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!

Despite a two-week hiatus for Progressive News You Can Use, things just kept on chugging along in Maryland, in the other states, and at the federal level (though it looks as though Congress has given up on even the appearance of being effective). So there is lots to catch up on, including the Ocean City meeting of local and state government folks at the Maryland Association of Counties (MaCo). They hope to solve some persistent budget problems. Our workers worry about budget problems, of course, but also surviving the hot weather as heat protections for workers are crawling to a conclusion after long wrangling. So there is plenty here to churn through, and every shred of this is important, take out word for it. It's Progressive News You Can Use from (who else?) Progressive Maryland.

Progressive Maryland Celebrates Medicare's 59th Birthday with Community Event

 Community Gathers for Medicare's Anniversary, Highlights Need for Reform Against Insurance Company Greed

Takoma Park, MD – On Sunday, July 28 Progressive Maryland, along with Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), Be A Hero, and People's Action, hosted an energetic and engaging Medicare Anniversary Celebration outside the Takoma Park Farmers Market. The event commemorated Medicare's 59th birthday and gathered community support for the national #ReclaimMedicare and #CareOverCost campaigns.

In light of the tragic fatal shooting of Sonya Massey, a Black woman, in her own home in Illinois, Progressive Maryland stands in solidarity with the call to protect Black women and address the systemic issues of violence and racism within law enforcement.