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.

As we approach the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this Friday, July 26th, we are reminded of the significant strides we’ve made towards inclusion and accessibility. Yet, there is still much more to be done to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and resources. Our commitment to this cause remains unwavering, and we must continue to push for a more inclusive society.

In the midst of this reflection, we also find ourselves navigating a pivotal moment in our nation's history. The news of President Biden dropping out of the election has undoubtedly left many of us feeling uncertain about the future. However, we have a choice to make: we can either dwell on our disappointments or we can rise to the occasion and organize. Vice President Kamala Harris' nomination by Biden has garnered significant media attention and excitement, and she is quickly gaining support from Maryland leaders.

We choose to organize. On August 15th, from 5:30 to 6:30pm, we are hosting a virtual campaign launch event on Zoom to bring together like-minded individuals who are determined to take action. Click here to RSVP. This event is crucial in our fight to ensure that Donald Trump, if elected, does not have a Republican-controlled Senate at his disposal. That’s why we are throwing down support for Alsobrooks to defeat Hogan in this important race. We urge you to join us in this fight.

This week's memo is packed with opportunities for you to get involved, from upcoming events to important updates on our issue campaigns. Now, more than ever, we need all hands on deck.

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

It’s hard to imagine any political story, all the way from the fed level to the local government level,  that hasn’t been discombobulated by the announcements and events of Sunday. It's The Big Story, no mistake. As you’ll see, repercussions of that day are ricocheting in all states, cities and towns. Still, local legislative bodies and governments keep on plowing through their do-lists (or ignoring them), meaning lots of little stories,  and life goes on. Let’s have a look.

We’re halfway through July, and the heat is literally and figuratively rising! With the National Weather Service issuing an excessive heat warning across Maryland, we hope everyone stays cool and safe.

From the shooting at theTrump rally to all the buzz surrounding our state's budget deficit, so much has happened in the past week. Last Wednesday, Governor Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office for Children announced the official launch of the ENOUGH Initiative. The Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households (ENOUGH) Initiative is a groundbreaking, community-based strategy to address concentrated child poverty in Maryland. With a $20 million investment, ENOUGH offers both funding and technical support for communities most in need to develop solutions to deeply rooted challenges. We are happy to see our state doing more to address child poverty.

There are plenty of opportunities to get involved here at Progressive Maryland without stepping out into the heat. This Thursday marks our first Throwdown Thursday, where we’ll be phone banking to make an impact in the Senate race! We need to prevent the Republicans from shifting the balance of power, and with less than four months until the election, that work needs to begin now.

Sign up here for a 90-minute shift and join us in this crucial effort. We'll be hosting Throwdown Thursdays every week until the election, so feel free to sign up for one shift or multiple!

In times like these, community is everything. Let’s continue to support each other and work together to make a difference. Stay safe, stay cool, and let’s keep pushing forward!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team