Happy Monday! We’re in the final stretch of the election season and we know your inbox and phone have been buzzing with messages, ads, and reminders, but that’s because the stakes are high. With less than two months to go, this is the most crucial time to make sure you're ready to cast your vote.

Early voting starts on October 24, 2024, and now’s the time to lock in your voting plan. Head to our website where you can register to vote, find your polling place, and even preview your exact ballot so you know what’s coming.'

There’s a lot going on here at Progressive Maryland as we ramp up our efforts. Keep reading for updates on key state and national news, plus plenty of ways to get involved in these final weeks!

Let’s get ready to win this!

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

The side issues in Maryland's hotly contested Senate election are not only taxes and regulatory issues but they are Maryland tax and regulatory issues as well. The Senate race is spiced by attacks on Gov. Wes Moore's handling of such issues by his predecessor, generally an attack on Democratic governance meant to sideswipe Larry Hogan's opponent in the Senate race, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Moore is retaliating quite directly. Read about these and other state issues as well as the political back-n-forth in the Other 49 (states) and the Federal landscape as Congress returns and a government shutdown looks more likely. It's News You Can Use for this week, as usual a mixed bag.

On August 15th, Progressive Maryland (PM) hosted our powerful Defending Democracy: Maryland Communities in Action virtual event, marking the official launch of our electoral campaign. The energy was electric, and the turnout was incredible, as we united with advocates from across the state to ensure Maryland remains in the hands of those who will fight for working families and justice for all. 

We hope you enjoyed the Labor Day weekend and had some quality time with family. As we welcome September, we’re officially in the final stretch—exactly 9 weeks from Election Day. This election is one of the most important and intense we’ve faced, and it’s crucial that we come together as a community to ensure our values are protected at every level—presidential, congressional, state, and local. Every level is equally important, and defending our democracy requires action across the board.

To help you stay informed and engaged, our website features an easy-to-navigate 2024 Election Tools page. Be sure to check it out for essential election information and tools to make your vote count.

The Senate race in our state is particularly critical and heating up fast. According to WBAL, a new poll shows the Maryland U.S. Senate race is tied. With so much at stake, we must reach even more voters and out-organize the Republicans. We’ve been working hard to reach voters and our efforts are far from over.

Every Thursday evening, we host phonebanking sessions where we talk to voters about Angela Alsobrooks and help them solidify their voting plans. And this month alone, we have four Days of Action dedicated to canvassing for Angela Alsobrooks in various locations across the state. Sign up here to get involved.

As we gear up for these final weeks, your involvement is more important than ever. Let’s come together to make sure our voices are heard and our values are defended.

Read on for important updates from our task forces and issue campaigns, events from allies and the latest state and national news.

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Yes, a big Nebraska company got an initial contract to rebuild the Key Bridge while the state seems to be trimming a lot of local road rehab out of the stressed budget. Meanwhile, health hazards -- coal dust, listeria and yes backyard chickens -- creep into our state. In the other 49 states, news of plastic bags and environmental foot-dragging, solar on public land, a Green New Bank and lots of news on the national front from various sources. It's after Labor Day, all the political newsletters are using terms like "the home stretch" and of course its fizzing state and nationwide. It's News You Can Use and these days there's never too much and it's always more than you can stand.

Happy Monday and Happy First Day of School! As our children head back to class today, we're entering year three of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. This is a pivotal moment for improving our education system, ensuring every student has access to quality education and the resources they need to thrive. We're making strides, but there's still work to be done.

We’re also exactly one month away from our Annual Gala! This year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever. With Nina Turner as our keynote speaker and Drew Murray the magician hosting the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to connect with fellow progressives, community leaders, and passionate advocates. Early bird tickets end this week, so make sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

As we gear up for the fall sprint to Election Day, we’re coming off the momentum of the DNC ceremonies and focusing on Maryland’s crucial Senate race. While Hogan and his team mock and insult Alsobrooks in the media, we’re doubling down on our efforts to out-organize the Republicans and reach voters where it counts. That’s why we need you to join us for Throwdown Thursdays, our weekly phonebanking session dedicated to GOTV for Alsobrooks. Sign up here and help us make every call count. We’ll be at it every week until the election and the big day will be here before we know it.

Read on for updates from our issue campaigns and task forces, opportunities to get involved, and the latest state and national news.

