We’re in touch this week with the deep gratitude we feel for our members, volunteers, supporters and leaders. All of you have helped us make the most of this critical election year! We’ll be spending the rest of 2022 planning our work for the upcoming legislative session, our annual Membership meeting and other important events. Thank you for all of your involvement and the ways in which you inspire us. We appreciate all of our affiliates and partners, too, who have helped us build more grassroots power this year. 

We’d also like to use this week’s opening message to express our sorrow and outrage about the deadly attack on LGBTQ folks who were gathered at Club Q in Colorado Springs this past weekend. The patrons were gathered to see a drag show on the eve of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Our hearts go out to everyone who was there, to those who are injured and recovering, to the queer community in Colorado, and all the families and friends who lost someone dear to them.

These acts of violence carried out against our communities must end. Progressive Maryland condemns this crime and all forms of domestic terrorism and hate speech. To express our solidarity with the victims, let’s keep pushing to end the epidemic of gun violence and to secure laws and policies that will protect and affirm queer people of all ages.

Stay well and safe during your holiday travels and gatherings. 

Many thanks, 

The Progressive Maryland Team

Election Corner:

Election results are still being tallied in some races, view here.

Take a look at PM's Endorsed Candidate Results on our website!

Congratulations to recently declared winners and PM endorsed candidates Dawn Gile, who won the State Senate seat in District 33, and Jacob Bennett, who has been elected to the County Council in Harford County District F. 

Task Forces & Chapter Updates:

Healthcare For All:

Our priorities are shaping up for the 2023 Maryland General Assembly. We’ll focus on ensuring that the Prescription Drug Affordability Board gets off to a strong start in their actions to set upper price limits (UPLs) on some medications that local governments and the state government purchase. Our work to get recognition and relief for people with crushing medical debt will continue during the upcoming session. We’ll support the Access to Care bill that expands healthcare for Marylanders in need. On the national level, we’re starting to get involved with the Care Over Cost campaign led by People’s Action. More to come and in the meantime, sign a petition to Elevance Health to tell them to pay for the care people need. Want to get involved? Contact Patty.

Returning Citizens Task Force (RCTF):

RCTF will hold its regular bi-weekly meeting on Tuesday, November 29  from 6:00 -- 7:00 pm. Our agenda will include a brief recap of PM’s  Election Debrief on Nov. 17 and a discussion of local initiatives around housing, jobs, and other needed services to support people returning home from prison. To learn more, contact Kurt.

Progressive Harford County 

Congratulations to Jacob Bennett, the local endorsed candidate we campaigned to elect to the Harford County Council! He’s won the seat to represent District F. Our chapter is growing and needs your support with our activities; click here to fill out the form. For questions or more information contact Zack.

Progressive Prince George's

The new Members of the County Council will be sworn in at the Exchange of Gavel on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building. The hearing can be accessed in a hybrid manner (virtually or in person). RSVP with the Clerk of the Council no later than Nov. 28 by emailing her to attend or watch live here. We hope you can join to show solidarity with these new Members, many of whom we worked hard to elect.  

For questions, concerns or ways to get involved with our Chapter click here.

Lower Shore Progressive Caucus

We had some victories and some losses in the general election outcomes. The Shore activists and leaders have never done so much voter outreach and get out the vote work. We need to build on the foundation that all these hardworking volunteers and organizers built in a number of communities. Contact Kris to learn more and get involved.