Dear Friend,
Yesterday was Memorial Day, a time to honor those who gave their lives in service to this country and to reflect on our responsibility to care for the people who’ve worn the uniform. Yet even as we remember the fallen, Trump and Musk’s plans to gut the VA threaten the wellbeing of those still with us, delivering longer waits, delayed appointments, and reduced care for the very people our nation owes a lasting debt.
And this is only one piece of a broader attack on working people. House Republicans recently passed a far from beautiful budget bill with nearly $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, making it the largest rollback in both programs’ histories. If enacted, these cuts could leave 14 million people without health coverage and 3 million households without food assistance. Add in reduced student loan benefits and other slashes to the safety net, and it’s clear: the GOP is doubling down on cruelty.
Last week, we held an informal debrief on Discord to reflect on the legislative session and the fights that still lie ahead. Our progressive priorities remain under threat and with the 2026 election cycle already on the horizon, we need to organize now, not later. We’re fighting back. Our organizers are working across the state to protect what matters, defending our communities from harmful policies and pushing for a better future. Keep reading for ways to take action and the latest updates from Maryland and beyond. In solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team |
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: - AAPI Month
- Campaign Updates
- Local Chapter Updates
- State & National News
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🌸 AAPI Spotlight: As we wrap up AAPI Heritage Month, we’re proud to live in a state that’s home to so many impactful AAPI-owned businesses and organizations. From innovation and entrepreneurship to culture and community care, AAPI leaders continue to help shape Maryland’s future. This week, we’re highlighting a few more incredible examples: 🏢 The Greencourt Innovation Center (North Bethesda)
Founded by entrepreneur Stephany Yu, this state-of-the-art facility provides workspaces for biotech labs and other forward-thinking companies. Yu’s leadership has driven development projects across the U.S. and China, and her work at Greencourt is fueling Maryland’s innovation economy.
🌺 Mana Polynesia (Columbia)
This Pacific Island entertainment company promotes cultural awareness through music, dance, and storytelling across the DMV region. Mana Polynesia also offers handmade items through their Etsy shop, continuing traditions that celebrate their heritage. 🧬 Korean-American Professionals in Life Sciences (KAPAL)
Based in Maryland, KAPAL supports Korean-American professionals in the life sciences field. Their work not only strengthens our local business community but also drives advancements that aim to save lives. Let’s continue to uplift and support these businesses and programs beyond May—our communities thrive when we celebrate their diversity year-round. |
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Task Force: Medicaid Cuts Kill! Stop the Billionaire Assault on Our Health Care!
The big, bad, ugly, violent budget that Elon Musk bought and paid for passed the House of Representatives by one vote last week.* It contains huge cuts in health and food assistance funding that will go to pay for hundreds of billions of dollars in tax cuts for billionaires. They are telling us loud and clear: we the people, and our health and well being are not the priority of the Republican party. We are determined to fight back, grow our movement, and build our power. It’s the only solution to winning the policies, investments and protections our communities need. Help us and organize!
*Resource: this is an excellent summary about the impact the cuts will have if enacted: slides from Unidos. |
Environmental Justice: Gov Wes Moore Signs Bill into Law: No More Cash For Trash
After an arduous legislative session, on Tuesday, May 21, the Environmental Justice Task Force was there to witness Governor Wes Moore sign the Next Generation Act into law, which includes the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act. A historic moment has occurred, as incinerator companies will no longer profit from inflicting cancer on the black and brown residents of South Baltimore. A 14-year legacy has finally reached its conclusion. Now, authentic clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy will receive financial support from Maryland ratepayers, which will also assist our state in combating the climate crisis.
This achievement has sent a clear message to incinerator companies that the power of the people cannot be ignored, and when frontline communities come together, they can be defeated.
Meanwhile, the EJTF is still preparing for its victory celebration, and details about the event will be shared as soon as they are confirmed. Every dog has its day, and now there’s no more funding for trash! |
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Shore Progress: 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up
With federal leadership falling short, local action is more important than ever. That’s why Shore Progress is hosting the 2025 Shore Legislative Wrap-Up—a virtual event to break down this year’s session, hear from key speakers, and strategize for what’s next on the Eastern Shore.
The event will take place virtually on Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and include access to the full Legislative Wrap-Up Document and Toolkit to help you engage your neighbors on the issues that matter.
Sign up here to join us and be part of the conversation |
News You Can Use: Congress did its worst and went home, so Trump social media is our only entertainment
With Congress having gone home leaving the wrecking ball of the Big Beautiful Bill (really, that's its name) behind for the Senate to tackle when it returns next week, our entertainment comes from Trump's social media posts showing lots of choler but no knowledge of his prickly problems: Russia/Ukraine; Israel/Gaza and the Middle East (source of free planes), South Africa and its ambushed president ("I wish I had a plane to give you") and the prospect that no national leaders will want to visit Trump anymore. Everything appears to be on hold until Congress returns, at which point the real fireworks are likely to smoke up the sky. Are we happy with a quiet week (no real news from the feds)? Perhaps we should be. It's News You Can Use.
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Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States
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