As we round out the month of July, we can't help but marvel at the whirlwind of activities and accomplishments we've had thanks to supporters like you.

We are thrilled to announce that this past week, we were named one of the Top 50 Liberal Political Blogs by Feedspot, a testament to the power of our collective voice and the impact we are making in the digital sphere.

Also, we had a successful launch of our new radio show, The Progress Report on WPFW, hosted by our Executive Director, Larry Stafford. Every Friday, from 5-6 pm, tune in to WPFW 89.3 FM for an hour of entertaining insights, political discussions, and live interviews with Marylanders in the progressive movement. If you can't catch it on air, you can listen live online at the station's website. The inaugural episode featured engaging conversations with Councilmember Prince George’s Wala Blegay, a lead sponsor on the PG Healthy Restaurants Bill; and Jorge Benitez, a lead organizer from CASA who spoke about rent stabilization in Montgomery and PG Counties. And that's just the beginning—next week's show will continue to bring riveting interviews and thought-provoking segments so make sure to tune in!

As we look ahead, we have yet another occasion to mark on your calendar—the Progressive Maryland Gala. The early bird discounted ticket sale is currently underway, so don't miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals, community leaders, and passionate advocates. More details can be found later in the memo.

Let's carry the momentum forward into August and stay proactive in our efforts to create a more progressive community. And don’t forget to support your favorite Black-owned businesses this month and always! 

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• PM Events
• PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF & RCTF
• State & National news

PM EVENTS:

Don't miss out on the Early Bird Sale for our 1st Annual Gala on September 21st at 4 pm in Annapolis!  

Early Bird Sale: $150 (Ends August 15)

Waterfront Venue (Exact location provided upon RSVP)

Special $75 Young Professionals Ticket (Aged 25 & under) 

Food, Drinks, Speeches (with Congressman Raskin!), and Dancing!

Secure your spot now to be part of an unforgettable evening with like-minded individuals, community leaders, and passionate advocates who share a vision for a better Maryland. Get your tickets today!

Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns 

Healthcare Justice Campaign: Medicare’s Birthday and August Outreach Activities!

We capped off a great end to the month of July by celebrating the birthday of Medicare and Medicaid yesterday! These indispensable public programs have been effectively delivering health coverage to tens of millions of Americans for fifty eight years! We must protect and rescue them from greedy private health insurers and their allies in Congress who are allowing traditional Medicare funds to be drained at our expense–all to increase the soaring profits of insurance companies. Medicare recipients and care providers are being harmed by this shift to insurance company controlled Medicare (dis) Advantage programs. We’re fighting back on Capitol Hill and around the country with the Care Over Cost campaign. Help us sound the alarm on this issue! 

Join us to knock on doors! 

Saturday afternoon August 5th in Baltimore  

Saturday afternoon August 12th in Silver Spring

We’re getting amazing levels of support at the doors from Marylanders who are fed up with their insurance plans. We provide everyone with training, support and materials. If your care or someone you know is being denied care tell us at careovercost.org

If you missed the Teach-In last Wednesday, email Patty to get the recording and more information. 

Returning Citizens Taskforce

Progressive Maryland’s Returning Citizens Task Force is co-sponsoring a “Find Your Community, Find Your Voice Returning Citizens Town Hall for 11:00 am – 2:00 pm on August 12. The event is co-sponsored by The Episcopal Church of the Atonement and Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington.

Speakers will include Rev Ricardo Sheppard, State Delegate Jamila Woods, Michael Williams, Director of Returning Citizen Affairs Division Office of the County Executive (PG) and Lamont Carey, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizens Affairs (DC). The primary speakers, however, will be returning citizens in attendance who will be afforded the opportunity to express their concerns, needs and aspirations. In addition to speakers, the Town Hall will provide space for direct service providers to provide information and will feature an expungement clinic.

The Town Hall will take place at The Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 5073 E. Capitol St SE.

For more information contact Kurt Stand.

State and National News:

Hot weather is pounding us, our households and our local and national emergency budgets, as we move from record-hot July toward who-knows-how-hot August. So a lot of climate news in the News You Can Use, as well as scams, lobbyists (not the same thing, quite), how to run the state's schools improvement (better check the AC before opening day), what other states are doing we might think about or stay away from, and Congress takes a break with essentially nothing accomplished. It's all here in 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 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

• Progressive Maryland's Returning Citizens Task Force Seeks Grant Proposals

>>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