As we dive into February, we're not just celebrating the start of Black History Month; we're actively contributing to it. To kick off the month, our 7/10 Black Workers Center launched the Career Readiness Program, tailored to address the needs of underemployed workers in Prince George's County and returning residents. For those interested in the Career Readiness Program, click here to fill out the interest form. 

Every week, we'll be highlighting Black leaders, past and present, who have shaped our history and continue to inspire us today. Check out our Black History Month section later in the memo to join us in honoring their contributions.

But that's not all! This Saturday marks our 2024 Power Summit, a day of connection, community building and collective action. We're excited to see you there, but spots are limited. If you haven't already, register today—it's your last chance!

Read on for important updates from our task forces and issue campaigns, who are working hard during this legislative session—pushing for bills to get passed, building power, and creating opportunities for community involvement. And don't forget to check out our blogspace for news you can use!

Get ready for an impactful week ahead, and let's continue making a difference together.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• • Black History Month

  • PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF, EJTF & RCTF
  • State & National News

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: 

Each week, we’ll highlight black leaders, past and present, in different categories to honor the living force that is Black history. This week’s category: Activism

A renowned abolitionist, orator, minister, and educator from New Market (now Chesterville), Maryland, Henry Highland Garnet was born into enslavement on December 23, 1815, and escaped with his family to New York City.  As an incredible orator and fierce opponent to slavery, Garnet is well known for his “Call to Rebellion” speech in 1843, which encouraged people who were enslaved to free themselves by rising against those who enslaved them. In 1865, Garnet became the first Black speaker to preach a sermon in the House of Representatives.

Born in Baltimore on April 9, 1917, Irene Morgan Kirkaldy is best known for her bus protest, which is seen as a precursor to the wide-spread Montgomery, Alabama bus boycotts of 1955. While traveling to Gloucester County, Virginia, to visit her mother, Kirkaldy was arrested in Middlesex County for refusing to give up her seat in the ‘white section’ of an interstate bus. She later consulted with attorneys from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund in a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court – I rene Morgan v. Commonwealth of Virginia. While the landmark 1946 decision ruled the Virginia law unconstitutional, it would not be enforced for decades after.

Erricka Bridgeford, born October 9, 1972, is a Baltimore activist who co-founded the Baltimore Ceasefire movement.  The ceasefire weekend concept originated from hip-hop artist Ogun during collaboration with activist Bridgeford for an anti-violence rally in 2017. Concerned about rising murder rates in Baltimore, Bridgeford, Ogun, and other activists revisited the idea and planned a community initiative challenging residents to go 72 hours without any violence. The initiative also encouraged citizens to organize and participate in positive events during the ceasefire weekend, aligning with the Baltimore Peace Challenge. She now continues to organize these ceasefires for the city quarterly.

PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates

Returning Citizens Task Force: 

We will have two important presentations at our RCTF zoom meeting Tuesday (2/6) at 6:30 pm.  Glynn Elmira from CSOSA (Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency) in DC will give a talk about the services they provide for returning services including their mentoring program. CCOSA is a model for providing Reentry services and can provide ideas for our work in Prince George’s and more widely in Maryland.

And Carmen Johnson, Founder and CEO, of HOTT (Helping Ourselves to Transform) will talk about legislation to create the "Maryland Deaths in Custody Oversight Board," to address the growing number of individuals in our state who die in custody (many while still awaiting trial). She will be joined by  Jonah Walters, an investigative journalist and UCLA BioCritical Studies Lab Postdoctoral Fellow, who played a key role in their report on in-custody deaths in Maryland.

Here is a copy of Senate Bill SB036.  A sister bill was introduced in the House (HB565) we will provide that and information on how people can support this legislation.

For more information about our meeting or our activities, contact Kurt.

Healthcare Justice: 

Two of our priority bills have hearings this week–take action now! 

Our elected officials can take important steps this year to bring down the high costs of Rx drugs and to expand access to health care for Maryland’s immigrant residents. They need to hear from us!

1. We want legislation that will lower prescription drug costs and strengthen the state’s Prescription Drug Affordability Board. The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill (SB) 388 titled Prescription Drug Affordability Board - Authority for Upper Payment Limits and Funding. One of our Healthcare Task Force leaders will testify in favor of the bill before the Committee and share her story.

➢ ACTION: Call the Senate Finance Committee this week to urge a YES vote on SB388. (410)  841-3677.

Big PhRMA’s lobbyists are opposing the bill, spreading disinformation and using scare tactics. Check out this Maryland Matters article by Jane Horvath that completely debunks their arguments.         

2. It’s time to pass the Access to Care Act, HB 278, to remove immigration barriers for Marylanders who want to purchase health coverage through the  Maryland Health Connection, benefitting tens of thousands of families living across the state.

➢ ACTION:  Call the HGO Committee this week to express your support for the Access to Care Act. (410) 841-3770

To learn more about our priorities, how you can volunteer, or submit testimony in support of a bill contact Patty. 

Environmental Justice Task Force: Ready for Round 2 of the RREA

As volunteer leaders of Progressive Maryland’s Environmental Justice Task Force anxiously await the House hearing for the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act (HB166)  on Wednesday, February 7, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, they will call residents living in Senator (D)-Ron Watson's district to inform them about the impact of their monthly utility bills contributing to toxic trash incineration both in and out of the state. For the past 12 years, this practice has generated over $100 million dollars and resulted in far-reaching health issues for large black communities in South Baltimore.

To garner increased media attention for the RREA legislation, the EJTF plans to hold a press conference in collaboration with Food & Water Watch in Annapolis. Stay tuned for the confirmed date.

Lastly, for all that will be joining our Power Summit this Saturday in Annapolis, expect to feel the passion of our frontline EJTF community members, and hear about their unrelenting efforts to pass the RREA.

If you would like to advocate with the EJTF and write testimony in support of the RREA, reach out to SirJames.

News You Can Use: News You Can Use: Again, it’s all about the General Assembly

As usual in mid-February, the General Assembly is cooking along evaluating (usually at the committee level) various good and bad laws. Our allies at the Maryland Legislative Coalition provide details on when committees meet for deliberation, as well as which bills need help moving through the system and how you can make your voice heard in Annapolis or remotely. From environment to child poverty, criminal justice reform reform (yes, you heard us right) and education, the Assembly is busy making or remaking law. A lot of mischief takes place in committees, so don't take your eyes off them for long.

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.

•  News You Can Use: Again, it’s all about the General Assembly
• Legislative moves continue to stand out; see our list of what's up and how to get heard
• Assembly settles into hearing grind as scope of work, fiscal constraints loom  
• Reclaim renewable energy: Stop subsidizing dirty air and health hazards from waste incineration
  

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

Don't forget to follow us on social media!

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