For 25 years, Progressive Maryland has been organizing, mobilizing, and building a movement for justice — one that uplifts working families, strengthens communities, and puts people over profit. From fighting for higher wages and paid family leave to advancing housing justice, environmental protections, and racial equity, we’ve grown from a small coalition into a powerful, statewide movement of more than 100,000 supporters.

Together, we’ve made history, and we’re just getting started. As we mark this milestone, we honor the countless members, volunteers, and partners who have powered our movement for a quarter century. The work we’ve done together proves that when everyday people unite, we can create lasting change in Maryland and beyond.

Gala Highlights & Digital Program

Thank you to everyone who joined us as we celebrated this milestone at our 25th Anniversary Gala. It was an unforgettable evening filled with community, inspiration, music, and powerful reflections on our movement’s past, present, and future.

To continue the celebration — or to experience it if you couldn’t attend — you can now view our full Digital Gala Program, which includes honoree bios, award descriptions, and a tribute to 25 years of organizing:

[View the Digital Program]

Relive the night! View and download photos from our 25th Anniversary Gala.

Support the Movement

Your contribution still helps power our organizing for the next 25 years of progress.

 [Donate Now]

Proudly Sponsored By

Presenting Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

PMD 25th Anniversary Gala 

This year, Progressive Maryland marks 25 years of building power for working families. For a quarter century, we have organized, advocated, and fought for policies that put people first. This milestone gala will bring together allies, community leaders, and supporters from across Maryland to celebrate our progress and fuel our vision for the next 25 years.

Your sponsorship will help us honor this legacy while ensuring we have the resources to continue driving bold, people-centered change. Join us in celebrating this historic anniversary!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Presenting Sponsor – $10,000 (20 tickets / 2 tables)

• Premier recognition as Presenting Sponsor on all event materials and signage
• Premier recognition during programing
• Full-page ad in the digital program
• Email blast and press release announcing sponsorship
• Logo on PMD website for 12 months

Gold Sponsor – $7,500 (10 tickets / 1 table)

• Recognition on all event materials and signage
• Recognition during programing
• Half-page ad in the digital program
• Logo on PMD website for 12 months

Silver Sponsor – $5,000 (8 tickets)

• Recognition on materials and signage
• Recognition during programing
• Quarter-page ad in the digital program
• Logo on PMD website for 6 months

Bronze Sponsor – $3,500 (4 tickets)

• Recognition during programing
• Recognition in the digital program 
• Logo on PMD website for 3 months

Your support will ensure that Progressive Maryland can continue to organize, train, and mobilize for the next 25 years. Together, we can build a more just and equitable Maryland for all.

For more information or to secure your sponsorship, please contact Shelby Kestler Kearney at [email protected]. 

Grassroots digital campaign reached nearly 40,000 residents; voters sent a clear message that housing affordability and fair wages are top priorities

Frederick, Maryland –  Progressive Maryland (PMD) and its chapter, Frederick County Progressives (FCP), are celebrating a victory in Frederick City’s primary elections, where four of FCP’s seven endorsed candidates won their races. The results underscore the growing demand for leaders who will prioritize rent stabilization, affordable housing, and policies that support working families.

In the weeks leading up to the election, Progressive Maryland and Frederick County Progressives supported endorsed candidates with a robust grassroots digital campaign. Through targeted text messaging and email outreach, the campaign connected with nearly 40,000 Frederick City residents, ensuring that voters had the information they needed to make their voices heard.

“This victory is a testament to what happens when community members come together around real solutions to the housing crisis,” said Dr. William Reid, Chair of Frederick County Progressives. “Our poll made clear that residents wanted action on rent stabilization and affordable housing, and now voters have chosen leaders who share those priorities. We’re proud of the work we’ve done and look forward to continuing to fight for housing justice at both the city and county levels.”

Larry Stafford Jr., Executive Director of Progressive Maryland, echoed the sentiment by stating, “Frederick voters chose candidates who share their values. That’s the power of people-driven organizing, and it’s exactly what will carry us forward into November. Progressive Maryland is proud to have partnered with our Frederick chapter on a campaign that reached tens of thousands of residents and helped build the momentum for these transformative wins.”

