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.

We hope this week finds you in high spirits and ready for action. Last Wednesday, our Healthcare Taskforce organized a powerful direct action outside the CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield offices in Owings Mills. While we've already shared a comprehensive recap with you, we're excited to share a new highlight video that captures the spirit of our movement. 

But the excitement doesn't stop there – many of our task forces have incredible events in the pipeline, and you'll find the details in the upcoming sections. 

As we draw closer to the election, with just three weeks to go, our endorsed candidates are tirelessly working to turn out the vote. Be sure to visit our Election Corner section where you can learn more about these candidates and why they're perfect for the roles they're running for.

Let's keep pushing for progress together. Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay united.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

In the Bowie City Council District 3 seat race, one candidate stands out as a beacon of change and progress. Iyamide House, endorsed by Progressive Maryland, has been making waves with her visionary platform, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community. With the recent endorsement from Aisha Braveboy, the State's Attorney for Prince George's County, Maryland, House's campaign gains even more momentum. In this blog post, we proudly highlight the remarkable qualities that make our candidate Iyamide House the ideal choice for the District 3 seat, especially as the only woman in the race.

States are busy on projects in carbon reduction (and research, go Terps!), schools improvement, collective bargaining opportunities, fighting book banning and returning citizen improvements. Maryland, we see, is at the heart of all these activities. Good thing. Just a short Metro ride away, the GOP's razor-thin majority in the US House is unable to check the box (elect a new Speaker -- will anyone do?) that would allow the US government to function. It might not all be pretty, but it's all News You Can Use.

Izola Shaw, candidate for Rockville City Council, is a trailblazer for renters' rights and community progress. Endorsed by organizations such as Progressive Maryland, CASA, and Greater Greater Washington, Shaw has garnered widespread support from working-class communities as well as various local community leaders across Rockville who are very well-known and highly respected. 

Our community members and folks struggling to get the care they need took a stand outside CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield offices in Owings Mills yesterday morning! This was one of fifteen actions happening across the country to tell health insurers:

• We’ve had it with their greed 
• They don’t have the right to decide what treatment, tests, or medicines we need
• People’s health, not their wealth should be the priority
• To put people first 

Recap video from the rally. Footage provided by John Spillane.

To view the livestream, click here. You can also view photos from the rally here. 

Momentum is building for a statewide grassroots movement to stop these profiteering corporations. How do we fight their power? With people power! This is how we can win immediate relief for patients who need care and pave the way to a publicly funded, truly universal healthcare system. We’re already winning important fights against Big PhRMA and we’re confident that we can win the campaign against Big Insurance, too. 

This public pressure campaign needs your support! Urge Congress to take action on claim denials!

Stay tuned for updates and more opportunities to take action next week. 

Many thanks to everyone who came out yesterday - it was great to be with you at this powerful event. Special shout out to our speakers, volunteers, Task Force leaders, and partners for making it happen!

This Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month, we honor the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Indigenous communities that have shaped our nation for centuries. We acknowledge the Accohannock Indian Tribe, Assateague Peoples Tribe, Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians, Piscataway Conoy Tribe, Piscataway Indian Nation, Pocomoke Indian Nation and Youghiogheny River Band of Shawnee Indians as the original stewards of Maryland's lands. We honor their history of resilience and resistance. We are grateful to the Native people who contribute to our lives everyday in essential and meaningful ways. 

When we say we are working toward a more just and equitable future for Marylanders, that includes our Indigenous communities. There is so much work to be done —  passing federal and state legislation for reparations; formally acknowledging Indigenous history and land rights; and, of course, ensuring that Native residents have affordable healthcare and housing, access to quality education, clean air and drinking water, and the many other basic human rights that everyone deserves. Progressive Maryland is committed to this work. 

Furthermore, as October unfolds, we are also reminded that it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to stand in solidarity with survivors and work towards creating safer, more supportive communities.