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Friend, 

If you’re like us, the last two weeks have been extremely difficult.
We’re grappling with the new realities of a second Trump term, and
struggling to ensure our crucial work and its positive impact on our
community is seen through. And, we are truly encouraged by our friends
and partners who are building community, organizing calls and workshops,
and showing up for justice here at home, and across the country. ✊

We know it has been a few weeks since you’ve heard from our team, but
that’s because we have been hard at work organizing and advocating at
the state and federal level. Let’s catch up!

The Maryland General Assembly’s 2025 Legislative Session started on
January 8th. We are working on a number of priorities, and we will send
updates throughout the session. In addition to our state advocacy, we
are determined to do everything we can to fight tyranny and fascism
wherever it appears. 

Here are some highlights of a few key issues:

 

Fair Share Taxation & the Budget Crisis

 

The state of Maryland is facing a serious budget crisis. This is
happening at the same time as federal funding is being cut for critical
programs, and future federal funding is in jeopardy for everything from
medical research and environmental protections to housing programs,
substance use treatment, childcare, and much, much more. But, there is
hope! It is time for the wealthiest Marylanders, those who make over
$500,000/yr and large corporations to pay their fair share ⚖️💸 (If
you’re not in the highest income brackets, your state taxes won’t
change).

 

Protecting our Immigrant Communities

 

Threats to our immigrant communities are not new. But, immigrants are
being targeted in a much more direct and cruel way. Thankfully the
immigrant community and their allies have continued their multi year
work to defend our collective civil rights and protect our families. To
that end, our partners at CASA have been leading the push to ensure
sensitive locations like schools, hospitals, and places of worship are
protected from ICE, that local law enforcement is focused on public
safety and not wasting resources as extensions of the Trump
administration, and making sure our personal data is protected from
unwarranted federal access.

 

Protecting Trans Kids and People 🏳️‍⚧️

 

We will continue to show up for our trans community, everyday. The fight
for trans rights is quickly becoming a fight for trans existence, and
the cruelty being inflicted on the gender diverse and queer community is
intolerable. Maryland has passed important legislation to protect trans
people, but that is not enough to shield us from the reach of the Trump
administration.

 

We support the work of trans-led advocacy by the [ [link removed] ]Trans Rights
Advocacy Coalition, [ [link removed] ]Trans Maryland, and the LGBTQ+ Caucus. 🌈

 

This is also a difficult time for parents and families with LGBTQIA
loved ones. If you are looking for resources or advocacy opportunities,
please email us [ mailto:[email protected] ]info@advancemaryland and include “Trans advocacy” in
the subject line. 

 

Economic Issues

 

We know too many Marylanders are left behind in this economy, and not
enough is being done to protect vulnerable people or the middle class.
It is time for our elected officials to stand up to big corporate
interests and wealthy donors, to put working people and our small
businesses first, and to build an economy that rewards hard work, not
wealth. That is why our legislators must take action to reign in
corporate greed, reform our tax system, and pass policies that make a
real difference in people's lives.

 

In addition to fighting for a tax system where everyone pays their fair
share, we are also tracking and advocating for legislation that reigns
in price gouging, protects consumers, and puts money in the pockets of
working people. For more information, check out the [ [link removed] ]Bread and Butter
People’s Agenda.

 

These are just some of the priorities we have for this session. We
continue to fight for justice of all kinds– youth justice, reproductive
justice, environmental justice, and so much more.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." – Martin Luther
King Jr.

In Solidarity,

 

The Advance Maryland Team

 

P.S. If you're not like us ➡️➡️➡️➡️ [ [link removed] ]Unsubscribe here

 

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