With the general election ahead in November, Progressive Maryland and Frederick County Progressives will continue working to ensure the newly nominated candidates are elected and can carry out the mandate for a more affordable and equitable Frederick.

“We look forward to these results becoming official in November,” Reid added. “And we are committed to making sure Frederick’s next chapter includes policies that put people, not profits, first.”

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President Trump’s attacks on higher education aren’t isolated. They’re part of a calculated campaign to dismantle institutions that question authority, uplift marginalized voices, and produce critical thinking. From canceling grants at the University of Maryland to targeting Towson and gutting jobs at Johns Hopkins, Trump’s assault is now hitting home for us here in Maryland.

More than $12 million in research funding was recently slashed at UMD because it was deemed “too DEI-focused” by Trump’s administration. Grants from the NIH, Department of Education, NSF, and even the Department of Defense—gone. At Towson University, Trump’s Department of Education is investigating so-called “racial discrimination” simply because the school works with The PhD Project. This group helps Black and Brown students earn doctoral degrees. At Johns Hopkins, over 2,000 employees have been laid off after Trump pulled USAID funding, gutting health initiatives that span Baltimore and 44 countries.

Know Your Rights: Protecting Yourself and Your Family in Maryland

In Maryland, everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status. Understanding these rights can help protect you and your loved ones in the face of immigration enforcement, police interactions, or other legal situations. This page is designed to provide easy-to-understand information and resources that can help you in these challenging moments.

1. Your Rights During an Immigration Raid or Police Encounter

If ICE or law enforcement approaches you, here are important steps to follow:

You Have the Right to Remain Silent:

• You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
  
  
• If you are stopped by police or ICE, say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
  
  

Know What to Do If Stopped by ICE:

• Ask if you are being arrested or detained. If they say “No,” you have the right to leave.
  
  
• If they say “Yes,” stay calm, give them your Know Your Rights card (if you have one), and say you want to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents without a lawyer.
  
  

2. Your Rights at Home: ICE Cannot Enter Without a Valid Warrant

When ICE or Police Come to Your Home:

• You do not have to open the door. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door.
  
  
• Check if the warrant is signed by a judge. If it is not, they cannot legally enter your home.
  
  
• A valid warrant must specify:
  
  
  • The areas to be searched
    
    
  • The individuals or objects to be seized
    
    

What If They Enter Without Permission?

• Do not consent to the search.
  
  
• Get their badge number and report the incident to a legal organization.
  
  

Remember: A warrant signed by an immigration official is insufficient for ICE to enter your home.

3. Your Rights During a Traffic Stop

If you are stopped by law enforcement or ICE in your car, you have specific rights:

• Remain in your car and keep your hands visible on the steering wheel.
  
  
• Ask for the officer’s name, agency, and badge number.
  
  
• Do not answer questions about your immigration status, such as:
  
  
  • “Are you legal?”
    
    
  • “Where are you from?”
    
    
  • “Do you have a green card?”
    
    

If the officer asks for identification:

• If you are just a passenger, you do not have to provide ID. You can say, “I prefer not to answer any questions until I speak with my lawyer.”
  
  

You have the right to refuse a search of your car unless they have a sufficient warrant or probable cause.

4. What to Do if You Are Arrested

If You Are Arrested by Immigration or Police:

• Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney. Signing without legal advice can lead to negative consequences, including deportation.
  
  
• You have the right to contact a lawyer, family member, or consulate. Keep important phone numbers handy.
  
  
• Ask for a bond—even if initially denied, it may be granted later.
  
