We’re approaching the halfway point of Maryland’s legislative session, and our fight for progressive change is in full swing. Last Thursday, we took to Annapolis for a powerful rally ahead of the Senate hearing on the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act—we chanted, we wore gas masks, and we stood with frontline communities and lawmakers demanding real clean energy solutions. And momentum is growing: Baltimore just passed a resolution calling for the passage of this bill!  Check out our press release here.

And just this morning, we were back in Annapolis rallying alongside our Renters United Maryland coalition for one of our top housing priorities: Good Cause Eviction protections. This bill is at a critical juncture, with hearings happening today in both the House and Senate. If we’re going to secure these protections for renters, this is our moment to push hard and make it happen. Watch the rally here.

We need all hands on deck to push these bills forward. Check out our Legislative Updates section for ways to take action.

We're also just six days away from our first event of the year—Lobby Night! On February 24th at 4:15 PM in Annapolis, we’ll be meeting with legislators to make sure they hear directly from us about the issues that matter most. There’s still time to sign up and join us!

There’s a lot of updates and state and national news in this week’s memo. Read on to stay informed and get involved.

In solidarity, the Progressive Maryland team

Hope you had a relaxing President’s Day. Many lawyers and judges didn’t, as various parties, including public employee unions and the 22 Blue State attorneys general (including ours), tried to unflood the zone with requests for relief from basically lawless official behavior. Below, we outline some effects of this lawless behavior on the communities in Maryland and around the nation, including many of those who voted for Donald Trump in expectation that he would make their lives better.  Looks like a struggle so far, unless you are already wealthy.

Below in our Maryland section we see pushback from some areas and disappointing spinelessness from others (then there's the National Guard, which has a chain of command). In the section about other states, we see blue states showing gumption and the leadership of red states wallowing in the open season on vulnerable populations -- and that includes schools and their teachers. The national section leaves you wondering who's really in charge here. Public employee unions are taking the lead in fighting back and have an important hearing today (Tuesday) in DC District Court.

Baltimore City RREA Resolution Passes Thanks to Advocates and Leadership by Councilwoman Phylicia Porter

Baltimore City Stands Behind State Reclaim Renewable Energy Act and Urges Action by Maryland General Assembly

BALTIMORE CITY, Maryland –  Baltimore City has officially voiced its strong support for HB220/SB10 Reclaim Renewable Energy Act (RREA), with the City Council adopting Resolution 25-008r, requesting state action by the Maryland General Assembly to pass the RREA. Introduced by Councilwoman Phylicia Porter during the City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, February 10th, the resolution gained overwhelming support, with 11 of 15 council members co-sponsoring. Co-sponsors of the resolution include Councilmembers Phylicia Porter, Mark Parker, Mark Conway, Sharon Green Middleton, James Torrence, Paris Gray, John Bullock, Zac Blanchard, Antonio "Tony" Glover, Odette Ramos, and Zeke Cohen. The public recording of the meeting can be viewed online here (resolution introduction beginning at 20:09). 

“Colleagues, this is an opportunity for us to support the state action for the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act of 2025,” said Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, addressing her City Council peers. “Communities of the City of Baltimore have been fighting for this particular issue for about 9 years now, and then they’ve finally gotten some traction down in Annapolis because Senate President Ferguson is actually sponsoring this bill so I look forward to spirited testimony down in Annapolis and I invite you all to come down.”

The RREA, long championed by advocacy organizations like Progressive Maryland, aims to redefine what qualifies as renewable energy in the state’s energy portfolio by removing trash incineration; and to eliminate harmful subsidies for polluting industries. For the past three years, Progressive Maryland has led efforts to advance this bill. The organization is proud to have collaborated with Councilwoman Porter on this resolution, in hopes that the city’s lead in addressing climate and environmental injustices will force the state to follow suit.

Councilwoman Phylicia Porter with Progressive Maryland Staff Members Christianne Marguerite and Iman Habib.

