Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, February 23, 2026

Posted by · February 23, 2026 2:07 PM

PMD_Weekly_Memo_Banner.pngThe memo will be posted here after the email has been sent.

 

 

 

 

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State and national issues -- redistricting, ICE and more -- rattle MD in mid-session mode

Posted by · February 23, 2026 1:42 PM

News_You_Can_Use_graphic_(2).pngOne of the peskiest problems that Gov. Moore and the General Assembly face in trying to balance the state's budget is protecting the Blueprint for school improvement against being chipped away or delayed in its implementation plan by other urgent priorities. Full funding for a critical area, Community Schools with wraparound child and family support, has been delayed several times. And that effort is related to many other child-centered concerns, such as the embattled foster-care system and professional support for kids in school (all of which see below). It's easy to get distracted by national arguments and the shenanigans of Donald Trump (the Master of Distraction; bombs may be falling on Iran as you read this).

But the kids who are coming up now need more help -- from us -- than they are getting, and that is a due-bill that we will keep on paying at considerable interest.

It's News You Can Use.

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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Posted by · February 17, 2026 2:07 PM

Today marks a major victory for immigrant justice in Maryland. This afternoon, Governor Wes Moore effectively ended Maryland’s participation in the federal 287(g) program by signing legislation that bans local partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). By ending these local partnerships with ICE, Maryland is taking a critical step to protect immigrant families from being funneled into detention through routine interactions with local law enforcement. Nine jurisdictions had active agreements that allowed correctional officers to transfer people directly into ICE custody. With this new law taking effect immediately, those formal partnerships must end.

And we’re not slowing down.

Lobby Night is next Monday, and we’re bringing hundreds of Progressive Maryland supporters to Annapolis to speak directly with their legislators and rally for the People’s Agenda. As we approach the midpoint of session, it’s critical that lawmakers hear from their constituents about raising wages, making the wealthy pay their fair share, holding utilities and polluters accountable, protecting health care, preventing evictions, and advancing immigrant justice. There’s still time to register before the end of the week so we can schedule you into a meeting with your legislator. Don’t miss your chance to turn this momentum into action.

Read on for legislative updates, issue campaign updates, plenty of ways to get involved, and important state and national news.

In solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team 

Governor Wes Moore signing SB245.
 

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

  • BHM Spotlight
  • Legislative Updates

  • Campaign Updates

  • Local Chapter Updates

  • State & National News
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Assembly, Moore fight ICE collaboration as legislature hits prime hearings time

Posted by · February 17, 2026 1:00 PM

News_You_Can_Use_graphic_(2).pngThe Big Ugly Bill that Trump oddly refers to as "Beautiful" included quite a few provisions that added tons of tax deductions for the wealthy by looting state treasuries and their revenue systems. A number of bills are quietly getting traction in the Assembly to choke off that loot-fest, as noted atop our HERE IN MARYLAND roundup.

The Assembly has also passed, and Gov. Moore signed today, a measure preventing ICE and border control goons from co-opting the efforts of local law enforcement through an agreement that looks good for local governments but puts everyone at risk -- as we know from the depredations of those same masked, unidentified ICE goons around the country.

So far so good -- but, as one veteran legislator used to say, it takes three or four years to get a good bill through the Assembly -- but only one year for a bad one. How can you make a difference?

 

Many Marylanders find themselves surprised by how much they can learn, and do, at https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite  -- the website of the Maryland General Assembly. All the bills are there and all the hearings where the fate of those bills may be decided. You can be heard in those hearings, and without going to Annapolis to do so. The website language is carefully neutral and therefore a little deceptive about which bills are important and highly supportable. That's where outfits like Progressive Maryland and the Maryland Legislative Coalition step in. You can get weekly accounts of the bills that need passing at our Weekly Memo (you can get it in your inbox here ) or get our virtual Annapolis Task Force briefing on how to be heard on bills here. The Maryland Legislative Coalition's weekly roundups during session keep you up on the bills and hearings that really matter. Advocacy organizations in climate/environment, social justice, education and community solidarity all have ways of keeping you up during our top-speed legislative sessions. The legislature is entering one of the most active parts of their session, so don't get ambushed after April by bills that are bad for you and your community.

Below you can see how states (and the feds) are managing their governance, for better or worse. Might be some lessons there, pointing in both directions. That's why we call it News You Can Use.

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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, February 9, 2026

Posted by · February 09, 2026 9:48 AM

Happy Monday! If you tuned in to the Super Bowl last night, you probably felt the impact of the moment. Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was a reminder of who we are and who we fight for. With flags from around the world, a message that “the only thing more powerful than hate is love,” and a clear celebration of immigrants and community, he used the biggest stage in the country to say that unity and togetherness is America.

