Dear Friend,
Last Tuesday was Earth Day, a moment to reflect on the importance of protecting our planet and fighting climate change. Climate change is real, and it’s impacting communities across Maryland and the globe. That’s why Earth Month matters; it calls us to action, to organize, and to push for policies that address the crisis head-on. We’re proud of the victories we’ve achieved, like ending subsidies for trash incineration in Maryland after years of persistent advocacy. But our work is far from over. Our state’s transition to clean energy must be a just transition—one that centers communities that have been burdened for far too long. That’s the future we’re fighting for.
This past Saturday, we took to the streets with Progressive Harford County for a Speak Out to Save Medicaid Rally in front of Rep. Andy Harris’ office. We are urging him to vote NO to Medicaid cuts! If you haven’t yet, email Rep. Harris. It was great to see our community out there, chanting about saving Medicaid, taxing billionaires, and standing united.
Tomorrow, April 29th, our Executive Director, Larry Stafford, Jr., will be speaking at a press conference to reintroduce the Medicare for All Act. Join us in Upper Senate Park, opposite Russell Senate Office Building Delaware Door, at 11:00am. The press conference will also be livestreamed on Senator Bernie Sanders’ social media. As we prepare to step into May with more organizing, more planning, and more people power, we are looking forward to starting off the next month strong with May Day! More on that below. In solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team |
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Here’s what’s in today’s memo: - MAY DAY
- Quick Actions
- Campaign Updates
- Chapter Updates
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Ally Events
- State & National News
- PM Job Openings
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MAY DAY: A Time to Honor Workers and Fight Forward
May Day, or International Workers’ Day, takes place each year on May 1. It’s a powerful reminder of the long legacy of labor movements fighting for justice, dignity, and better conditions for working people everywhere. At Progressive Maryland, this fight is at the heart of our mission—we’re building a state where working families can thrive by organizing for policies that raise wages, expand worker protections, and challenge corporate power.
This May Day, we’re proud to stand with our labor partners and community leaders across the state, demanding justice, fair treatment, and protections for all workers.
As billionaires scheme their way into our government, hoard wealth, exploit working people, and slash jobs and resources in the process, working people across the country are coming together to march and rally on May Day, May 1, 2025, in the face of this national crisis to declare: One Struggle, One Fight, All Workers Unite! as part of this national day of action.
If you live in Baltimore, you may choose to join us at 4:00 p.m. at McKeldin Plaza. Otherwise, please join us at Franklin Park at 12pm, and then at Freedom Plaza at 5pm. The rally at Noon will spotlight the stories of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and Miguel Luna, two immigrant workers failed by the same broken system. The rally will feature speeches from key labor leaders and impacted families. Progressive Maryland joins CASA and many other ally organizations in these events.
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QUICK ACTIONS: Across Maryland, families are still being torn apart by a broken immigration system—and Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia’s story is one we can’t ignore.
Kilmar is a father, a union worker, and a valued member of our community who was illegally deported by ICE despite a standing court order. Now, he’s imprisoned in El Salvador while his wife and three children remain in Maryland. This case reflects deep failures in our immigration system, but it’s also a blatant denial of due process and human rights, driven by lawlessness under the Trump regime and ICE’s cruelty. It’s time to bring him home. Sign CASA’s petition now. |
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Task Force:
We’re part of the all-out national effort to stop the plan to strip away health care for seniors living in nursing homes, people with disabilities, children, and parents and families who are struggling financially and can’t afford to get health care services without some assistance. Speaker Mike Johnson is trying to force the House to vote to cut $880 billion from Medicaid to give a trillion dollars in tax cuts to people who don’t need help: the ultra-rich and big corporations.
We say Hell No! If you live in the First Congressional District, tell Rep. Andy Harris #NoCutstoMedicaid and #NoTaxCutsforBillionaires. Johnson is trying to fast-track this plan; Harris needs to hear from his district. Click here to SEND AN EMAIL NOW
The time is NOW to organize against the attacks on all of our people and our values. Sign up to get involved. |
Environmental Justice Task Force:
The impact of the EJTF's groundbreaking achievement in ending subsidies for incinerator companies in Maryland's renewable energy program continues to resonate throughout the neighborhoods of south Baltimore. This initiative aligns with the EJTF's long-term goal of eliminating unnecessary funding for the Win Waste incinerator, which had been operational long before it was labeled as a green energy facility.
