Josh Kurtz, a founding editor of Maryland Matters and charter member of the Deans' Club of Maryland political observers, here munches on the different aspects of the state and national Democratic Party, clearly still in charge of Maryland's Blue-state blueness. But they are feeling blue, and divided in their blues-ness, for reasons outlined in expert analytical books separated by two-plus decades. Progressives are the energy of today's Dems, but can they co-exist with the big-money donors that Bill Clinton and Barack Obama brought into the party? This is a both entertaining and sobering overview by a longtime political reporter.

Some things seem like they are never really settled. With great effort, the Assembly passes Anton's Law, providing a window of transparency into police internal records. It's challenged in court. Transport efficiency advocates fight Larry Hogan's plan for Beltway toll lanes to a draw; the Moore admin brings it back. Despite good-government efforts to challenge the power of county Central Committees in filling empty legislative seats, they are still being filled that way. Now new legislation is proposed. All this is a good reason to let News You Can Use keep an eye on this random stuff for you, one-stop shopping every Monday for outrages and good ideas alike.

This Native American Heritage Month, we are acknowledging the ongoing effects of settler colonialism. We understand our responsibility as settlers and recognize the displacement, genocide, and past and present violence against Indigenous people on whose ancestral lands the present-day United States, including Maryland, stands. Progressive Maryland is committed to fostering a more just and equitable future for all Marylanders. All means all.

As we near the end of Native American Heritage Month, we pause to honor and appreciate the profound contributions of Indigenous communities that have shaped our state. Much like our ongoing work in the pursuit of a more equitable Maryland, the contributions of Indigenous people are woven into the very fabric of our history. In line with our commitment to Land Back, earlier this year we initiated a monthly contribution to support Indigenous communities in Maryland. Operating on stolen land, we voluntarily pay a monthly land tax to the Cedarville Band of Piscataway Indians, aiding efforts to revitalize Native land and communities while empowering Indigenous people to regain control of their ancestral territory.

Please note that Progressive Maryland offices will be closed from November 22nd to November 26th.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

This week you can read about stronger labor protections in state-funded projects, safety for workers fixing our highways, the replanting of streetside trees in Baltimore County (hope the impulse catches on) and more enviro news including a big boost for Sparrow's Point, which will build offshore wind capacity, a thumbs down on gas-powered leaf blowers (very well timed) and a decision to send reading help to elementary schools to help all grades catch up on that skill (aren't you reading this on a screen? Of course you are). Plus good and bad ideas and proposals from around the states, and People's Action chimes in with the D.C. report, which is still dismal even though most of our, um, courageous legislators are home for the holidays. It's all News You Can Use.

Have a good holiday yourselves, eat well, feed others.

CASA released a statement condemning violence and have since apologized for parts of it. We shouldn’t let this teaching moment hinder CASA’s ability to provide the critical resources and day to day services that thousands of people across our state rely on. CASA is a reputable and highly respected organization we admire, and has been a pillar to immigrant communities for 35 years. We stand with CASA in supporting peace. Read their full statement here

The fall season has been a whirlwind of activity for us at Progressive Maryland, with an incredible surge of organizing and hard work, and there's even more on the horizon. In the midst of our bustling fall, we're proud to highlight the strong stance taken by Jewish leaders across Maryland in support of CASA's recent statement condemning violence. 

Last week's municipal elections were a testament to the power of grassroots engagement, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who stood with us, supporting our endorsed candidates in crucial local races. In the aftermath, we're thrilled to announce the victories of two outstanding individuals: Izola Shaw for Rockville City Council and Tim Adams for Bowie Mayor. See more about these outstanding candidates, now winners, below.

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.