“Air pollution is a public health crisis in Baltimore and our city cannot afford to wait any longer for meaningful action,” stated SirJames Weaver, Environmental Justice Organizer at Progressive Maryland. “By passing this resolution, Baltimore City has shown real leadership in taking a stand for the RREA. City Council is sending a clear message to the Maryland General Assembly by saying that it’s time to put people over polluters for the health of our residents and the future of renewable energy in our state. Now, we just need our state legislators to act swiftly to pass the RREA this year. Our communities are counting on it.”

The Baltimore City Council resolution backing the RREA is a bold call to action. Now, the spotlight is on Annapolis to deliver for Baltimore residents and all Marylanders.

Council President Zeke Cohen with Progressive Maryland Member, Mary Randall, and Staff Members SirJames Weaver, Christianne Marguerite, and Iman Habib.

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We are up against powerful forces that want to rewrite the rules to benefit billionaires while stripping away protections for working people. The attacks on immigrant and trans communities, efforts to gut Social Security and Medicare, and unchecked corporate influence are deliberate power grabs designed to make the rich richer while leaving the rest of us behind.

That’s why today, our Healthcare Task Force joined Maryland leaders in Baltimore to fight back. At a rally outside Social Security Headquarters, Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, along with Representatives Mfume, Olszewski, and Elfreth, made it clear: we will not allow cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid to devastate our communities. These programs are lifelines, and we’re standing firm to protect them. Click here to watch the replay of the rally.

This fight isn’t just about today—it’s about the weeks and months ahead. In exactly two weeks, we’ll take the fight to Annapolis for our biggest grassroots advocacy event of the year: Lobby Night. Will you be there? Sign up now to join us and make sure Maryland’s leaders hear directly from us about the issues that matter.

Read on for more updates, actions, and ways to plug into the movement. Be sure to check out our state and national news you can use.

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Well it’s not “Groundhog Day Trump” as in the 1.0 version  – the GOP establishment, previously wary and scornful, has realized that the reality-show entertainer Trump was (just barely) more electable (and for them way more threatening) than were policy types on the Dem side. So the GOP members of Congress embraced his blitzkrieg for the first hundred hours-plus of Musk mischief.

It begins to look as if Biden and Schumer’s obsessive appointment of judges (more than Trump appointed) may provide the margin to protect the nation against Trump’s looney outbursts and Musk’s insidious hacking. States Newsroom summarizes: “With [Musk] opponents unable to deploy more than,,,   limited defenses, and many powerful Republican lawmakers either shrugging or agreeing, the federal courts have emerged during the past weeks as the only obstacles to some of Trump’s more provocative moves, States Newsroom's D.C. Bureau reports. 

The Boston Globe reports — “In their aggressive bid to upend the federal government, Elon Musk and his lieutenants have, perhaps unintentionally, driven thousands of federal workers into the arms of one of the biggest enemies of their sweeping project: Organized labor. Unions that represent federal government workers are reporting significant increases in signups since President Trump took office and empowered Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” to drastically slash the federal workforce.” Also echoes from Minnesota via States Newsroom.

Meanwhile, remember those tariffs (it was only last week!)? Summing  up the new ones on steel and Chinese goods plus the paused ones on Canada and Mexico, “Projections from the Tax Foundation suggested the proposed tariffs would shrink US GDP by 0.4% and increase taxes by $800 per household.” (Semafor) – one of the many ways your working-class pocket is picked by the billionaire class. And it’s definitely related to the consequences of the election: as Bernie Sanders points out, “Add it all up and the three wealthiest men in America [Musk, Zuckerberg and Bezos] have become $215 billion richer since Election Day.” [see “NATIONAL AND THE FEDS” below for more of Bernie]

How can you get good info in falsehood-festooned  times like these? It’s harder than ever, as we hear from the WaPo’s proprietor of “how to read this chart,” Philip Bump: “The right-wing bubble absorbs D.C.: During Trump’s first term, misinformation was not nearly as rampant as it is today.”