  

5. Emergency Resources and Hotlines in Maryland

If you or someone you know is facing an urgent situation involving ICE or immigration detention, here are trusted resources to call for help:

• CASA de Maryland Raid Tipline: 1-888-214-6016
  
  
• Amica Center Immigration Detention Hotline: 202-331-3329
  
  
• ACLU of Maryland: aclu-md.org
  
  
• Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition: mircmaryland.org
  
  
• CASA Maryland: wearecasa.org
  
  

6. Data Privacy Rights and Protecting Your Information

In addition to knowing your rights in encounters with law enforcement, it's crucial to protect your personal information:

At the Airport or During Travel:

• Keep your phone turned off when passing through security to prevent authorities from accessing your data. You may also delete social media apps.
  
  
• Be cautious about sharing personal information, including passwords and phone numbers.
  
  

Know Your Digital Privacy Rights:

• You do not have to give up your phone or password during routine searches unless they have a valid court order.
  
  
• If you are approached by law enforcement asking to unlock your phone, you have the right to remain silent and consult with a lawyer first.
  
  

7. Additional Resources for Support

For ongoing support, consider joining local advocacy organizations that offer resources and assistance:

• The ACLU of Maryland: Provides legal resources and advocacy for civil rights.
  
  
• The Maryland Immigrant Rights Coalition: MIRC'S mission is to coordinate and maximize existing resources in order to increase the availability and quality of pro bono and low-cost legal representation
• Amica Center for Immigrant Rights: Amica’s mission is to ensure equal justice for all immigrant adults and children at risk of detention and deportation in the Capital region and beyond through direct legal representation, know your rights presentations, impact litigation, advocacy, and the enlistment and training of attorneys to defend immigrants.

We’re fighting for policies that will create a more just, equitable Maryland.

🏡 Housing Justice

🌍 Environmental Justice

❤️ Healthcare Justice

🏛️ Economic Justice

📚 Education Justice

⚖️ Criminal Justice Reform

Baltimore City RREA Resolution Passes Thanks to Advocates and Leadership by Councilwoman Phylicia Porter

Baltimore City Stands Behind State Reclaim Renewable Energy Act and Urges Action by Maryland General Assembly

BALTIMORE CITY, Maryland –  Baltimore City has officially voiced its strong support for HB220/SB10 Reclaim Renewable Energy Act (RREA), with the City Council adopting Resolution 25-008r, requesting state action by the Maryland General Assembly to pass the RREA. Introduced by Councilwoman Phylicia Porter during the City Council meeting on the evening of Monday, February 10th, the resolution gained overwhelming support, with 11 of 15 council members co-sponsoring. Co-sponsors of the resolution include Councilmembers Phylicia Porter, Mark Parker, Mark Conway, Sharon Green Middleton, James Torrence, Paris Gray, John Bullock, Zac Blanchard, Antonio "Tony" Glover, Odette Ramos, and Zeke Cohen. The public recording of the meeting can be viewed online here (resolution introduction beginning at 20:09). 

“Colleagues, this is an opportunity for us to support the state action for the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act of 2025,” said Councilwoman Phylicia Porter, addressing her City Council peers. “Communities of the City of Baltimore have been fighting for this particular issue for about 9 years now, and then they’ve finally gotten some traction down in Annapolis because Senate President Ferguson is actually sponsoring this bill so I look forward to spirited testimony down in Annapolis and I invite you all to come down.”

The RREA, long championed by advocacy organizations like Progressive Maryland, aims to redefine what qualifies as renewable energy in the state’s energy portfolio by removing trash incineration; and to eliminate harmful subsidies for polluting industries. For the past three years, Progressive Maryland has led efforts to advance this bill. The organization is proud to have collaborated with Councilwoman Porter on this resolution, in hopes that the city’s lead in addressing climate and environmental injustices will force the state to follow suit.

Councilwoman Phylicia Porter with Progressive Maryland Staff Members Christianne Marguerite and Iman Habib.

“Air pollution is a public health crisis in Baltimore and our city cannot afford to wait any longer for meaningful action,” stated SirJames Weaver, Environmental Justice Organizer at Progressive Maryland. “By passing this resolution, Baltimore City has shown real leadership in taking a stand for the RREA. City Council is sending a clear message to the Maryland General Assembly by saying that it’s time to put people over polluters for the health of our residents and the future of renewable energy in our state. Now, we just need our state legislators to act swiftly to pass the RREA this year. Our communities are counting on it.”

