Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• • PM task forces & issue campaigns
    
  • Events from Allies
  • Latinx Heritage Month Events
  • State & National news

Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns 

Healthcare Justice: Taking Action This Fall!

Healthcare Issue Organizing

We believe everyone should get the healthcare they need when and where they need it. When this becomes the norm in this country we’ll see stable, healthy and safe families and communities. It’s going to take a powerful movement to win. That’s why we have stepped up our organizing! Join us to stand up to the unchecked greed of drug companies, insurance companies and hospitals. 

Actions and Activities: 

–Tonight: Attend a virtual statewide event at 6:00 p..m. about the state’s critical next steps to deal with the high cost of prescription drugs. Click here to join. You’ll learn about the Action Plan the state Prescription Drug Affordability Board is putting together to put Upper Payment Limits on some drug prices. Sen. Van Hollen and leaders from the House of Delegates will also be there. 

– Join our community events in the Baltimore area and Montgomery County in late September and October. We’re door knocking and taking direct action to demand that health insurers stop denying care and claims. Contact Patty to learn more. Public pressure campaigns work! Cigna just announced this month  it is removing some prior authorization requirements.  

– Stay tuned for updates on the End Medical Debt Campaign Maryland’s 2024 priorities. On the federal level hundreds of people and allies across the country have urged three federal agencies, CFPB, HHS, and the Treasury to use their power and authority to crack down on the institutions that are really  driving the medical debt crisis--hospitals, health insurers and drug companies.

EVENTS FROM ALLIES:

Life After Release Expungement Clinic 

The criminal record’s expungement clinic is a chance for members of the community to meet with an attorney to have their criminal records expunged. The goal is to have a petition for expungement drawn up after meeting with an attorney. 

Time: Tuesdays and Saturdays 1 – 3 p.m. EDT

Location: 4719 Silver Hill Rd Suitland-Silver Hill, MD 20746

PG County School Board member Jonathan Briggs will host a town hall meeting on September 28, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. EST.

This gathering will serve as a platform to engage, collaborate, and exchange insights. It's an opportunity for Jonathan to share the latest developments from the Board, outline his vision for District 2, and, most importantly, listen to your valuable input as we work hand in hand to empower our community. Please add your name and email to the attached form if you are interested in participating. 

Hispanic Heritage Heat

PS: "As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, don't forget to check back here every week for new and exciting events that pay tribute to and uplift our vibrant Hispanic community!"

Opening Gallery Reception for Voices of Hispanic and Latinx Artists Exhibit, Thursday, September 21 6 - 8pm EDT

A group exhibit featuring artwork by Hispanic and Latinx artists at Chesapeake Arts Center. Sign up here

Hispanic Heritage Month Opening Reception -- Thursday, September 29, 6 – 8 pm

Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville,MD is hosting 

an evening of art, live music, delicious cuisine, and interactive activities that are fun for the whole family! While you’re there, don’t forget to pick up their Hispanic Heritage Month guide featuring a full month of art, music, film, and dance throughout Prince George’s County.

Sandy Point State Park will host a Hispanic Heritage Environmental Festival on Oct. 2. Presented by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Chesapeake Conservancy, Corazón Latino, the National Park Service, and Defensores De La Cuenca, the event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features boat rides, Zumba classes, fishing demonstrations, food trucks, and more.

Employ Prince George’s Hispanic Heritage & Multicultural Job & Resource Fair, Thursday, October 12

Designed for multilingual jobseekers, you will have the opportunity to connect with companies and programs with hundreds of jobs. Sign up here.

State and National News:

Maryland's educational establishment is already having trouble digesting the brute facts of the Blueprint for America's Future, and after last week it will have to start looking for a new top state actor to bring it about -- the incumbent state superintendent has opted to go elsewhere. Plus power company scams, Bidenomics bullhorn in Prince George's, not enough money for transportation projects and social justice action at the county level -- is the Assembly watching? It's News You Can Use for this tumultuous week, including the chaos in Congress for dessert.

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 -- A setback for Maryland schools, struggling with the Blueprint and power-company scams. News You Can Use

•  

  Filling state worker ranks; oversight for schools; still more highways: News You Can Use

• After Labor Day, Maryland sees good and bad news going into fall. It's News You Can Use

• State schools' spending, gas tax revenue in the EV era, and other money issues are News You Can Use

• News You Can Use: MD Budget may be bigger scramble than was hoped 

>>Read more on the homepage of progressivemaryland.org

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