News You Can Use is trying to help. Stay tuned every Monday. Below, how Maryland, other states and the beleaguered Democratic remnant are finding ways to push back.

February is here, and with it comes the chance to reflect, take action, and honor the movements that shape our communities.

Our Director of Communications, Christianne Marguerite, said the following in a statement released today:

"At Progressive Maryland, we reaffirm our unwavering support for immigrant families across our state. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with CASA and our many ally organizations in the fight to ensure Maryland remains a safe and welcoming home for all who live here, regardless of their background or status. This mission has taken on even greater urgency as we witness continued and deliberate attacks on immigrant residents across the country by the current federal administration.” Read the full statement here.

Tomorrow, we’re showing up in Annapolis to support CASA at the I Stand With Immigrants Rally at 9 AM at Lawyers Mall. Join us and make your voice heard.

Fun news of the week: taxes, but don’t call them taxes…

Lucky Americans. USA! USA! Welcome to TariffWorld (a subsidiary of TrumpWorld), where Americans stand up for… well, Trump’s right to lie to us.

Tariffs on three high-volume trading partners,  Canada, Mexico* and China, which are slated to begin tomorrow, are your new tax increases, Trump’s way of raising revenue for the Treasury quickly without looking like he’s raising your taxes. Instead, the tariffs will raise the cost of many if not all the things you buy. Merchants and corporations will raise prices for their goods to cover the new cost of imports under tariffs. (And even if the cost of those goods is NOT raised by tariffs, many other corporations and merchants will raise THEIR prices under the cover of the general increase in the cost of living. Who will notice?)

*Mexico has cut a deal that delays its tariffs one month, as of Monday a.m. Stay tuned..

For most companies, the cost of selling goods to Canada, Mexico or China will go up too, because they won’t sit still but retaliate. Canada has imposed targeted tariffs on US products from Red states and Mexico promised the same. For future car buyers, the back-and-forth of car parts and finished components for US autos will incur multiple tariffs on the same product.

 In all three countries affected by Trump’s tariffs, if you work for an outfit that sells goods there, look forward to reduced sales volume and, inevitably, layoffs. Trump will do one of his patented who-me? shrugs and pretend that the tax cuts he will propose later this year will cut EVERYBODY’s taxes, not just those of the super-rich in his orbit. Definitely fact-check that one. Meanwhile, he will argue that his tariffs will make American resolve (read: stupidity) feared worldwide and cause cross-border trafficking of  fentanyl to decline (that has been going down for a year or more, he’ll take credit for that too).

But your taxes – figured as costs of living in the US – will already have gone up, a lot. Welcome to TariffWorld, where taxes will be hidden in your bills for groceries and goods. And watch your back.

A Statement from our Director of Communications, Christianne Marguerite

At Progressive Maryland, we reaffirm our unwavering support for immigrant families across our state. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with CASA and our many ally organizations in the fight to ensure Maryland remains a safe and welcoming home for all who live here, regardless of their background or status.

This mission has taken on even greater urgency as we witness continued and deliberate attacks on immigrant residents across the country by the current federal administration. Policies born from racism and hatred generate fear and division. Harmful actions that strip away the dignity and humanity of our immigrant communities by tearing families apart with unjust deportations are endangering the lives of our neighbors and creating deeper generational trauma with health, wellbeing and financial consequences. 

This work is deeply personal for me. As a proud child of a Trinidadian immigrant and wife of a Dominican immigrant, I know firsthand the resilience and contributions that immigrants bring to our communities. My family’s story of coming to this country seeking education and opportunities is one of strength and hope, and it drives my commitment to fight for a Maryland where no one is forced to live in fear or suffer through discrimination from being treated as less than human. I find inspiration in knowing that one day, my children will look back with admiration on the hard work and sacrifices made by their parents and grandparents. I hope they will grow up in a thriving, diverse world where everyone is celebrated for who they are and where they come from.