That message matters, especially during Black History Month as we continue to see blatant disrespect and racism from the highest levels of power. From attacks on immigrant communities, to Governor Wes Moore being disinvited from a bipartisan White House dinner, to racist content from Trump targeting President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, these moments are not isolated. They’re part of a broader pattern meant to divide, intimidate, and erase. But our history, and our present, tell a different story. We honor Black history by continuing to show up, protect our neighbors, and fight for justice, dignity, and belonging for all.

Read on for legislative updates, issue campaign updates, plenty of ways to get involved, and important state and national news.

 

Quick Actions: Cut ICE Funding

ICE violence is escalating, and Congress may soon boost its budget. We can’t let our tax dollars fund terror, disappearances, and inhumane detention. Call your legislators and demand they vote NO on ICE funding.


👉 Take action here
 

Black History Month Spotlight:

Mary Elizabeth Lange was a Haitian immigrant, educator, and religious leader whose work helped shape Black life and education in Maryland. Settling in Baltimore in the early 1800s, she dedicated her life to teaching Black children at a time when their education was restricted, discouraged, and often criminalized. In 1829, she co-founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first Catholic religious order for Black women in the United States.

Through schools, mentorship, and community leadership, Lange built institutions that offered opportunity, dignity, and resistance in the face of exclusion. Her legacy stands as a powerful reminder that Black immigrants have long been architects of justice, education, and community in Maryland.
 

2026 Legislative Session: Stay in the Know

Climate: Investor-Owned Utility Bonus Limits (HB1 / SB2)


We scored a win last week! The bill that prevents utilities from using ratepayer dollars to pay corporate executive bonuses passed the House on February 6. The Senate version had a hearing in the EEE Committee, and now it needs to be put to a full vote. This is a big step toward keeping your utility bills fair and making sure companies aren’t profiting off our families’ backs.

 

Immigration: Ban on 287(g) Programs (SB245)

 

Our push to end local law enforcement collaboration with ICE is moving forward. This bill would ban the federal 287(g) program, which deputizes local police as ICE agents, putting immigrant communities at risk. This legislation would stop existing 287(g) programs and prevent new ones from starting, helping restore trust between communities and local law enforcement and keeping families safe.
 

PMD EVENTS:

 

Annapolis Task Force Training – Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 PM
Want to get more involved in shaping Maryland policy this session? Attend our Annapolis Training (virtual) to learn how to take action on key issues, organize in your community, and prepare to meet with legislators. Sign up here.

 

Lobby Night – February 23

We’re exactly two weeks away and hundreds of Marylanders will be flooding the halls of Annapolis to make their voices heard! This is the night where people power meets lawmakers. Join us as we push for bold action on healthcare, housing, wages, climate justice, and immigrant rights. You’ll get trained, team up with fellow members, and meet directly with legislators to demand real results for working families. This is your chance to turn passion into power and make change happen. RSVP Today!
 

Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: 

Environmental Justice Task Force: Hold Corporations Accountable for High Energy Bills and Pollution!


Energy bills are skyrocketing, and polluting corporations continue to harm our communities and our environment. Join us Thursday, February 12, from 6:00–7:00 PM EST for a virtual meeting to learn about the environmental justice policies and initiatives we’re pushing, from energy affordability and cumulative impacts legislation to Baltimore City budget advocacy and strategies to shut down the BRESCO incinerator.

 

Sign up here

Healthcare Justice Task Force:

 

Breaking News: We have a Bill - HB 971 to Protect and Reclaim Medicaid! PLUS hearings next week on the Safe Staffing Act!

 

Safeguarding healthcare programs like Medicaid is PMD’s top healthcare priority. For our most vulnerable residents and about half of the children in our state, Medical Assistance is a lifeline. The Republicans in Congress cut $1 trillion dollars in Medicaid funding in the 2025 budget. It will take effect next year and our state stands to lose as much as $2 billion in funding.

 

It’s critical for Maryland to identify revenue to replace the loss of federal dollars. Our bill, HB 971, would create a process for the state to assess the expenses (13 cents on a dollar) and downsides (claim and care denials) to using Managed Care Organizations, many of which are private insurance companies, to manage this public program. The state would realize significant savings by transitioning to a direct payment system to administer Medicaid. Connecticut has saved $4 billion since 2012 when they dropped the use of MCOs. Tell lawmakers to support HB 971!

Hearings for the Safe Staffing Act, which will give nurses and front line hospital workers a voice in how ER rooms and beds are staffed, are scheduled for the Senate Finance Committee at 1:00 on Feb.17th and for the House Health Committee at 1:00 on Feb. 18th. This will give our state a powerful way to address the crisis of long emergency room wait times in Maryland. If you’d like to attend a virtual meeting about the bill at 5:30 this Wednesday, Feb. 11th, contact Patty for the link.   
 

Local Chapter Updates: 

Frederick County

 

Calling Frederick County Renters!

