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Dear Supporter and Friend, As you know, Progressive Maryland is committed to building social, economic, and racial justice throughout the state of Maryland. We’ve been in a major fight to protect citizens against policies that disproportionately affect communities of color and the poor. In Baltimore City, which accounts for only 10% of Maryland’s total population; yet, according to Prison Policy Initiative [webpage]nearly 68% percent of those incarcerated in Maryland’s jail and prison are from Baltimore. A blatant example of racialized policies that overwhelming impact minority groups. In part, this was a lack of a collaborative effort to keep the police accountable, but during the 2016 legislative session Progressive Maryland following the tragic death of Freddie Gray was instrumental in collaboration with other civic and community organizations to form the Maryland Coalition for Justice and Police Accountability (MCJPA), which passed a bill creating greater transparency into the way policing is conducted. We must continue the fight! Mass Incarceration, as a part of the prison industrial complex a concept used in militarization systems of governance; the privatization of state and federal prisons and, cash bail regulations: all structures that aren’t effective nor efficient in reducing crime and attacking the real cause and costs of divestment policies aimed at the poor and communities of color. We want legislators to address the systemic issues surrounding race and poverty through changing the laws. We do this by reforming the criminal justice system through decarceration and bail reform. We are committed to working towards this in the 2018 legislation session. But, we can’t do it alone. We know, that you too are deeply committed toward reforming the criminal justice system and changing the dominant narrative that has pigeon-held many Baltimoreans and Marylanders akin, from an equitable opportunity to socially and economically advance. We’d like to thank you for your support in our mission- to build power through promoting social, economic and racial justice. Your support will help us continue to train and develop organizers, activist, and volunteers on gaining and building power to affect local legislation. If you feel that your financial support will be put to go use, We’d ask you to share with your friends and colleagues about the work we’re doing at Progressive Maryland. Please send all checks with Criminal Justice Reform in “memo’ to Progressive Maryland State Headquarters Office. To give electronically please follow the preceding link: Decarceration Campaign_Baltimore-Bring_It In Solidarity, Anthony S. White Lead Organizer [Baltimore City] Progressive Maryland twitter: Progressive_MD