The Baltimore City Council resolution backing the RREA is a bold call to action. Now, the spotlight is on Annapolis to deliver for Baltimore residents and all Marylanders.

Council President Zeke Cohen with Progressive Maryland Member, Mary Randall, and Staff Members SirJames Weaver, Christianne Marguerite, and Iman Habib.

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Prince George's County Minimum Wage Indexing Campaign

In Prince George's County, Maryland, economic disparities have disproportionately affected Black and Brown communities. Although the county has seen economic growth, many workers still struggle to afford basic necessities due to stagnant wages. The Prince George's County Minimum Wage Indexing Campaign seeks to change this by ensuring that the minimum wage is adjusted with inflation, so all workers receive fair compensation that reflects the true cost of living.

What is Minimum Wage Indexing?

Minimum wage indexing automatically adjusts wages based on inflation, helping workers maintain their purchasing power as the cost of living rises.

Benefits of Minimum Wage Indexing:

• Economic Stability: Wages keep pace with inflation, providing financial security.
• Empowerment: Workers can afford basic needs like housing, healthcare, and education.
• Racial Equity: Helps close the racial wealth gap by raising wages for Black and Latino workers.
• Community Growth: Encourages local spending and supports small businesses.

Join the Movement!

We need your support to make this change happen. Click below to sign the petition and show your commitment to a fairer, more just Prince George's County.

Support Economic Justice for All

Our Mission

Our Housing Justice campaign is committed to addressing the pervasive housing disparities experienced by marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and Latinx populations. We aim to promote health, well-being, and upward mobility while confronting the historical and ongoing harms caused by discriminatory practices and racist housing policies. Our mission is to advocate for renters' rights, prevent exploitation, address racial disparities within the housing system, and hold landlords and housing complex owners accountable for the conditions of the homes they provide. Our fight extends to guaranteeing liveable homes that meet safety standards, and we actively oppose retaliation from landlords and housing complex owners. Housing justice, to us, means everyone deserves safe, affordable, and health-promoting housing, irrespective of race, income, gender, ethnicity, ability, and more. Our task force advocates for housing justice through initiatives like rent control, tenant organizing, public housing and fair housing laws, aiming to create a society where housing is a right for all.

Past Accomplishments:

• We successfully advocated for the passage of the Tenant Safety Act, a critical renters' rights legislation that allows tenants to withhold rent from abusive landlords until repairs are made to their buildings.
• Our first tenant association, based at the Enclave Apartments in Silver Spring, has been instrumental in engaging legislators and advocating for pro-tenant legislation.
• We organized impactful press conferences and rallies, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, and tenants to demand immediate action against hazardous living conditions and corporate negligence.

In September 2023, Progressive Maryland formed a tenant association at the Enclave Apartments in Silver Spring, MD.

In October 2023, we held our first press conference with the support of key Montgomery county elected officials, 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 on the living conditions at the apartment complex. 

Image of press conference hosts Enclave Tenant Association,  Progressive Maryland, and Everyday Canvassing with Montgomery County Official guests  in front of the leasing office

Here is the list of tenants' demands that the ETA is still fighting for.

In March 2024, we held a rally at the Enclave Apartments in Silver Spring, where tenants and elected leaders came together to demand justice and accountability in housing conditions. Led by the newly-elected Board of the Enclave Tenant Association, the rally drew attention to the urgent need to address hazardous living conditions and tenant mistreatment.

Current Work:

➥ Continuing the Fight for Good Cause Eviction: While celebrating the passage of the Tenant Safety Act, we remain committed to advocating for "good cause" eviction legislation to prevent landlords from evicting tenants solely for profit.

➥ Addressing Housing Disparities: Our work extends to addressing housing disparities faced by marginalized communities, including advocating for initiatives like rent control, tenant organizing, public housing, and fair housing laws.

