Dear Friend,
It’s that time of year. The Governor is making his final decisions on which bills will become law and which ones will get vetoed. And yes, some of the bills we supported are already on the chopping block.
Just last week, the Governor vetoed the RENEW Act, one of our key environmental bills. While the version that passed was scaled back from what we originally pushed for — a bold $9 billion fee on the top fossil fuel polluters — it still laid critical groundwork for future climate action. We also saw the veto of the reparations bill championed by our allies at the NAACP.
Tomorrow is the final scheduled day for bill signings, and we’re excited to share that the Governor’s list includes our long-fought environmental justice win to end subsidies for trash incineration, along with several of our priority healthcare bills. Sign up here to join us at the bill signing tomorrow at 12pm in Annapolis to celebrate these becoming official.
Curious about what really went down this legislative session? Join us for our Legislative Debrief this Wednesday, May 21 at 6pm on Discord. It’s an informal 30–45 minute discussion where we’ll break down behind-the-scenes moments, highlight major takeaways, and open up space for you to share your thoughts and reflections.
There’s lots more inside this week’s memo, including updates from our issue campaigns, key ways to get involved, and state and national news you won’t want to miss. In solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team |
|
|
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: - Quick Actions
- PM Events
- AAPI Month
- Campaign Updates
-
State & National News
|
QUICK ACTIONS: Tell UnitedHealthcare: Approve William’s Care Now
UnitedHealthcare has denied care five times for one of our member’s sons, William, after a serious health crisis—despite doctors recommending 90 days of rehab. His family is now facing medical debt just to get him the treatment he needs. Add your name to demand UHC approve his care: Sign the petition
|
Legislative Debrief – May 21 at 6PM
After months of organizing, testifying, and pushing for bold policy, the legislative session is officially behind us—but the story isn’t over. Join us this Wednesday on Discord for an informal debrief where we’ll unpack what really went down behind the scenes, talk about the bills we championed, and break down the Governor’s final decisions. Whether you're new to the process or have been in the trenches with us, this 30–45 minute conversation is a chance to connect, learn, and reflect together.
Click the link below and press “I’m interested” to RSVP. Then use that same link on Wednesday at 6PM to join the debrief directly.
🔗 Join the Legislative Debrief on Discord |
🌸 AAPI Spotlight: Maryland’s AAPI community continues to shape our state in incredible ways—from small businesses to the arts to mental health services. This week, we’re highlighting more local AAPI-owned businesses and programs from across different sectors that reflect this diversity and impact:
🍓 Corner Juice Bar (Baltimore City)
What started in 2013 as one woman’s passion for healthy eating has become a neighborhood staple at Fleet St and S. Montford Ave. Stop by for fresh-pressed juices and smoothies that nourish the body and uplift the community. 🧠 Yudaguru Integrative Wellness (Ellicott City)
This mental health practice brings together a diverse team of therapists dedicated to holistic care. Yudaguru is rooted in culturally responsive therapy and healing practices that prioritize community wellness. 💃 Gina Ling Chinese Dance Chamber (Howard County)
Founded in 2009, this dance company celebrates Chinese classical, folk, and ethnic minority dance. The group has performed across Maryland, sharing Chinese culture through powerful and elegant movement. |
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Task Force:
Fight Back Now to Stop The Disastrous Budget Cuts to Medicaid: Medicaid is a Lifeline!
Share why Medicaid is important to you or someone you know!
We’re showing up in the Halls of Congress this Wednesday to protest the cuts and put the pressure on Republicans before the full House vote. Check our social media and People’s Action’s social media to follow and to take action that day.
The choice of budget priorities is clear: The House can stand with seniors living in nursing homes, people with disabilities, children, and families who need some financial aid to get coverage, and with healthcare workers and clinics. Or they can bow down to Trump and Musk who want to use OUR health care taxpayer dollars to fund tax cuts for the ultra wealthy and unaccountable corporations. Check out these slides to learn more about the impact the cuts will have if enacted: slides from Unidos. |
Environmental Justice: EJTF Testifies at Taxpayer Night
Last Thursday, May 15, members of Progressive Maryland's Environmental Justice Task Force (EJTF) participated in the Baltimore City Council's Taxpayer Night. During the hearing, Iman Habib, PM's Climate Policy Analyst, testified, pointing out that Mayor Scott's budget includes a higher fee for long haulers dumping waste at Quarantine Road Landfill, which is projected to bring in $8.4 million for the city. She also mentioned that the city's Department of Public Works had requested $4.1 million for yard waste collection but was denied.
Furthermore, SirJames highlighted a 2018 report from the Institute For Local Self Reliance, which states that in Maryland, processing every 10,000 tons of compostable waste at composting facilities generates about 4.1 full-time jobs, compared to 2.1 jobs at landfills and 1.2 jobs at incinerators. |
In addition, tomorrow, May 20th, the EJTF and its allies will be present to see Governor Wes Moore sign the Next Generation Act, which has been combined with the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act at the Maryland General Assembly, starting at 12 PM. To sign up, register here. This is a historic moment, and the Win Waste incinerator will no longer receive financial incentives to harm frontline communities in South Baltimore.
Lastly, the EJTF is planning a victory celebration to honor this major legislative success in defeating incinerator companies, so keep an eye out for updates on the event date. |
Housing Justice: Join Us in Rockville for a Citywide Day of Action! On Saturday, May 24, we’re leading a citywide Day of Action to demand real rent stabilization in Rockville and we need you on the ground with us.
We’re proud to be hosting multiple actions, including canvassing, community outreach, and lawn sign distribution. These are powerful ways to make our movement visible and connect with neighbors who care about affordable, stable housing. Whether you join us for an hour or stay all day, your voice matters.
Huntington Tenant Association Canvass Knock doors with our tenant leaders at King Farm and help build momentum for rent stabilization across Rockville.
📍 Meet at the Huntington at King Farm leasing office 🕙 10 AM – 2 PM Sign up here → Hometown Holidays Outreach
Join us at Rockville Town Center during the Hometown Holidays festival to hand out flyers and talk with residents about rent stabilization.
📍 Rockville Town Center
🕛 12 PM – 3 PM
Sign up here → Twinbrook Canvass (Hosted by MoCo DSA)
Support our allies at Montgomery County DSA as they canvas the Twinbrook neighborhood with yard signs and flyers.
📍 Meet at Twinbrook Metro Station
🕛 12 PM – 3 PM
Sign up here →
Let’s show up strong for housing justice. |
News You Can Use: Maryland, other states backfill as fed money is cut off
The GOP House in Congress, we see below, is still struggling to pass a tax and spend bill -- question is how mean can they be without being too mean for GOP "moderates" feebly protecting Medicaid funding but definitely fighting for more tax breaks for the owners of pricey houses in high-tax Blue states, where their reelection footing is precarious. How will this turn out? Megan E, federal affairs expert for People's Action, follows the play-by-play below. Failure is not an option for Speaker Johnson and his minions but (considering the bill hits lower-income families hard and enriches the already wealthy) would be a pleasure for us.
Here in Maryland, the federal fund cuts (and state cuts) are hammering universities with layoffs and food programs like food banks with a millions-of-meals deficit and hundreds of thousands of families short of food. The tariff effect is predicted to devastate the Port of Baltimore in the very near future, with empty-shelf effects on our supply chain. Other states are doing no better, as we'll see. It's bad news for sure, but 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. |
|
|
|
