Published in Maryland Matters

By Dr. Zackary Berger, Baltimore; Karen Caplan, Silver Spring; Rabbi Ariana Katz, Baltimore; Michael Rubin, Takoma Park; Joanna Silver, Silver Spring; and Dr. Kate Sugarman, Potomac. 

We are Jewish organizers and activists who have worked closely with CASA for years in its efforts to support Maryland’s immigrant communities. We have always found CASA to be an organization that acts with respect, solidarity, and love for people of all backgrounds. We are outraged that elected officials are weaponizing Jewish pain in the wake of the recent atrocities by Hamas to attack and undermine CASA in response to its tweets criticizing Israel and calling for a ceasefire. To be clear: As Jews, there was nothing in CASA’s statements that we found to be antisemitic or hateful.

After nearly a decade of struggle, the site for a new FBI building, replacing the crumbling brutalist behemoth down in DC, has been declared as Greenbelt, Maryland, in Prince George's County. The fact that the current FBI director would have preferred Virginia has become clear, but elected officials in Maryland are confident the decision will stick. Also, the state faces some possible revenue declines (including in gas tax revenue as hybrids and e-cars take hold), so the 2024 Assembly session (an election year) is already looking fraught. All this plus news of good and bad decisions in other states and way up there in Congress, too, continues to tumble our way. Get all the news you can use here.

This is it! Election Day is tomorrow! If you or your family members haven’t yet voted and you have a municipal election, please head to the polls tomorrow to take part in your civic duty. Polls open at 7:00 a.m. If you’ve received your ballot by mail, be sure to drop it at a drop box today or tomorrow before 8:00 p.m. Folks who are not registered can still register to vote and vote in person tomorrow.

It's easy to underestimate the importance of municipal elections, but they are the backbone of our democratic system. These elections determine who leads our cities, towns, and neighborhoods, making decisions that directly impact our day-to-day lives. From education and public safety to local development and more, these leaders have a significant say in the issues that matter most to you. 

If you live in districts with elections tomorrow, we urge you to make your voice heard. 

What about offshore wind? Maryland's prospects nerve-wracking as big Danish firm exits New Jersey project. And Pennsylvania's entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative with Maryland and other neighbor states is still on shaky ground, too. Maryland's enviro community seems to like the state's overall progress against climate change, but a derailment of recycled plastic "nurdles" in Hyattsville shakes up the community. Maine voters may decide to shift from corporate power companies to public ownership. But the US House wants to cut more than a third of the EPA's budget. Good news, bad news -- but all News You Can Use, and much more.

As we approach the vibrant celebration of Dia de los Muertos, we take a moment to recognize and honor this important cultural celebration and extend our warmest thoughts to all those who partake in this beautiful tradition. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, with Indigenous Mexica and Nahua origins, where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives. It is a beautiful celebration with a rich culture, often featuring calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls) in symbolism.

With the upcoming municipal elections fast approaching, check out our Election Corner section where you can find the latest updates on our endorsed candidates and vital information to help you make informed choices in these important local races. Election Day is just around the corner, on Tuesday, November 7th. 

This fall, our issue campaigns and task forces have been incredibly busy, tirelessly working to create positive change in our community. Read on for detailed updates on the progress we've made and the upcoming events on our calendar. Check out our news you can use section to see what big things are happening in our state!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

A billion four would leave a hole in Maryland's budget the size of the Hogan admin's incompetence. How did that minus number emerge? Better news -- a Year of Service program that seems realistically based and at the proper scale for a start-up program. Plus: a federal shutdown is still possible and the state is getting ready for it. And: tackling the problem of mass incarceration from both directions; Baltimore tech hub; a grant for fighting Alzheimer's; catching tropical fish in the Bay; lots of national and state news from outside our boundaries too. It's News You Can Use for this week, from Progressive Maryland's eyeballs to you.

With the upcoming mayoral election, the residents of Laurel have the opportunity to choose a leader who will usher in a new era of progress and change. Martin Mitchell, a parent and dedicated resident, has emerged as a compelling candidate for the position of Mayor. With a rich background in public service and a strong commitment to progressive values, Martin Mitchell promises to be the leader that Laurel needs to usher in positive change and a brighter future.

We're thrilled to share a major success in our ongoing fight for housing justice. Last Thursday, we organized an impactful press conference with the residents of The Enclave apartment complex in Silver Spring, Maryland. In collaboration with tenant residents and dedicated elected officials, we addressed the longstanding issues at The Enclave, emphasizing the urgent need for change and swift resolution of tenant concerns. The event was a remarkable achievement, leading to the establishment of a tenant union with The Enclave residents, giving them a powerful tool to fight back and reclaim their rights.

For those who missed the event, you can catch the action livestream videos on our Facebook page. Our efforts have also garnered attention from the media and you can check out the video below to see news coverage of the event.

As we continue our work for housing justice, we want to keep you informed about the exciting initiatives and campaigns we have on the horizon. In this week's memo, you'll find updates on the upcoming municipal election, ways to get involved, and news you can use!

lIn Maryland, state officials are struggling to unwind the new landscape of Medicaid post-COVID but fed money is coming into the state to care for Long COVID; Baltimore's big Trash-to-Energy incinerator at Curtis Bay pays big fines for violations while one county expands its food scrap composting activity by an order of magnitude. Lots going on in other states, too. About Congress? Don't ask...

The Enclave's History of Neglecting Tenant Welfare Sparks Urgent Call for Change

Silver Spring, MD–In an impactful press conference held yesterday evening, a unified front comprised of Progressive Maryland, dedicated tenant residents, Everyday Canvassing and distinguished elected officials confronted the ongoing challenges
plaguing The Enclave apartment complex. This event emphasized the pressing need for change and swift resolution of tenant concerns. Notable speakers at the conference included Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich, Montgomery County Council
Member Kristin Mink, and State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian. Tenants, residents, and community leaders united to demand immediate action.