RFK Jr.’s nomination to HHS, contact Patty at [email protected] |
Support Immigrants During This Critical Time
Our ally CASA is leading efforts to protect Maryland’s immigrant community through advocacy and education. Their top legislative priorities this session include: -
Protecting Sensitive Locations Act: Prevent ICE entry at schools, hospitals, and courthouses.
- Maryland Data Privacy Act: Stop ICE’s warrantless access to local databases.
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Ending 287(g) Agreements: End police-ICE collaboration agreements.
- Stopping Corrections Transfers/Notifications: Halt ICE-related transfers by correctional officers.
Additionally, CASA provides Know Your Rights resources in multiple languages, empowering individuals to navigate encounters with ICE safely. If you see ICE activity, call CASA's hotline at 1-888-214-6016 to report it responsibly and avoid spreading unverified rumors that may incite fear.
Take Action:
Join CASA in Annapolis for the "I Stand With Immigrant Rally" on Tuesday, February 4th, at 9 AM at Lawyers Mall. Stand with immigrant communities and show your support for justice and equality. |
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For more resources and ways to help, visit CASA’s website or reach out to local businesses, schools, and service providers to share Know Your Rights flyers. Together, we can protect our immigrant neighbors and stand for justice.
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Trump flails around as admin gets blustery but shaky start; Maryland adapts while struggling with own budget constraints
The General Assembly is wrapping up its first (partial) month of a 90-day session trying to manage a state budget crisis while weathering a worse-than-even-expected flurry of incoherent opening salvos from the new passel of gangsters downtown. Maryland's federal workers are eyeing the costs, financial and otherwise, of long commutes if the back-to-the-office trend doesn't seem to have immediate work-arounds. The state's school systems are trying to prepare for promised schoolday raids by ICE. Maryland was already behind on beefing up its capacity for renewable power, compared to legislated goals, and the newly confident corporate power systems that supply us and a dozen other states seem to be getting their way on how much we have to pay. It's enough to spur mass pushback, and maybe it will. Progressive Maryland and allied groups will be there to help organize it (that's more than half the battle). Meanwhile it's not great news by any measure, but it's News You Can Use for this week.
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Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States
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