At Progressive Maryland, we are resolute in fighting against dangerous attacks on our community and, under CASA’s leadership, advocating for policies that protect immigrant rights to uphold justice, compassion, and respect for all. We urge our lawmakers to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, Maryland Data Privacy Act and Maryland Values Act. Together, we recognize the power of unity and collective action in the face of injustice. 

The road ahead may be challenging, but the fight for our rights is one we will never abandon. We are proud to say loudly and clearly that every community member deserves to live with dignity, to dream without barriers, and to thrive in a state they call home. Progressive Maryland stands firmly with our immigrant communities today, tomorrow, and always.

Call 1-888-214-6016 to report any ICE encounters and learn more about the fight for immigrant rights at wearecasa.org.

As we approach the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, January 29, we honor its significance as a time of renewal, reflection, and unity. To all who celebrate, we wish you a joyous and meaningful start to the Year of the Snake.   We’re also entering the last week of January, and it’s no surprise that President Trump has wasted no time attacking the progress we’ve fought so hard for. Just one week into his second term, his executive orders are already causing real harm, including the elimination of federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. While we knew this was coming and were prepared, it doesn’t make the reality of these actions any easier to confront.   Thankfully, Maryland’s leaders are standing firm. Last week, a joint resolution in the state senate reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining DEI efforts in our state. Maryland has a proud tradition of fighting for inclusivity and justice, and we’re grateful for leaders who reject the harmful rhetoric and policies coming from Washington.   At the same time, we’re deeply concerned about President Trump’s new policy allowing ICE agents to enter schools and churches to conduct searches and make arrests—reversing protections established in 2011. We stand in unwavering support of immigrant families and recognize the serious anxiety and challenges this policy brings.   There are things we can do to take action. Progressive Maryland will be supporting our ally organization CASA at their "I Stand With Immigrants Rally" in Annapolis on Tuesday, February 4, at 9 a.m. We encourage everyone who can attend to come out and show their solidarity. You’ll find more details on this rally, along with other resources and updates on this critical issue, later in the memo.   Read on for important updates and state and national news in our Blog Corner. Together, we’ll continue to fight for justice and protect the progress we’ve made.   In solidarity, The Progressive Maryland Team Here’s what’s in today’s memo: Legislative Updates PM Events Issue Campaign Updates Events from Allies State & National News PM Job Openings 2025 Legislative Session:    Click here to view the suggested dates of interest provided by the General Assembly.  The House and Senate will reconvene Tonight at 8pm and will post live updates on their website.    TRACKER: Click here to keep track of all active Maryland bills, their action status, top sponsors, and top committees. You can also view the bills from the previous legislative session. For more detailed updates on this year’s Legislative Session and to search specific bills click here.