Get Involved:

Join us in the fight for housing justice! Sign up below to stay updated on our campaigns, events, and ways to get involved in advocating for safe, affordable housing for all.

Welcome to Progressive Maryland’s 2024 Election ToolKit!

Here you'll find everything you need to participate in the upcoming election. Stay informed, get involved, and make your voice heard.

ELECTION TOOLS:

• Find Your Polling Place

• Return Mail-In Ballot Rules

  You can:

  • Mail your ballot. We recommend that you mail your ballot as soon as you have voted it. It must be postmarked on or before primary election day (November 5, 2024, 2024). Your voted ballot must be received by your local board of elections by 10 am on November 15, 2024.
  • Take your ballot to a ballot drop box. When you receive your ballot, you will also receive a list of the ballot drop box locations in your county. You can view the list of drop box locations here (en espanol).
  • Hand deliver your ballot. You must deliver it to your local board of elections by 8 pm on election day, or you may take it to an early voting center, or a ballot drop off box by the time the polls close.

• General Election Candidate List

• Download Your County's Specific Ballot 

• If you're in Baltimore City vote NO on Question H
• If you're in Montgomery County, Vote AGAINST Question A

For more detailed information and resources, visit the Maryland State Board of Elections website.

Today, Progressive Maryland is calling on all members of the Maryland Congressional delegation to act for immediate relief and justice in the South Caucasus. As a state with a vibrant Armenian-American population and a history of standing for human rights in the region, we find the current crisis appalling and stand in solidarity with the displaced people of Artsakh. On September 19, 2023, after illegally depriving the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) of food, energy, medicine, and any connection to the outside world for over 9 months, the Republic of Azerbaijan began an assault that caused the complete collapse of self-government in the region and a humanitarian catastrophe. Over 100,000 people were forced to flee for their lives or face a terrifying future in a country routinely recognized as one of the world’s most repressive regimes by organizations like Human Rights Watch and Freedom House. 

Similarly, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, Genocide Watch, and officials from the ICC all concurred that mass starvation, military assault, and forced expulsion constituted genocide. Shamefully, the U.S. has now for years continuously allowed tax dollars in the form of military assistance to flow to Azerbaijan. Presidents of both parties have waived Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, allowing for U.S.arms to tip the balance of power and give tacit endorsement to Azerbaijan’s military actions. Only after 100,000 indigenous people were expelled, did USAID Administrator Samantha Power and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Yuri Kim visit the region and offer a mere $11 million in aid to victims of said ethnic cleansing. This must change.

The Biden Administration and Congressional Progressives should be behind robust humanitarian aid to refugees, ensuring the right to return for those who wish to live on their ancestral lands in peace, and ending U.S. complicity in Azerbaijan’s war crimes. Likewise, there has so far been no administrative action to sanction Azerbaijan for breaking humanitarian law, to impose global Magnitsky sanctions against commanders on film committing war crimes, or diplomatically punishing the Azeri government for further escalating tensions through the continued holding of Armenian political prisoners, public threats towards sovereign Armenian territory and promotion of racial animus toward ethnic Armenians.

Specifically, we call upon all members of the Maryland House and Senate delegation to support bipartisan efforts like H.R. 5686, H.R. 5683, H.Res. 735, and H.Res.861 to finally set the record straight and lead American foreign policy with American progressive values. The Senate already took a step in the right direction by unanimously passing S. 3000, restricting aid to Azerbaijan. Now it is time to build on that progress and send all of these measures to President Biden for signature. Maryland has a long history of helping the Armenian people in their time of need, including by organizing the Near East Relief movement during the Armenian Genocide of 1915. Now, should be no different.

Congressman Jamie Raskin gave a keynote speech that ignited the crowd.

The Progressive Maryland 2023 Annual Gala took place on Thursday, September 21st, and it was a night to remember with over 150 attendees. The event was a resounding success, with elected officials, community leaders, and passionate activists coming together to celebrate the achievements of the progressive movement in Maryland.

