May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time for us to focus on the importance of mental well-being. This month is dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, advocating for mental health policies, and supporting those who struggle in silence. Let's take this opportunity to educate ourselves and our community, fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed and prioritized.

Read on for exciting updates on our task force initiatives and issue campaigns.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Costs of living -- can't keep track of them. Just when you are feeling good about a just-signed state law protecting against excessive electricity costs, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission decision raises the ante (and the costs) for our region. We've all been waiting for prices to go down along with inflation, but somehow the big merchants didn't catch on. Why should they when they can reap extra profits and hope nobody notices? Well, surprise, big merchants are losing market share as consumers catch on. Now the prices are coming down. Good work, savvy consumers. Plus: we don't want to compare Maryland's teachers and the coveted rockfish, or striped bass -- but both are in short supply and measures are being taken, or at least proposed, to remedy that. And signs of recovery from the Key Bridge disaster are showing up, one by one. There's more, too, from states and cities around the US, and national trends (why are we setting records for how long we keep our cars?) It's all News You Can Use.

We are proud to announce that 6 out of our 7 endorsed candidates have successfully made it through the primary and will be on the ballot in November. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our community and supporters.

In Baltimore, we are proud to support:

• Brandon Scott, who won the primary for Mayor of Baltimore.
• Mark Parker, who will advance in the City Council race for District 12.
• Paris Gray, moving forward in the City Council race for District 7.
• Jermaine Jones, advancing in the City Council race for District 8.

In Prince George's County, we celebrate:

• Tiffany Andorful, who won the primary for School Board candidate in District 1.
• Phelton Moss, advancing for School Board District 7.
• Zakyia Goins-McCants, moving forward for School Board District 8.

We also want to extend a big thank you to everyone who joined us last week for our post-primary discussion. Your insights and enthusiasm were invaluable, and we look forward to working together as we prepare for the election in November.

In this week’s memo, we have exciting updates on our task force initiatives and issue campaigns. Read on to learn about the strides we’re making together and how you can get involved in our efforts.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here in Maryland, the container ship Dali has been refloated and moved from its blocking position in the ship channel in Baltimore, raising hopes that near-normal shipping traffic can be envisioned as debris from the Key Bridge is removed or pushed aside. Video is offered, below. Meanwhile, the gaudy low unemployment numbers here bring a Maryland labor shortage that is now strapping public jobs including law enforcement. The state is showing up badly on inspection of nursing homes and getting a slow start on replanting trees in our treeless urban spaces. Plus news from other states facing and dealing with problems similar to ours, and People's Action's weekly report on the nonperformance of the US legislative branch.

Tomorrow is the Primary Election! For those who've already voted, thank you for taking an active role in shaping our community's trajectory. But for those who haven't yet, now's the time to plan your trip to the polls. Let's make sure every voice is counted.

Our endorsed candidates still need your support. If you have some time to spare, we're looking for volunteers to assist at the polls tomorrow. Whether you can commit for a few hours or the whole day, every bit of help makes a difference. Sign up below!

District 1- Tiffini Andorful                    District 5- Iyamide House

Website/ Volunteer Link                     Website/ Volunteer LInk  

             District 7 Phelton Moss                       District 8- Zakyia Goins-Mccants

Website/ Volunteer LInk                      Website/ Volunteer LInk

And for those seeking answers to common voting questions or needing assistance, don't forget to check out our election section.  

Read on for updates from our task forces and issue campaigns, as well as State and National News.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

This pudding has no theme this week. More states are suing fossil fuel companies for climate change effects; Maryland is getting high marks on LGBTQ+ and data privacy protection; reaching for climate goals here and elsewhere keeps getting more complicated; and the tense standoff between Israel and its number one arms supplier (that would be US) gets tenser. More going on than you might imagine, so dig in.

Early Voting is under way throughout Maryland this week, ending Thursday, May 9 in  advance of the Tuesday, May 14 Primary Election Day -- so you have lots of chances to cast your ballot in what is turning out to be a high-tension primary. Other news includes serious problems in the state's child care system, which is hampered by its private status, as well as a deep-dive roundup of the number of agencies charged with taking a hard look at how the Key Bridge fell and what to do about it. Plus news from other states that have similar problems to Maryland's and what they are doing about them, for better or worse, and perspectives on what's happening in the branches of the federal government (get your popcorn ready). It's all News You Can Use.

Happy Monday! This Wednesday marks May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, a time to honor the contributions of labor movements worldwide. You can check out May Day events from our allies later in the memo.

At Progressive Maryland, we're channeling the spirit of May Day as we gear up for an action-packed month ahead. With numerous issue campaigns and fresh initiatives underway, we're excited to continue organizing and building power for all Marylanders. And as we prep for the upcoming primary elections, your support is crucial. Join us for our weekly Throwdown Thursday phone banking sessions from 5:30-6:30 pm to help local progressives across the primary finish line. Click here to sign up.

Read on for updates and ways to get involved!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team