If you rent in Frederick County—or know someone who does—take a minute to fill out this quick survey. Your experiences with rent increases will help shape local housing policies and make sure renters’ voices are heard.
 

Maryland amps up its defenses against ICE incursions, worrying some that it might invite them

 

Maryland, not heavily engaged with ICE enforcement at the battleground scale of Minnesota and some other states, is nevertheless ramping up its defenses. Trump's wholly vindictive assault against Minneapolis-St. Paul is showing signs of wear but state and national officials -- including some in Congress -- are still trying to temper the damage by legal means. Judges, however, are making long lists of the number of legal rulings that the mock-warriors of DHS are routinely ignoring. Congress is near-deadlock on funding the Department of Homeland Security unless Democratic requirements for controlling ICE tactics get some satisfaction. If it gets more intense we might have to do this twice a week. It's News You Can Use, but don't look away too fast or you might miss something.
 

In solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team 

Credit: Getty Images
 

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

  • Quick Actions
  • BHM Spotlight
  • Legislative Updates
  • PMD Events

  • Campaign Updates

  • Local Chapter Updates

  • State & National News

 

 

 

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Maryland amps up its defenses against ICE incursions, worrying some that it might invite them

Posted by · February 09, 2026 9:30 AM

News_You_Can_Use_graphic_(2).pngMaryland, not heavily engaged with ICE enforcement at the battleground scale of Minnesota and some other states, is nevertheless ramping up its defenses. Trump's wholly vindictive assault against Minneapolis-St. Paul is showing signs of wear but state and national officials -- including some in Congress -- are still trying to temper the damage by legal means. Judges, however, are making long lists of the number of legal rulings that the mock-warriors of DHS are routinely ignoring. Congress is near-deadlock on funding the Department of Homeland Security unless Democratic requirements for controlling ICE tactics get some satisfaction. If it gets more intense we might have to do this twice a week. It's News You Can Use, but don't look away too fast or you might miss something.

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House Passes Bill to Stop Utilities from Charging Customers for Excessive Executive Salaries

Posted by · February 06, 2026 3:23 PM

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 6, 2026
 

Statement: House Passes Bill to Stop Utilities from Charging Customers for Excessive Executive Salaries 

 

Bill adds new restrictions on charges as utility bills – and utility profits – rise
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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, February 2, 2026

Posted by · February 02, 2026 1:23 PM

PMD_Weekly_Memo_Banner.pngThe Memo will be posted here after the email version has been sent.

 

 

 

 

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As ICE assault and deaths continue, working people shovel snow, make plans: News You Can Use

Posted by · February 02, 2026 12:24 PM

News_You_Can_Use_graphic_(2).pngRight here in Maryland, the slow-building catastrophe of Trump retribution against Blue states adds up, as our legislature works to manage its way through Gov. Moore's proposed tough-love budget. Federal pullbacks in a wide variety of public benefits, from medical care to food assistance to education to the loss of hundreds of thousands of federal jobs by state residents, leave the cupboard pretty bare. Two years in a row of wrenching deficit solutions have shaken the typical good-natured rivalry between progressive groups seeking funding and legislators holding out on funds. Meanwhile, Trump's ICE paramilitary goon squad continues to terrorize populations, not only in Minnesota but in many cities around the nation. And the response is resistance: "ICE out" in Baltimore and at the Grammies, and 9,000-plus Chicagolanders voted to name their newest snowplow "Abolish Ice" -- nearly three-quarters of those who suggested names. It's all News You Can Use.

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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, January 26, 2026

Posted by · January 26, 2026 2:23 PM

This weekend, another person was killed by ICE in Minneapolis. Videos show that Alex Pretti was wrestled to the ground and shot multiple times by federal agents. The people of Minneapolis, their elected representatives, and people all over the country want ICE to leave the Twin Cities and leave all of our communities alone. This kind of violence cannot be normalized. We refuse to accept a system where state-sanctioned brutality is carried out against people for their identity, their perceived status, or simply for showing up to protect one another.

Here in Maryland, ICE continues to terrorize our communities. Every day, our neighbors—regardless of legal status—are being detained, held in inhumane conditions, and cut off from their families. Just yesterday, a man was taken by ICE in Howard County, and as of now, no details have been released about his whereabouts or condition. And Friday, Wicomico County’s leadership entered a 287(g) agreement, turning local law enforcement into ICE Warrant Service Officers and selling out the trust of their community. This cruelty is happening in our own backyard, and we won’t stand for it.

At Progressive Maryland, we are clear: this violence is unacceptable, and we will continue to fight back, through organizing, legislative advocacy, and solidarity with our neighbors. Read on for ways to take action, upcoming events, and critical state and national updates.

In solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team 
 

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

  • Quick Actions
  • Legislative Updates
  • PMD Events

  • Campaign Updates

  • Local Chapter Updates

  • State & National News
Read more
Share