The fall season has been a whirlwind of activity for us at Progressive Maryland, with an incredible surge of organizing and hard work, and there's even more on the horizon. In the midst of our bustling fall, we're proud to highlight the strong stance taken by Jewish leaders across Maryland in support of CASA's recent statement condemning violence. 

Last week's municipal elections were a testament to the power of grassroots engagement, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers who stood with us, supporting our endorsed candidates in crucial local races. In the aftermath, we're thrilled to announce the victories of two outstanding individuals: Izola Shaw for Rockville City Council and Tim Adams for Bowie Mayor. Tim's re-election ensures the continuity of impactful work in Bowie, while Izola's win as the sole progressive in her race promises fresh perspectives and positive change for Rockville. Check out the Election Corner section for more details.

As we look ahead, our task forces and issue campaigns are gearing up for significant events. Read on and explore ways to get involved as we approach the busy winter and the imminent legislative session, just a couple of months away. Now, more than ever, our collective advocacy for progressive policies in Maryland is crucial, especially as we approach a pivotal election year.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• • Election Corner

  • PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF, EJTF 
  • Events from Allies
  • State & National news

Election Corner: 

We take a moment to applaud the tireless efforts of our endorsed candidates who poured their passion and dedication into hard-fought campaigns. Their commitment to progressive values shone through, and we couldn't be prouder.

RESULTS

Izola Shaw's Win in Rockville City Council Race:

• Secured an impressive 7,250 votes.
• Constituted about 12.27% of the total votes.
• Faced stiff competition in a race with 12 candidates.

Tim Adams' Win in Bowie Mayor Race:

• Clinched victory with a remarkable 4,821 votes.
• Captured an overwhelming 72% of the total vote share.
• Demonstrated widespread community support for his progressive leadership.

Congratulations to both Izola Shaw and Tim Adams for their well-earned successes.

Thank you to all those who played a role in supporting these campaigns, as together, we continue to build a more progressive and inclusive future for our communities.

PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates

Listen Lead Share Community Conversations

• Public Health & Environment, TONIGHT, November 13th: Sign up here!
• Environmental Justice, November 20th: Sign up here!

Environmental Justice Task Force: A New Era of Power Will Dawn in South Baltimore this Thursday.

With over 100 RSVP’s for Progressive Maryland’s public forum this Thursday, November 16, from 6:15p-7:45p, at Enoch Pratt Library Brooklyn Branch (300 E Patapsco Ave), the event looks to be transformational, as frontline community members in South Baltimore will finally have the chance to share how they feel about their tax dollars supporting the wealth of a dirty trash incinerator. Casa, and a member of the Baltimore Compost Collective will be in attendance.

Altogether, the stories from our frontline community members will hopefully spur elected officials to remove trash incineration from the state's renewable energy program during next year's legislative session. If you would like to attend this game-changing event,  register here.

Healthcare Justice: Building the Momentum for 2024!

Everyone should get their healthcare needs met when and where they need them. Our long term goal is winning a Medicare For All, universal, publicly funded healthcare system at the national level. In the meantime, we are fighting for folks who have no coverage at all and for all the people who have health insurance but can’t actually use their policies because carriers are denying care. It’s our Care Over Cost campaign. Here’s a refresher about the campaign: COC explainer video

Our growing grassroots group of supporters have shared stories, knocked doors and helped us do a powerful direct action at CareFirst’s Baltimore County offices in October. The next stop on the campaign is Annapolis!

It’s time our state lawmakers pay attention to this spreading crisis. Too many Marylanders are struggling to get prior authorizations for referrals, medications, and other medically necessary procedures. Over the past several months we’ve heard the painful stories of how recommendations from doctors for care are being turned down or slowed down by insurance carriers. One Baltimore City mom shared that her teenager has to get approval for the life sustaining medication he takes every single month! Too often we’re hearing from people that they simply give  up on getting claims reimbursed because it’s so time consuming. Enough is enough!

We need your help at this critical time. answers and we need action!

1. Tell us about your insurance experience. NEW SURVEY LINK
2. Join us here! Whether you have some, just a little or no experience - all are welcome!
3. Contact Patty with your questions and suggestions 

EVENTS FROM ALLIES:

The Inclusionary Housing Coalition needs you to tell the Baltimore City Council to vote YES for inclusionary housing! The vote is tomorrow, November 14th and the coalition will be rallying outside City Hall at 4pm to urge councilmembers to vote yes on the bills. Click here for more details and to see how you can help

State and National News:

After nearly a decade of struggle, the site for a new FBI building, replacing the crumbling brutalist behemoth down in DC, has been declared as Greenbelt, Maryland, in Prince George's County. The fact that the current FBI director would have preferred Virginia has become clear, but elected officials in Maryland are confident the decision will stick. Also, the state faces some possible revenue declines (including in gas tax revenue as hybrids and e-cars take hold), so the 2024 Assembly session (an election year) is already looking fraught. All this plus news of good and bad decisions in other states and way up there in Congress, too, continues to tumble our way. Get all the News You Can Use right here.

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 -- The FBI is coming to Greenbelt; schools are grappling with Blueprint futures; CASA caught up in Israel/Gaza controversy, and more: News You Can Use

• New Today -- Not In Our Name: Open Letter

• Environment and elections (outside Maryland) get most of the eyeballs. News You Can Use

• A few leftovers in Maryland's fridge, plus tropical fish in the Bay and House finally found a guy without enough enemies

• Izola Shaw: A True Progressive Champion Running for Rockville City Council
  

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

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