Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, November 10, 2025

Last night eight members of the Senate Democratic caucus — Angus King (I–ME), Catherine Cortez Masto (D–NV), Jacky Rosen (D–NV), Jeanne Shaheen (D–NH), Maggie Hassan (D–NH), Tim Kaine (D–VA), John Fetterman (D–PA), and Dick Durbin (D–IL) — caved to Trump and Republicans, voting to advance a so-called compromise plan to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Sen. Angus King, in explaining his vote, said, “standing up to Donald Trump didn’t work.” We say, if you’re not willing to keep fighting every day for Mainers and everyone in our country who Trump is harming, then let someone else who will take your place.

After weeks of struggle and sacrifice, working families were counting on Democrats to stand firm and fight for a deal that protects everyone, not one that will send healthcare premiums soaring and threaten essential programs people rely on to survive. We’re glad that Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks stood strong by voting no and spoke out clearly about the need to protect health care and hold this administration accountable. Read our full statement.

Meanwhile, millions of Americans remain in limbo as the fight over SNAP benefits drags on. Today, Trump is once again asking the Supreme Court to intervene, trying to pause lower court rulings that maintain full SNAP payments during the shutdown. It’s another cruel move in Trump’s pattern of acting like a dictator and using his power to punish struggling families.

Here in Maryland, our fight for fair maps and democracy continues. Last Thursday, Progressive Maryland and Color Of Change, joined by more than 25 partner organizations, held a press conference at the State House demanding Senate President Bill Ferguson work with Governor Moore to call a special session on redistricting. This morning, Governor Moore told WYPR he’s committed to getting this done — proof that people power is making an impact. Read our press release for more details.

Read on for updates, upcoming events, and important state and national news.

In community,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

Resources
PMD Events
Campaign Updates
Local Chapter Updates
Events from Allies
State & National News

Resources:

Maryland Health Exchange Resources
Open enrollment for Maryland’s health insurance marketplace is underway (Nov. 1 – Jan. 15). Premiums and coverage rules are shifting this year — make sure you have the latest info and support.

Maryland Health Connection – Visit the official site to enroll or review your coverage options.
Resources for the Uninsured & Those Without Legal Status – Find help navigating healthcare access.
Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) – Learn more about coverage, regulations, and consumer protections.
Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT) – Call 410-468-2442 or email hcat.mia@maryland.gov for one-on-one help.
H-CAT can:
- Answer questions and resolve issues about any type of health coverage
- Explain processes, connect you to the right agency, and assist until your concern is resolved
- Support both individuals and organizations helping consumers

Resources for Marylanders Impacted by the SNAP Benefit Pause

As the federal shutdown continues, SNAP benefits have been paused—leaving many Maryland families unsure how they’ll put food on the table. If you or someone you know has been affected, there are community organizations and state resources ready to help right now.

Find food access and assistance programs here:
Maryland Food Bank Pantry Finder
Maryland Department of Human Services Emergency Food Assistance Program

Hurricane Melissa Relief

Our hearts are with our Jamaican members in Maryland and their families still back home as they recover from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact. In times like this, community care matters most. If you’re able, please consider donating or dropping off supplies at one of the following relief locations supporting recovery efforts:

DMV Drop-Off Locations
• Cube Root Corporation — 1100 H Street NW, Suite 805, Washington, DC 20005
• Baltimore Central Church of God — 4820 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215
• St. Alban’s Anglican Catholic Church — 4006 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA 23227 (Call first: 804-426-5000 or 804-262-6100)

PMD Events:

PMD Annual Gala – This Thursday!

Our 25th Anniversary Gala is just around the corner, and this is the last chance for you to secure your spot and get a ticket. Join fellow members, activists, and leaders from across Maryland for a powerful night of celebration, connection, and joy. Grab your ticket now.

Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates:

Healthcare Task Force: Stop the Healthcare Heist!

We must continue fighting, despite the Senate vote last night, to contain health care costs so that the 22 million Americans who purchase their own health coverage can maintain their coverage. We will keep pushing to win an extension of the enhanced premium tax credits that so many Marylanders and Americans need in order to afford their premiums.

Your story matters! If your insurance premium is going to go up let us know! Tag our FB or Instagram page and post what your premium will cost. Or if you will be affected by the cuts and changes to Medicaid, let us know. Drop a note to our healthcare organizer Patty. You can also contact her about our Health Care Task Force and our organizing activities.

Local Chapter Updates:

Gaithersburg Tenant Union

The Gaithersburg Tenant Union is hosting its first community meeting Tomorrow, November 11, from 6:30–7:30 PM at Gaithersburg High School. Join your neighbors to share experiences, elect leaders, and plan our first action for more affordable, safe, and livable housing in Gaithersburg — sign up to attend here.

Cherry Hill People’s Union

Join us on Saturday, November 15, from 10 AM–12 PM at 1810 Cherry Hill Rd, Baltimore for the Cherry Hill People’s Union’s campaign launch! We’re fighting for development without displacement and demanding investments that truly serve Cherry Hill residents. Bring your neighbors and be part of the movement for change in Cherry Hill. SIgn up here.

EVENTS FROM ALLIES:

Renters United Maryland

Join us this Wed, November 12th at 7pm on Zoom for a Housing Justice Priorities Strategy Session to discuss our state-level legislative priorities, what it will take to win big for renters in 2026, and what YOU can do to ensure every Marylander has safe, stable, affordable housing! We'll need all of our voices! Join us and bring a friend! RSVP here.

Will shutdown end? Will Trump, GOP, keep their promises? Stay tuned to News You Can Use

THE SHUTDOWN drags on, heading for a record tomorrow night (!) and hammering Maryland's multitudes of federal employees and contractors. Maryland -- and other states, we see -- are taking special note of the Nov. 1 lapse of SNAP benefits for a total of 42 million folks nationwide -- which, despite several Federal judges' rulings, the Trump administration said Monday it will not fully replace with emergency funds, meaning eligible recipients will get about half the usual SNAP allotments during the Congressional impasse.

Progressive Maryland BlogSpace:

We value creating space for our members to express their thoughts on any issues related to our campaigns. Have an idea for a blog post? You can submit writing, film, graphic design, etc., to be published on our website to the blog moderator, Woody.

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