Often misunderstood, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla. Today, it has become a broader celebration of Mexican culture, history, and the deep contributions of Mexican-American communities to the U.S. But this holiday is often culturally exploited, reduced to stereotypes and stripped of its deeper meaning. Let’s commit to honoring its heritage the right way by uplifting the voices, history, and dignity of the communities it represents.

It’s especially important right now to name and honor those contributions. As our government continues to threaten, erase, and criminalize the communities that built this country, we remain committed to fighting back. We will always stand with our Latinx neighbors in the face of injustice.

Last week, we joined hundreds of allies and partner organizations from across the state for a May Day rally in D.C., standing strong for workers and working families. We showed up to push back against the injustice this administration continues to inflict on labor and immigrant communities. It was powerful, and we’re bringing that energy into everything we do this month. Make sure you check out our social media to see the action.

We’ve got important updates ahead from our issue campaigns, opportunities to take action, and key state and national news. Read on.

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• Quick Actions
• Campaign Updates
• State & National News
• PM Job Openings

QUICK ACTIONS:

Join us at the Capitol this Wednesday

Progressive Maryland is joining a 24-hour vigil to stop the proposed $1 trillion Medicaid cut. We’re holding down the 6:30–8:00 PM slot — come join us and bring a friend! Sign up here.

Sign the petition to bring Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia home

Kilmar was illegally deported by ICE despite a court order and he’s still imprisoned in El Salvador while his family remains in Maryland. This is a clear denial of due process and human rights. Stand with his family and demand justice. Sign CASA’s petition now.

Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: 

Environmental Justice Task Force: EJTF Takes Part in Issue-Cut Training

Progressive Maryland's Environmental Justice Task Force (EJTF) has moved forward in their campaign against the Win Waste incinerator. On Sunday, May 4th, SirJames, and the EJTF participated in a training session focused on strategy and research for issue-cut campaigns. 

The session, led by Lev Hirschhorn, PM's Political Director, saw the attendance of 12 EJTF leaders. It was an engaging training that equipped EJTF leaders with essential skills for researching campaign issues, enabling the team to determine the most effective strategies and issues to prioritize in the campaign's next phase.

Healthcare Task Force: 

Fight Back: Stop The Proposed Trillion Dollar Cut to Medicaid! Come to The Capitol This Wednesday!

The pressure is working–-some Republicans in Congress are pushing back on the catastrophic cuts and eligibility restrictions that Speaker Johnson and the MAGA forces are trying to jam through. Let’s keep it up. We’ve joined with our national allies to sponsor a 24 hour vigil at the Capitol this Wednesday, May 7th. Progressive Maryland and People’s Action are holding down the time slot from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please join us and bring your friends and family! Sign up here.

If you have a Medicaid story as a patient or provider, you can share your story at the Vigil. Just contact Patty by Wednesday afternoon to get on the list. 

The choice is clear: Stand with seniors living in nursing homes, people with disabilities, children, and families who can’t afford to get health care services without some financial aid? With healthcare workers and clinics? Or with billionaires like Elon Musk who want to receive more tax cuts? See you at the Capitol!

If you want to learn more about how you can get involved, Sign up and we’ll get in touch!

Housing Justice: Join Us in Rockville for a Citywide Day of Action!

On Saturday, May 24, we’re leading a citywide Day of Action to demand real rent stabilization in Rockville and we need you on the ground with us.

We’re proud to be hosting multiple actions, including canvassing, community outreach, and lawn sign distribution. These are powerful ways to make our movement visible and connect with neighbors who care about affordable, stable housing. Whether you join us for an hour or stay all day, your voice matters.

Huntington Tenant Association Canvass

Knock doors with our tenant leaders at King Farm and help build momentum for rent stabilization across Rockville.

Meet at the Huntington at King Farm leasing office

10 AM – 2 PM

Sign up here →

Hometown Holidays Outreach
Join us at Rockville Town Center during the Hometown Holidays festival to hand out flyers and talk with residents about rent stabilization.
Rockville Town Center
12 PM – 3 PM
Sign up here →

Twinbrook Canvass (Hosted by MoCo DSA)
Support our allies at Montgomery County DSA as they canvas the Twinbrook neighborhood with yard signs and flyers.
Meet at Twinbrook Metro Station
12 PM – 3 PM
Sign up here →

Let’s show up strong for housing justice.

News You Can Use: Maryland's ex-fed workers find tough market; fund cuts keep on coming

Because we survived TrumpWorld's first 100 days doesn't mean we should let our defense slack off. This battle continues, but there are heartening signs that the courts are holding the Constitutional line and that other institutions (universities, law firms, maybe even the Dem opposition) are beginning to stand with the courts. Nevertheless, as we see from Megan E's meticulous roundup from People’s Action, Congressional GOP majorities are lining up to do TrumpWorld's dirty work. Some -- just a few -- are wavering and even showing shreds of decency in the face of overwhelming lawlessness. There are tools, as we see below, for reminding the GOP legislators they were elected to help, not hurt their constituents and bucking up the Dems who are showing some spine, too. Here in Maryland we might have to reach out to our friends and relatives in other states to help pressure the critical House and Senate members there, but you had been meaning to call them anyway, right?

It's News You Can Use

PM Careers:

Chapter/Membership Organizer

Racial and Economic Justice Organizer

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's ex-fed workers find tough market; fund cuts keep on coming
• \News You Can Use: How Trump/Musk cuts are affecting Maryland and who’s pushing back 
• As a Federal Worker, I am Angry.
• News You Can Use: State and Fed-level struggles continue on deportations, fund cutoffs and other probably illegal Trump behavior
• Major Wins & Real Challenges: 2025 Housing Legislation Wrap-Up
  

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

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