Moreover, in response to the lack of substantial investments in zero waste initiatives like composting and recycling in Baltimore city's budget proposal, the EJTF took decisive action by attending the board of estimates (BOE) 'taxpayer night.' Angela Clark, a district 40 resident and EJTF member, referenced a 2018 report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, highlighting that Baltimore could save $32 for every ton of trash recycled, leading to potential savings exceeding $800,000. This information was reported by the Baltimore Sun the following day.
Please hold the date for our 'no cash for trash' celebration event, tentatively scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, at West Covington Park in South Baltimore. Invitations to be sent out once the event details are confirmed. |
Harford County: Successful Rally to Congressman Andy Harris: Hands Off Medicaid! A lively crowd of eighty constituents lined Churchville Road in front of Representative Andy Harris’s Bel Air office on Saturday, April 26, to tell Harris: “Hands Off Medicaid.” We were met with enthusiastic honks, waves, and thumbs-up by drivers passing through.
Congress is poised to pass a budget that slashes Medicaid to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. The demonstrators want Harris, who represents Maryland’s first congressional district, to vote NO on budget cuts to Medicaid.
Nearly two million Marylanders are enrolled in Medicaid, including 53 thousand Harford County residents. Two out of five people who rely on Medicaid are children.
Zack Frink, a leader of Progressive Harford County, led people in rousing chants: “Harford strong, Harford proud, everybody say it loud,” and “Budget cuts are not the way; tax billionaires and make them pay.” Speakers included Don Mathis, who receives support from Medicaid, and Dawn Sacks, representing Together We Will Harford County. Harris is an anesthesiologist, and people brought signs saying: “‘Dr.Harris - Uphold Your Oath,’” referring to the hippocratic oath, “do no harm.” Cuts to Medicaid would do great harm to residents of Harford County, and throughout Maryland.
Rally organizer, Diana Maxfield, said: “We’ll be back; the people of Harford County want reliable healthcare, and we will keep pushing.” |
Shore Progress: Derby Day Picket for Ocean Downs Workers
Shore Progress is showing up strong for workers this Derby Day. Join them in standing with Ocean Downs Casino employees—specifically the Table Games Dealers—who are organizing for fair pay, job security, and dignity at work. Over 100 workers have already unionized under a labor peace agreement, but Churchill Downs (which runs the casino) is refusing to honor the same process for all staff. Instead, they’ve resorted to threats and intimidation. These workers deserve better.
Be part of the action on Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM at 10218 Racetrack Rd, Berlin, MD. Let’s show up in solidarity and demand justice on the job.
👉 RSVP here |
Events from Allies: 1) Tuesday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m in Washington, DC: Join us for the Medicare for All reintroduction! Larry Stafford will be speaking on behalf of Progressive Maryland and People's Action Institute! The press conference will also be livestreamed on Senator Sanders’ social media. What: Press conference to reintroduce the Medicare for All Act When: Tuesday, April 29, 11:00 a.m. Where: Upper Senate Park, opposite Russell Senate Office Building Delaware door (HERE).
2) Wednesday, April 30th at 10:00am in Washington, DC: 100 Day Town Hall with Democratic Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries
Congressman Jeffries will hold a town hall on Trump's first 100 days. RSVP here to receive the location. (It will be seated and indoors). |
News You Can Use: How Trump/Musk cuts are affecting Maryland and who’s pushing back
Nothing like being cooped up in the same visible, public space as "the usual gang of idiots" (stole that from MAD comics) to make you look good by comparison. State governments are not always examples of smarts or compassion, but Maryland and other states are sharpening up their push-back skills to combat the lunacy that emerges daily from TrumpWorld. Improves their brand. Along with the states, universities (led by Harvard [!?]), law firms, nonprofits, and other institutions are rummaging through the Constitution for (lots of) available evidence that many of Trump's "executive orders" sound good but don't have the kind of legal standing that will get them past a federal district judge, let alone appeals courts or SCOTUS. Add that to the discomfort of the business sector, whose long-range plans for a profitable holiday season are already threatened by the tariff catastrophe and no patch-up with Chinese authorities. In all, the political combat is starting to look somewhat closer to the usual level playing field. Still falling a lot short, though. Encourage the push-back, here and on the Hill.
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Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
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