Dear Friend,

Progressive Maryland has a core set of values and a vision for a more just, healthy and prosperous state. The importance of the labor movement and the role that labor unions play in our society is central to our vision, our values and our organizing. That’s why this Labor Day we’re thrilled to celebrate the visibility and traction that workplace organizing is gaining everywhere along with the historically high level of public support for unions. A new Gallup poll says that respondents approve of unions by a 71% to 26% margin, the highest level since 1965. Interest in unions and union election filings are hitting record numbers even as corporate billionaires like Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Howard Schultz (Starbucks) try to crush union organizing efforts in their workplaces.

We’re proud to be in solidarity with all workers, especially those that are trying to form a union. We’re grateful for the ways in which we can support public employees, healthcare workers, Starbucks baristas, warehouse workers and tens of thousands of other folks who are pushing for a collective voice on the job in order to win better contracts, better wages and working conditions. Our friends at Americans for Tax Fairness released this report last week about Starbucks, their profits, and how they’re going all out to avoid sharing the company’s enormous wealth with their workers: "Billion-Dollar Union Busters". The report also suggests actions lawmakers can take to address these outrageous tactics.

Labor Day is also the unofficial kick off for the general election! We’re excited about the ballot this November and our voter outreach program. Elections are all about bringing a vision to voters and engaging folks where they live. If you want to make a difference right here in Maryland in this critical 2022 election please join us. We need your help to elect real progressives, pass Question 4, and defeat the pro-Trump GOP candidates running at the top of the ticket and in several areas of the state.

Please sign up for our first day of action on Saturday, September 24.

Many Thanks,
The Progressive Maryland Team

📝 Election Corner
Progressive Maryland Statewide Election Program

Help us reach voters to let them know about the importance of voting in the 2022 Election! We’ll be talking with them about the Governor’s race, local progressive candidates, and the need to Vote FOR legalizing cannabis on Maryland Question 4.

Make a donation to our political program to support progressive Democratic candidates up and down the ticket, running statewide and in local races on the Eastern Shore, in Frederick, Harford, Prince George's, Montgomery and Anne Arundel Counties.
Task Forces & Issue Campaign Updates:
Health Care For All:
Our Speak Out Against the High Cost of Prescription Drugs last week was a big success. Thanks to everyone who organized and came out for the event. PM has joined groups around the country to call for Executive Action to bring down the cost of inhalers, insulin, and other medications. President Biden spoke out against the greed and price gouging of Big PhRMA at a rally in Milwaukee yesterday. Now he needs to urge his Secretary of Health and Human Services to meet with us to talk about using Executive Action to lower Rx prices. Help us get the message to Becerra: please sign this petition. Do you want to support our Make Medicines Affordable campaign? We need you! Please contact Patty.

Progressive Maryland's Justice Task Force, Returning Citizens Task Force and Drug Task Force are planning a Town Hall in mid-October to strengthen our work to end policies and practices in our state that contribute to high levels of over incarceration. We’ll announce more details in the next Memo and on our social media. If you have questions or are interested contact Kurt or Dev.

Returning Citizens Task Force:
RCTF has a grassroots campaign to get a Residential Re-Entry Center established in Prince George’s County. Such centers are where individuals in prison may be assigned to spend the last months of their sentence in order to begin the process of re-entry into the community. It’s time for Prince George’s to join other jurisdictions that have had these Halfway Houses for years. We’re working with our allies on the County Council to introduce legislation. We’re also focused on the dire need for affordable housing for everyone in our community.

RCTF members will hold a voter registration/expungement clinic on Saturday October 22, in conjunction with other Get Out the Vote activities this Fall. The clinic will also be used to let returning citizens know about mental health services and social service programs. Interested in learning more or becoming involved in RCTF’s housing, jobs, or voter registration campaigns? Contact Kurt
Progressive Harford County
Join Progressive Harford County for its virtual monthly September meeting. We'll lay out a game plan to elect our endorsed candidates and garner support for the cannabis ballot measure. Progressive Harford meets on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Our next meeting is Monday Sept. 19.
Events From Allies and Partners:

MOCO Rally for Rent Stabilization Friday, Sept. 9 at 10 am. 100 Maryland Ave Rockville, MD. Hosted by DSA. Urge the County Council to say no to price gouging and yes to policies that help renters and workers who live in the County.


State and National News:
Welcome to the home stretch after Labor Day, when candidates believe that you -- the voters -- first shake vacationland thoughts from your heads and focus on the November elections. Generally, we think, the news from the world around you has kept you thinking pretty carefully about who is in charge, all along. Here, of course, we offer you the latest -- how our state election results might get settled more quickly; how to make sure your kids both learn and eat, how hard it is for police reform to get past longtime barriers; and what the US House and Senate have to do by September 30 -- if they can. It’s News You Can Use, so read on..

Progressive Maryland BlogSpace:
We value creating space for our members to express their thoughts on any issues related to our campaigns. Have an idea for a blog post? You can submit writing, film, graphic design, etc. to be published on our website to the blog moderator Woody at [email protected].
New Today – Improving Maryland’s vote counting; Senate back in D.C. with Sept. 30 due bills
Biden brings new word to Maryland; state's health picture somewhat brighter
Getting and spending -- Maryland and the Inflation Reduction Act
Can we do a little better by our kids, please?
Senate finally delivers on BBB; Hogan fumes on toll roads plan delay
Awareness: about your rent, your electric bill, your schools, reproductive health and the Manchin dance
>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

Click here to view this memo in your web browser


Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States
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