Image of event attendees listening to Congressman Jamie Raskin’s keynote address. Photo Credit: Bethany Steele.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Congressman Jamie Raskin's powerful speech. With his unwavering commitment to upholding democracy, Congressman Raskin reminded everyone in the room that when Democrats stand together, there's no limit to what we can achieve. “Democracy is not just a static framework, Democracy is something in motion, Democracy is always growing… and we’ve got to get Democracy back on the growth track in America–and let’s start with giving everybody the right to vote and be represented,” said Congressman Jamie Raskin. He also addressed the need to put climate solutions at the forefront of our agenda to conserve the world in which we all live. His words resonated deeply, inspiring all attendees to continue fighting for the rights and well-being of working families.

Ben Jealous, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, 2018 Democratic Nominee for Governor and longtime supporter of Progressive Maryland, introduced Congressman Raskin. He is also openly hoping that Congressman Raskin will run for the soon-to-be-open U.S. Senate seat. “I’ve always been a fan of our Congressman and would be a huge supporter of him rethinking his decision not to run. He is a warrior, the fighter that will turn things around for us, the champion that Maryland needs,“ he stated to Progressive Maryland staff. Ben Jealous’ words about the Congressman at the Gala prompted the crowd to chant “Run! Jamie, Run!” while the Congressman was walking up to the podium to give his inspirational speech. 

Congressman Jamie Raskin recieving the Courage Award from Progressive Maryland Executive Director, Larry Stafford. Photo Credit: Bethany Steele.

Many other legislators showed their appreciation for Progressive Maryland through ticket contributions or simply sending their love if they could not be with us in person. The legislators in attendance at the event are as follows:

• Baltimore County Delegate Alethia McCaskill (D44B)
• Baltimore County Delegate Sheila Ruth (D44B)
• Prince George’s County Councilmember Eric Olson (D3)
• Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay (D6)
• Prince George’s County Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D7)
• Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee Member Tiffany Jones
• Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee Member Sharonda Huffman
• Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee Member Jennifer Mendes Dwyer
• Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee Member Ian Miller
• Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee Member Connor White
• Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee Member Andrew Saundry
• Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater
• Maryland Delegate Ken Kerr (D3B)
• Maryland Delegate Karen Simpson (D3A)
• Maryland Delegate Lesley Lopez (D39) 

In recognition of their dedication, awards were presented to legislators, organizational volunteers, union leaders, and journalists who have played instrumental roles in advancing the progressive agenda. These individuals have been at the forefront of the movement, pushing for positive change and standing up for those who need it most. The legislators awarded with a Progressive Champions Award were Delegate David Moon, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins, Council Member Tom Dernoga, Council Member Wala Blegay, Council Member Eric Olson, Council Member Jolene Ivey, Council Member Krystal Oriadha, and Council Member Edward Burroughs. 

Among some of the community leaders recognized that evening were Le Shaun Quander-Mosley, business owner and advocate for returning residents in Prince George’s County; Ricarra Jones, Political Director at 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East; and Travis B. Simon, Vice President of the International SEIU Lavender Caucus, Director of Political and Legislative Affairs for SEIU 500, Board Member of AFL-CIO’s Pride at Work, and passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ people. 

Le Shaun Quander-Mosely receiving her award for Exceptional Leadership from Progressive Maryland Organizer, Patty Snee. 

Photo Credit: Bethany Steele.

Progressive Maryland also presented two awards for Excellence in Journalism to Lindsay Watts, Emmy-winning journalist and Senior Communications Director for Prince George’s County Council Media; and William J. Ford, current reporter for Maryland Matters and formerly with The Washington Informer. “These awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to the principles of journalism, the pursuit of truth, accuracy, accountability, and the vital role of a free press in our society,” said Christianne Marguerite, Director of Communications at Progressive Maryland.

But the success of the gala didn't end there. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, and the incredible artists who donated their work to the event’s art auction, a substantial amount of money was raised to further the cause of building power for working families. This financial support will enable Progressive Maryland to continue its work, advocating for policies that promote economic justice, social equality, and a brighter future for all.

