As we dive into another week, it's crucial that we remain dialed in to everything unfolding in our communities. Despite the media's relentless coverage of Donald Trump's ongoing antics and court proceedings, there's a lot more happening that deserves our attention and action.

While headlines may grab our focus, let's not forget that a significant milestone has been reached right here in our state. With a full month of legal recreational cannabis use behind us, Maryland has witnessed not only impressive revenues but also, more importantly, a trend that we’re especially proud of. The number of people cited for driving under the influence of cannabis in July has been astonishingly low. This data underscores that responsible, informed policy changes can lead to safer communities. And while many news sources are reporting on the numbers, legalizing cannabis wasn't just about generating revenue, it's about dismantling a system that has disproportionately targeted black people and people of color. By legalizing, we're creating a safer space where communities that have historically been marginalized can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Beyond cannabis, August is a month of action for Progressive Maryland. Our efforts in healthcare and our returning citizens work are gaining momentum. We're hitting the ground running, working tirelessly to ensure access to quality healthcare for all Marylanders and advocating for policies that support the successful reentry of individuals into our communities. Be sure to read on in the memo for more information on how you can contribute to these initiatives.

So, here's to staying tuned to the rhythm of progress, even when the headlines are trying to steal the show. Let's celebrate every stride forward, every policy shift that amplifies justice, and every community victory that reminds us why we're in this fight.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• PM Events
• PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF & RCTF

• Local Chapter Updates: Harford County

• Events from Allies
• State & National news

PM EVENTS:

PMD GALA Featuring Rep. Jamie Raskin, an art auction, awards, and dancing– Join us for an unforgettable evening at our Annual Gala, taking place on September 21st at 4 pm in the beautiful city of Annapolis. Don't miss out on our special Early Bird Sale offering tickets at $150, but act fast as this deal ends on August 15th. 

This gala promises an evening of delight, with delicious food, refreshing drinks, captivating speeches – including Jamie Raskin along with other inspiring  Maryland leaders. We’ll have great music, local craft beers and seafood!  Get your tickets today!

Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns 

Healthcare Justice Campaign: Care Over Cost Campaign, Paving the Way to Medicare For All!

This summer you can make a real contribution to building the movement for Medicare For All! We’re talking to people on their doorsteps and at community events (here in Maryland and around the country!) about all the problems with our country’s greedy private health insurance industry. People agree that the current system costs us way too much money while often not delivering the care we need. They want to sign our petition and share their stories. Help us build a bigger base of grassroots support and people power by signing up for a shift:

Join us to knock on doors! 

Sign up for Baltimore  

Sign up for Montgomery County

We provide training, support and materials. More details are in the event description.

Email Patty to learn more or fill out our volunteer form. 

Returning Citizens Taskforce

The bi-weekly RCTF meeting will be held today, Monday, August 7 from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  We will discuss how best to build the “Find Your Community, Find Your Voice" Returning Citizens Town Hall, 11:00 am. August 12 at 5073 E. Capitol St SE. at The Episcopal Church of the Atonement (see flyer below).

We also want to announce that the deadline for submissions to Progressive Maryland’s regrant program for direct service providers working within the reentry community has passed. We thank all who sent in proposals; the grant awards will be announced on August 31.

For more information about the meeting tonight or about any other aspect of our work, please contact Kurt.

Local Chapter Updates: 

Progressive Harford County

Join Progressive Harford County for its monthly meeting on August 21 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. We will plan the next steps in our campaign about taking action on PFAS chemicals in the county's water and review upcoming events. Register here!

EVENTS FROM ALLIES: Metro DSA’s Fossil Fuel Fighter Festival — August 19

On August 19, the Earth Day 2023 collective will hold a youth-led (but open to all!) Fossil Fuel Fighter Festival to bring together organizations and individuals from across movements. Get ready to learn, build community, play games, make art and more. The Fossil Fuel Fighter Festival will also help us prepare for the September 17 March to End Fossil Fuels in NYC. We’ll be in Malcolm X Park in NW DC (exact location to be determined) from 10am – 1pm. If you can bring anything (be it a game, food, music or a bunch of friends) or would like to help organize the festival, please say so on the RSVP form or reach out to [email protected].

State and National News:

Green jobs and the Inflation Reduction Act -- has anybody noticed that times are less bad, maybe a lot less bad? How is Maryland doing on green jobs anyway? (be prepared to be disappointed). All the states hoping to reap taxes on cannabis are struggling with US banking regs. But Marylanders are lighting up (or chowing down) anyway. Lots more is filling the news gap while Congress has gone home to do nothing rather than hanging around in DC doing nothing, and some of that news is even good -- for Maryland and the US. Best of all, we have no news about the former president. Read on; and don't forget our Friday Night Drive Time PM Radio Show on WPFW-FM (more below)

It’s this week’s News You Can Use

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.

• New Today- News You Can Use -- Maryland among the states, in green jobs, cannabis consumption, maternal mental health and more

• Announcing Our New Radio Show "The Progress Report"

• News You Can Use from Maryland to other states in similar boats to feds, with Congress exiting the Titanic

• Progressive Maryland Named in Top 50 Liberal Blogs by Feedspot

• News You Can Use: Maryland families going hungry; climate goals falling behind

• Good news on FBI HQ siting; not so great on possible deficit: the usual mixed bag of News You Can Use

• News You Can Use around Maryland, the nation of states, and even the feds

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

Don't forget to follow us on social media!

Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792