PM EVENTS: Make Your Voice Heard at Lobby Night   On Monday, February 24th, join us in Annapolis for our 2025 Lobby Night! This is your chance to meet with lawmakers, share your stories, and advocate for the bold, progressive policies Maryland families deserve. With national challenges mounting, it’s critical to show the strength of our movement right here in Maryland. Let’s stand together and push for real change—RSVP today!   Ready to Lead? Join the MPLI Info Session Are you thinking about running for office or managing a campaign? Join our Maryland People’s Leadership Institute (MPLI) Info Session on Tuesday, February 6 at 6 PM to learn more about this transformative program. MPLI trains leaders ready to fight for economic, racial, health, and environmental justice. This session is your chance to ask questions and discover how MPLI can help you make a difference. Sign up now and take the first step toward bold leadership! Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates:  Healthcare Task Force: Show up now for healthcare justice!    Join the national fight back against Republicans in Congress and Donald Trump’s unqualified nominees to head critical government health agencies. See this rundown from our friends at Protect Our Care Trump’s Entire Health Care Team Is Dangerous and Puts Lives At Risk about who he has picked. We must oppose them and their plans to slash vital health care programs and services in order to cut taxes for the wealthy corporations and the rich.  We also need  to double down on the state level in Annapolis this session to protect access to health care, prevent hospital medical debt, and to rein in health insurance denials. Please join us, we need you now more than ever! Fill out our volunteer form and sign up for a role or activity  Sign up for our Lobby Night on February 24th. We will brief you on the bills we’re working to pass and fill you in on our strategies and actions.  To find out more, including events happening in DC this Wednesday and Thursday to oppose RFK Jr.’s nomination to HHS, contact Patty at [email protected] EVENTS FROM ALLIES: Support Immigrants During This Critical Time Our ally CASA is leading efforts to protect Maryland’s immigrant community through advocacy and education. Their top legislative priorities this session include: Protecting Sensitive Locations Act: Prevent ICE entry at schools, hospitals, and courthouses. Maryland Data Privacy Act: Stop ICE’s warrantless access to local databases. Ending 287(g) Agreements: End police-ICE collaboration agreements. Stopping Corrections Transfers/Notifications: Halt ICE-related transfers by correctional officers. Additionally, CASA provides Know Your Rights resources in multiple languages, empowering individuals to navigate encounters with ICE safely. If you see ICE activity, call CASA's hotline at 1-888-214-6016 to report it responsibly and avoid spreading unverified rumors that may incite fear.   Take Action: Join CASA in Annapolis for the "I Stand With Immigrant Rally" on Tuesday, February 4th, at 9 AM at Lawyers Mall. Stand with immigrant communities and show your support for justice and equality.

For more resources and ways to help, visit CASA’s website or reach out to local businesses, schools, and service providers to share Know Your Rights flyers. Together, we can protect our immigrant neighbors and stand for justice. Trump flails around as admin gets blustery but shaky start; Maryland adapts while struggling with own budget constraints   The General Assembly is wrapping up its first (partial) month of a 90-day session trying to manage a state budget crisis while weathering a worse-than-even-expected flurry of incoherent opening salvos from the new passel of gangsters downtown. Maryland's federal workers are eyeing the costs, financial and otherwise, of long commutes if the back-to-the-office trend doesn't seem to have immediate work-arounds. The state's school systems are trying to prepare for promised schoolday raids by ICE. Maryland was already behind on beefing up its capacity for renewable power, compared to legislated goals, and the newly confident corporate power systems that supply us and a dozen other states seem to be getting their way on how much we have to pay. It's enough to spur mass pushback, and maybe it will. Progressive Maryland and allied groups will be there to help organize it (that's more than half the battle). Meanwhile it's not great news by any measure, but it's News You Can Use for this week. PM Careers Chapter/Membership Organizer District 8 Community Organizer Racial and Economic Justice Organizer 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. NEW TODAY – Trump flails around as admin gets blustery but shaky start; Maryland adapts while struggling with own budget constraints TrumpWorld is here; prepping for struggle accelerates among Maryland and Blue states Maryland Renters and Advocates Hold Press Conference to Demand Good Cause Eviction Protections Assembly gets under way hoping for fewer bills, lighter load. Good luck. >>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org     Donate To Progressive Maryland Don't forget to follow us on social media!   Progressive Maryland P.O. Box 6988 Largo, MD 20792

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The General Assembly is wrapping up its first (partial) month of a 90-day session trying to manage a state budget crisis while weathering a worse-than-even-expected flurry of incoherent opening salvos from the new passel of gangsters downtown. Maryland's federal workers are eyeing the costs, financial and otherwise, of long commutes if the back-to-the-office trend doesn't seem to have immediate work-arounds. The state's school systems are trying to prepare for promised schoolday raids by ICE. Maryland was already behind on beefing up its capacity for renewable power, compared to legislated goals, and the newly confident corporate power systems that supply us and a dozen other states seem to be getting their way on how much we have to pay. It's enough to spur mass pushback, and maybe it will. Progressive Maryland and allied groups will be there to help organize it (that's more than half the battle). Meanwhile it's not great news by any measure, but it's News You Can Use for this week.