"Our Annual Gala was an incredible testament to the strength and unity of our movement," said Larry Stafford, Executive Director of Progressive Maryland. "We are immensely grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and played a part in making this event a tremendous success. By coming together and harnessing our collective power, we are paving the way for a more just and equitable society that will improve the lives of everyday working-class people."

​​

 The Progressive Maryland Team. Photo Credit: Bethany Steele.

Prince George's County Council Stands Firm in Defense of Project Labor Agreements Amidst Concerns Over Phase 2 of P3 Project

Prince George's County, Maryland, is at a pivotal juncture as concerns mount over the fate of Phase 2 of the P3 project. County Council Member Edward Burroughs, representing District 8, has voiced strong apprehensions regarding the direction the project is taking. Burroughs' statements highlight the County Executive's stance and its potential impact on the future of this significant endeavor.

"The dream of expediting school construction for our students in dilapidated buildings seems to have lost its way under County Executive Alsobrooks' leadership," Council Member Burroughs expressed, reflecting on the project's initial goals.  

The P3 project, initiated with the admirable goal of expediting school construction and addressing the dire state of many school buildings, appears to be at risk of losing sight of its original objectives under County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' leadership. Council Member Burroughs has expressed profound disappointment in the missed opportunities to uplift Prince George County residents, especially the local workforce and local minority businesses.

"When you have a billion-dollar project occurring in a two-year time period, you have a lot of opportunity to uplift Prince George County residents, in addition to getting the schools built. As county leaders, we must also figure out how to leverage those dollars to uplift Prince George County residents," Burroughs emphasized, lamenting the missed opportunities.

Burroughs emphasizes that a key concern is the lack of substantial mandatory hiring of Prince George County residents and the absence of safeguards against wage theft and exploitation of workers, issues that have surfaced during the first phase of the P3 project. He contends that the economic benefits of this billion-dollar project are not adequately reaching the black and brown residents of Prince George County.

In a recent interview, Burroughs drew parallels to the visionary approach of former Washington, D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, who leveraged his power to ensure that DC residents, especially minority populations, benefitted from large-scale economic development projects.

Burroughs is committed to ensuring that Phase 2 of the P3 project focuses on the well-being of Prince George County residents and prioritizes project labor agreements (PLAs) as a means to guarantee fair wages, worker protections, and the engagement of local businesses.

When asked about the apparent resistance to PLAs, Burroughs pointed out that County Executive Alsobrooks holds the key to making a positive change. He highlighted the importance of county executives negotiating with major companies to mandate the hiring of Prince George County residents, partner with labor unions to ensure worker protections, and address issues like wage theft and exploitation.

Burroughs underscored the need for transparency in the process, advocating for independent audits of all contractors and the public's right to access information about the project's impact on the community. He firmly believes that taxpayers' dollars should be reinvested in the local community rather than benefit out-of-town contractors.

"I will not be voting for a P3 project without a PLA attached to it. I've sat with too many workers who have been exploited to do that. This money is taxpayer money, and the question is, are we gonna recirculate that money back into our community to uplift our own residents?"

Council Member Burroughs expressed concerns that the County Executive's administration and the school superintendent may very well send down an MOU for them to sign that includes no Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and then blame the Council if the schools are delayed or not built. He described this situation as a dangerous game of chicken, where the County Executive's office attempts to shift the responsibility to the Council.

In closing, Council Member Burroughs highlighted the importance of elected officials standing up for their constituents and urged his colleagues on the County Council to prioritize PLAs as a means to protect workers, uplift local businesses, and create a more equitable future for Prince George's County.

"We must base public policy on what's in the best interest of the people of the county. And Project Labor Agreements have the ability to literally pull people out of poverty and pull them into the middle class with health care and benefits and retirement and scholarships for further education."

The conversation took place during an interview with the Executive Director of Progressive Maryland, Larry Stafford Jr., on his  radio show, 'The Progress Report,' shedding light on the pressing concerns surrounding the Phase 2 of the P3 project and the pivotal role Project Labor Agreements play in it