Lots going on under the umbrella of Labor Day's official launch of the presidential campaigns -- The Bay's pollution by two large local businesses is compounded by local governments' insufficient moves to remedy stormwater runoff. Result: a one-two punch to the Bay's future. Students' cellphones are an up-front issue in schools throughout the state, while the effects of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, the long-range (and expensive) plan for school improvement, is creeping into everyday life in mostly good ways (unless you are a county budget officer). Around the country, those states that still tax groceries are deciding to dump or suspend them to ease supermarket costs. And more: new Covid boosters OK'd, states struggle to overcome local resistance to renewables, and a software company is sued by DOJ for enabling rental price-fixing. It's News You Can Use.

Today marks the beginning of the Democratic National Convention and we’re excited to see the energy and commitment to democracy take center stage. This DNC comes at a crucial moment when we need a powerful, joyful, and united front against Trump’s attacks on our families, freedoms, and future. It’s a time to celebrate democracy and listen to the voices of everyday people.

With our presidential candidate Kamala Harris leading the charge and Governor Wes Moore set to speak, this is a critical opportunity for us all to rally behind our values and build momentum to defend our democracy. Harris and Walz should continue listening to grassroots people and organizers, and call for a new course on Gaza. But right now, we must also be clear: President Biden still has several months left in office, and it is his responsibility to use his influence to secure a real ceasefire and prevent U.S. weapons from being used against civilians in Gaza. We also commend those who are exercising their right to protest peacefully despite an atmosphere of pressure, intimidation, and provocation around this issue. We want a country where everyone belongs and everyone has a say, regardless of race, religion, or country of origin. As the DNC unfolds over the next four days, we hope you’ll tune in and stay engaged.

On Friday, we announced the date for our Annual Gala on September 26th, and tickets are now live! The early bird sale is happening now, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can find more details later in the memo.

We still have a lot going on here at Progressive Maryland. Our issue campaigns and task forces have plenty of ways for you to get involved, so read on for important updates and news you can use.

Let’s keep up the energy and stay focused on the work ahead! See what we are doing and where you can pitch in -- below.

The Maryland Association of Counties (MaCo) conference in O.C. is an event that brings state and local officials together (at the beach!) to hash out difficult details -- usually about budgeting. This year the ambitious K-12 education goals in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future were chafing all concerned, and as usual any discussion of tax changes sent all those officials scurrying for cover. Taxing the well-off and corporations (who are after all the source of campaign funds) is never popular, even in an alleged blue state.

Maryland is, however, excited about the Democratic Convention this week, even though it's in Chicago -- because a major stage was set here. Many will recall that just last week President Joe Biden and candidate-designate (and Vice President) Kamala Harris were at Prince George's Community College to ballyhoo the results of Medicaid's power to negotiate drug prices. That's a power that every large corporation has -- quantitative scale procurement pricing -- but the country's largest health care provider was shut out until now because of Congressional resistance and (not incidentally) as a result of lobbying and handouts to Congress from Big Pharma. See more below in the roundup by People's Action. The first ten medications, announced last week, will be followed by many more in sequence, assuming the next administration follows the law of the land. You can guess which one would. Note also that many states, like ours, are doubling down on health care concerns at the state level to buttress what's going on at the federal level. That kind of solidarity can only be good. It's News You Can Use.

The Olympics wrapped up yesterday, and the USA topped the medal count once again! Maryland played a huge role, with 18 athletes competing in the Paris Games, and half of them bringing home medals. Maryland will have even more athletes competing at the Paralympic Games later this month. Now, it’s time to channel that winning energy into our own high-stakes race with the upcoming general election. With the Vice President officially selecting Tim Walz, the most progressive of her potential running mates, things are heating up on the national stage. But our work doesn't stop there. 

Here in Maryland, we have a lot on the line with the critical Senate race and local races that will shape the future of our communities. That’s why this Thursday, August 15th, we’re hosting a huge virtual election campaign launch to bring together progressives from across the state. We’ll discuss our strategies, activities, and tactics for the upcoming election, and explore how everyone can get involved. Delegate Tiffany Alston will be joining us as a featured speaker, and you won’t want to miss it! RSVP Here for Thursday Evening.

Our task forces and issue campaigns have also been hard at work this month, hosting key community events and pushing forward on vital initiatives. Read on for important updates and learn how you can join the action.

Let’s bring home the gold for Maryland this election season!