As we approach the vibrant celebration of Dia de los Muertos, we take a moment to recognize and honor this important cultural celebration and extend our warmest thoughts to all those who partake in this beautiful tradition. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday, with Indigenous Mexica and Nahua origins, where families welcome back the souls of their deceased relatives. It is a beautiful celebration with a rich culture, often featuring calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls) in symbolism.

With the upcoming municipal elections fast approaching, check out our Election Corner section where you can find the latest updates on our endorsed candidates and vital information to help you make informed choices in these important local races. Election Day is just around the corner, on Tuesday, November 7th. 

This fall, our issue campaigns and task forces have been incredibly busy, tirelessly working to create positive change in our community. Read on for detailed updates on the progress we've made and the upcoming events on our calendar. Check out our news you can use section to see what big things are happening in our state!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

A billion four would leave a hole in Maryland's budget the size of the Hogan admin's incompetence. How did that minus number emerge? Better news -- a Year of Service program that seems realistically based and at the proper scale for a start-up program. Plus: a federal shutdown is still possible and the state is getting ready for it. And: tackling the problem of mass incarceration from both directions; Baltimore tech hub; a grant for fighting Alzheimer's; catching tropical fish in the Bay; lots of national and state news from outside our boundaries too. It's News You Can Use for this week, from Progressive Maryland's eyeballs to you.

With the upcoming mayoral election, the residents of Laurel have the opportunity to choose a leader who will usher in a new era of progress and change. Martin Mitchell, a parent and dedicated resident, has emerged as a compelling candidate for the position of Mayor. With a rich background in public service and a strong commitment to progressive values, Martin Mitchell promises to be the leader that Laurel needs to usher in positive change and a brighter future.

We're thrilled to share a major success in our ongoing fight for housing justice. Last Thursday, we organized an impactful press conference with the residents of The Enclave apartment complex in Silver Spring, Maryland. In collaboration with tenant residents and dedicated elected officials, we addressed the longstanding issues at The Enclave, emphasizing the urgent need for change and swift resolution of tenant concerns. The event was a remarkable achievement, leading to the establishment of a tenant union with The Enclave residents, giving them a powerful tool to fight back and reclaim their rights.

For those who missed the event, you can catch the action livestream videos on our Facebook page. Our efforts have also garnered attention from the media and you can check out the video below to see news coverage of the event.

As we continue our work for housing justice, we want to keep you informed about the exciting initiatives and campaigns we have on the horizon. In this week's memo, you'll find updates on the upcoming municipal election, ways to get involved, and news you can use!

lIn Maryland, state officials are struggling to unwind the new landscape of Medicaid post-COVID but fed money is coming into the state to care for Long COVID; Baltimore's big Trash-to-Energy incinerator at Curtis Bay pays big fines for violations while one county expands its food scrap composting activity by an order of magnitude. Lots going on in other states, too. About Congress? Don't ask...

The Enclave's History of Neglecting Tenant Welfare Sparks Urgent Call for Change

Silver Spring, MD–In an impactful press conference held yesterday evening, a unified front comprised of Progressive Maryland, dedicated tenant residents, Everyday Canvassing and distinguished elected officials confronted the ongoing challenges
plaguing The Enclave apartment complex. This event emphasized the pressing need for change and swift resolution of tenant concerns. Notable speakers at the conference included Montgomery County Executive Mark Elrich, Montgomery County Council
Member Kristin Mink, and State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian. Tenants, residents, and community leaders united to demand immediate action.

We hope this week finds you in high spirits and ready for action. Last Wednesday, our Healthcare Taskforce organized a powerful direct action outside the CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield offices in Owings Mills. While we've already shared a comprehensive recap with you, we're excited to share a new highlight video that captures the spirit of our movement. 

But the excitement doesn't stop there – many of our task forces have incredible events in the pipeline, and you'll find the details in the upcoming sections. 

As we draw closer to the election, with just three weeks to go, our endorsed candidates are tirelessly working to turn out the vote. Be sure to visit our Election Corner section where you can learn more about these candidates and why they're perfect for the roles they're running for.

Let's keep pushing for progress together. Stay engaged, stay informed, and stay united.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

In the Bowie City Council District 3 seat race, one candidate stands out as a beacon of change and progress. Iyamide House, endorsed by Progressive Maryland, has been making waves with her visionary platform, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to the community. With the recent endorsement from Aisha Braveboy, the State's Attorney for Prince George's County, Maryland, House's campaign gains even more momentum. In this blog post, we proudly highlight the remarkable qualities that make our candidate Iyamide House the ideal choice for the District 3 seat, especially as the only woman in the race.

States are busy on projects in carbon reduction (and research, go Terps!), schools improvement, collective bargaining opportunities, fighting book banning and returning citizen improvements. Maryland, we see, is at the heart of all these activities. Good thing. Just a short Metro ride away, the GOP's razor-thin majority in the US House is unable to check the box (elect a new Speaker -- will anyone do?) that would allow the US government to function. It might not all be pretty, but it's all News You Can Use.

Izola Shaw, candidate for Rockville City Council, is a trailblazer for renters' rights and community progress. Endorsed by organizations such as Progressive Maryland, CASA, and Greater Greater Washington, Shaw has garnered widespread support from working-class communities as well as various local community leaders across Rockville who are very well-known and highly respected.