Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, February 3, 2025

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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.

 

This first week of February also marks the start of Black History Month. The immigrant experience is deeply woven into Black history, from the forced migration of enslaved Africans to the ongoing journeys of Black immigrants today. This month, we celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black people who built this country—especially in a time when our progress is under attack.

Read on for ways to stay engaged and news you can use.
In solidarity,The Progressive Maryland Team

 

 

 

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Ready for tariffs and a trade war? They will come closer to the kitchen table than you think. It's News You Can Use

News_You_Can_Use_graphic_(2).pngFun 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.

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Progressive Maryland Stands With Immigrants

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.

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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, January 27, 2025

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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!

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.

 
 

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.

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

 

 

 
 

Don't forget to follow us on social media!

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

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Trump flails around as admin gets blustery but shaky start; Maryland adapts while struggling with own budget constraints

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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.

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Maryland Renters and Advocates Hold Press Conference to Demand Good Cause Eviction Protections

Buoyed by New Research and Support from Housing Secretary Jake Day, Advocates Call for Legislation Allowing Local Jurisdictions to Pass Laws Protecting Renters from Unjust Evictions

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland –   Today, Progressive Maryland, the Renters United Maryland (RUM) coalition, and key allies gathered at Lawyers Mall in Annapolis to call on state lawmakers to pass enabling legislation for Good Cause Eviction laws and other priority legislation. The Good Cause Eviction bill would allow local jurisdictions to require landlords to provide valid reasons for evictions, preventing unjust removals and strengthening housing stability for Maryland renters. The livestream of the event may be found on Progressive Maryland’s Facebook page.

As Maryland faces a budget deficit, advocates highlighted that passing this legislation offers a cost-free way to prevent homelessness, reduce reliance on state-funded support programs, and hold corporate landlords accountable. Maryland is currently one of only five states that explicitly prohibits counties from passing Good Cause Eviction laws.

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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Tuesday, January 21, 2025

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We hope you had a meaningful Martin Luther King Jr. Day yesterday, reflecting on the enduring legacy of a man whose vision for justice and equality continues to inspire us all. Dr. King taught us that grassroots movements have the power to transform society, and in these challenging times, his message feels more urgent than ever.

 

This year, MLK Day shared the calendar with the inauguration of Donald Trump for his second term. As we brace for the attacks on progress and justice that his administration has already signaled, we are reminded of Dr. King's call to resist injustice and fight for what is right, no matter the odds. Together, we’ll continue to build the power we need to protect our communities and advance bold, progressive policies.

 

Tomorrow marks another moment in history: 52 years since Roe v. Wade. Although the Supreme Court altered that landmark decision, we’re proud that Maryland voters stood strong last year, passing Question 1 to enshrine reproductive rights in our state constitution. This victory protects access to abortion and birth control for all Marylanders, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to defending reproductive freedom—for now and forever.

 

As we reflect on this, we also mourn the passing of Cecile Richards, former director of Planned Parenthood, whose leadership in the reproductive rights movement will continue to inspire our fight.

 

On the legislative front, things are picking up. Earlier today, our team and housing justice allies held a press conference in Annapolis to advocate for Good Cause eviction legislation ahead of its first hearing in the General Assembly. You can find more details about this critical event and the proposed legislation in the Legislative Updates section of this memo.

 

Across the state, our issue campaigns and task forces are working hard to drive progress on housing justice, environmental sustainability, healthcare reform, and more. Read on to find details on their plans and how to get involved later in the memo. Don't forget to check out our blog corner for important state and national news!

 

This is a week that reminds us of the weight of history, the challenges we face, and the power we have to create change. Let’s move forward, together.

In solidarity, the Progressive Maryland Team

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TrumpWorld is here; prepping for struggle accelerates among Maryland and Blue states

News_You_Can_Use_graphic_(2).pngIf you had the stomach to watch the whole spectacle, our first Warlord-in-chief declared a goal of flipping everything Joe Biden did, including climate protection and industrial recovery.  He inherits, with no speck of gratitude, a roaring economy and diminished inflation, for which (you watch) he will take full credit. As we show in our NATIONAL AND THE FEDS section and elsewhere, legal challenges to his dubious executive orders have been locked and loaded -- including by state attorneys general, working together -- and will push back against his every attempt to get back at his enemies. We need to match the legal effort, week by week, in the streets and the legislatures, because the real sign of defeat is to surrender in advance. So we persevere. As the philosopher/activist Olufemi Taiwo argues: "Our ancestors did more, with less, against worse. Lock in."

"Our ancestors did more, with less, against worse. Lock in"
- Olufemi Taiwo
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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, January 13, 2025

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Happy Monday—and happy Victory Monday to all Ravens and Commanders fans!

 

As we celebrate those wins on the field, much of the political chatter this week is focused on the challenges and transitions shaping Maryland and D.C. In Maryland, Governor Moore’s administration is grappling with the effects of the state’s budget shortfall and local municipalities are preparing for special elections. Meanwhile, in D.C., discussions center around President Biden’s final days in office and the transition to a Trump administration, set to begin in exactly one week.

 

As progressives, our priorities have always been rooted in supporting working families and advancing social equity. While the incoming Trump administration will undoubtedly attempt to undermine our progress and future agendas, our work does not stop. We are more committed than ever to securing bold, progressive policies at the state level.

 

Last Wednesday marked the start of Maryland’s 2025 legislative session, and both the Senate and House reconvene today. We’re already hard at work advocating for our priority bills, and we’d love for you to join us at our Rally for the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act on Thursday, January 23rd in Annapolis. Click here to RSVP and join us!

 

You’ll also find details from the first meetings related to our legislative efforts in our Legislative Updates section.

Read on for more updates from our issue campaigns and task forces, as well as key local and state news and opportunities to get involved.

 

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

 

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Assembly gets under way hoping for fewer bills, lighter load. Good luck.

NUCU_logo_new.pngThe Maryland General Assembly kicked off its 2025 session this past Wednesday and the bill hopper is filling up despite hopes that the workload can be reduced (endless committee hearings) and the end of the regular session can see the passage of bills that will keep the state afloat despite a formidable current revenue deficit. Read on below about how this is being handled by the Governor and the top officers in House and Senate.

There's much more about Maryland, the other 49 states' good or bad examples, and the imminent change of administrations (brrr). Read all about it in News You Can Use.

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