Dear Friend,
This morning, our Healthcare Task Force joined doctors, nurses, and advocates from across the country for a powerful rally and lobby day in Washington, D.C., organized by Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP). Together, we called out the devastating harm caused by cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, cuts that threaten to strip people of life-saving care and make it harder for physicians to do their jobs.
With nearly 300 people in attendance, the energy was incredible. After a spirited march from the Garfield Memorial to the Capitol, PNHP leaders and people with stories shared their first hand experience with our failed healthcare system and why we not only need our representatives to restore healthcare funding, we also need Congress to pass the Medicare for All Act. M4A will create a healthcare system where everybody is in and nobody is out. It will end our reliance on for profit health insurance. Progressive Maryland member Danny Manny gave heartfelt testimony about how essential the Medicaid homecare coverage he receives is to him and his family. Get more details about our time at the Capitol in the healthcare section later of the memo.
Meanwhile, November 1 marked the start of open enrollment on Maryland’s Health Exchange for people covered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Open enrollment runs through January 15, but this year’s process is more complicated than usual. Many are facing rising rates, and with the ongoing shutdown fight in the Senate, the future of ACA subsidies remains uncertain. Below in the memo, you’ll find resources to help answer your questions about coverage, as well as resources for those who’ve lost SNAP benefits, and on hurricane relief for Jamaica.
In these challenging times, we stand together with our neighbors, because when our government fails to meet people’s basic needs, it’s up to us to take care of one another. In community, The Progressive Maryland Team |
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: Resources - Election Day
PMD Events Campaign Updates - Local Chapter Updates
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Events from Allies
- State & National News
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🩺 Maryland Health Exchange Resources
Open enrollment for Maryland’s health insurance marketplace is underway (Nov. 1 – Jan. 15). Premiums and coverage rules are shifting this year — make sure you have the latest info and support. |
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| Hurricane Melissa Relief
Our hearts are with our Jamaican members in Maryland and their families still back home as they recover from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. In times like this, community care matters most. If you’re able, please consider donating or dropping off supplies at one of the following relief locations supporting recovery efforts:
DMV Drop-Off Locations
• Cube Root Corporation — 1100 H Street NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC xxxxxx
• Baltimore Central Church of God — 4820 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215
• St. Alban’s Anglican Catholic Church — 4006 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23227 (Call first: 804-426-5000 or 804-262-6100) |
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🗳️ Election Day Is Tomorrow!
Tomorrow is Election Day for many municipalities across Maryland! This is a crucial moment to show up and support candidates who stand with working families and fight for justice in our communities.
Frankie for Greenbelt Election Day Canvassing:
Our endorsed candidate Frankie Fritz is hosting rolling canvasses from 9 AM–5:30 PM and want you to help get out the vote! They'll also be offering rides to the polls and celebrating results at 8 PM! RSVP here. Check out our full list of Progressive Maryland endorsed candidates here. |
🪩 PMD Annual Gala – Next Week!
Our 25th Anniversary Gala is just around the corner — and fewer than 20 tickets remain! Don’t miss your chance to join fellow members, activists, and leaders from across Maryland for a powerful night of celebration, connection, and joy. Grab your ticket now before they’re gone! |
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Healthcare Task Force: Stop the Healthcare Heist Week of Action!
We had a great day with PNHP at the Rally (see above) followed by office visits where we delivered petitions to Rep. Andy Harris’ office and dropped by the offices of our three newest Democratic Members of Congress. Perfect timing for our Task Force team during this Week Of Action!
The petitions to Rep. Harris urge the Congressman to hold in person town halls about the funding cuts to health care, SNAP, and the impact of the government shutdown. Today’s visit follows the visit to his Bel Air office last Monday by Progressive Harford County leaders who asked local staff to tell Rep. Harris that we want him to commit to times and places for these community events by Veteran’s Day. In D.C. this morning, the staff member seemed impressed by the many pages of petitions, with more than 1,1100 signers. Thanks to everyone who signed the petition!
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We were warmly received by staff for Rep. Olszewski, Rep. Elfreth, and Rep. Delaney. Like so many of us they are working hard to hold the line and stop the Trump/billionaire agenda that is defunding our health care. We also had a chance to ask them to support Medicare For All. On the immediate front, they assured us that their Members will keep pushing for: - Congress to extend the enhanced tax subsidies for the Affordable Care Act to prevent even bigger premium increases across the board for individuals and small businesses.
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Positive action to protect families who use SNAP benefits and to restore the funding.
We’d love to tell you more about our HC Task Force and its organizing activities at this urgent time! Just drop a note to Patty. |
Progressive Harford County:
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Gaithersburg Tenant Union
The Gaithersburg Tenant Union is hosting its first community meeting on Tuesday, November 11, from 6:30–7:30 PM at Gaithersburg High School. Join your neighbors to share experiences, elect leaders, and plan our first action for more affordable, safe, and livable housing in Gaithersburg — sign up to attend here.
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Cherry Hill People’s Union
Join us on Saturday, November 15, from 10 AM–12 PM at 1810 Cherry Hill Rd, Baltimore for the Cherry Hill People’s Union’s campaign launch! We’re fighting for development without displacement and demanding investments that truly serve Cherry Hill residents. Bring your neighbors and be part of the movement for change in Cherry Hill. SIgn up here.
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EVENTS FROM ALLIES: District 10 Town Hall on Juvenile Services
Join the District 10 Unity Team and Acting Secretary of Juvenile Services Betsy Fox Tolentino for a Town Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 4 at Owings Mills High School (124 S. Tollgate Rd).
A Juvenile Services Resource Fair begins at 5:30 PM, doors open at 6:15 PM, and the moderated discussion starts at 6:30 PM.
Maryland Living Wage for All Campaign Launch & Press Conference
Join the Maryland Living Wage for All Coalition on Friday, Nov. 7 from 10–11 AM at Angeli’s Pizzeria (1035 S. Charles St, Baltimore) for a press conference and campaign kickoff on Maryland’s affordability crisis. Elected officials, workers, and advocates will speak on how we can win a living wage for all. RSVP here.
Renters United Maryland
Join us on Wed, November 12th at 7pm on Zoom for a Housing Justice Priorities Strategy Session to discuss our state-level legislative priorities, what it will take to win big for renters in 2026, and what YOU can do to ensure every Marylander has safe, stable, affordable housing! We'll need all of our voices! Join us and bring a friend! RSVP here.
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News You Can Use: Shutdown heading for a record
THE SHUTDOWN drags on, heading for a record tomorrow night (!) and hammering Maryland's multitudes of federal employees and contractors. Maryland -- and other states, we see -- are taking special note of the Nov. 1 lapse of SNAP benefits for a total of 42 million folks nationwide -- which, despite several Federal judges' rulings, the Trump administration said Monday it will not fully replace with emergency funds, meaning eligible recipients will get about half the usual SNAP allotments during the Congressional impasse.
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Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States
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