Here’s what’s in today’s memo:

• • Quick Actions

  • PMD Gala Recap
  • PM task forces & issue campaigns: HCTF, EJTF, RCTF
  • Events from Allies
  • Latinx Heritage Month Events
  • State & National news

Quick Actions:

• SIgn this petition to support Councilmember Oriadha’s fight for a maternal and caregiver health policy change and fair representation for all. 

Gala Recap:

We're thrilled to share the excitement and success of our recent 2023 Annual Gala. This remarkable evening brought together over 150 attendees, including elected officials, community leaders, and passionate activists, all united to celebrate the progress we've made in Maryland's progressive movement.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Congressman Jamie Raskin's powerful speech. He reminded us that when Democrats stand together, there's no limit to what we can achieve. Congressman Raskin's words resonated deeply, inspiring all attendees to continue fighting for our democracy and a government that works for all of us.

Many other legislators showed their appreciation for Progressive Maryland by attending and sending messages of support, demonstrating their commitment to our cause.

Awards were presented to legislators, organizational volunteers, union leaders, and journalists who have played instrumental roles in advancing the progressive agenda. These individuals have been at the forefront of the movement, pushing for positive change, building our issue campaigns, and standing up for those who need it most.

Here is the full list of awardees:

Exceptional Leadership

• • Crystal Parker
  • Mike Walsh
  • LeShaun Q. Mosley

Progressive Champions

• • David Moon 
  • Jheanelle Wilkins
  • Progressive PG County Council

Labor Champions

• • Tom Gagliardo
  • Vicki Leonard 
  • Ricarra Jones

Pride Award

• • Travis Simon 

Excellence in Journalism

• • William Ford 
  • Lindsay Watts 

Volunteer of the Year

• • Woody Woodruff

To learn more about the gala and see photos from the event, please check out the full press release on our blog and click here to view the images from the Gala.

We are immensely grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and played a part in making this event a tremendous success. Together, we are paving the way for a more just and equitable society that will improve the lives of everyday working-class people.

Updates: PM Task Forces & Issue Campaigns 

Healthcare Justice: Taking Action This Fall!

Healthcare Issue Organizing

Congratulations to Healthcare Task Force leaders Crystal Parker and Mike Walsh for receiving the Exceptional Leadership Award at last week’s Gala! Crystal, Mike and all of our HCTF leaders are organizing for Improved Medicare For All, lower prescription drug prices, an end to private health insurance profiteering and for relief for Marylanders with medical  debt. They’re a great team doing some really effective and rewarding work. They want to build their team–contact Patty to find out how to join.   

Actions and Updates: 

– Join our community outreach events in the Baltimore area and in Montgomery County this October. Be part of a National Day Of Action the week of October 9th that spotlights how insurers are putting their profits before people. Volunteers will be door knocking the weekend of Oct. 21st and 22nd we’ll be hosting a community social on October 29th in Baltimore City. Let Patty know if you want to participate. 

– Last Thursday, President Biden announced plans to bar credit agencies from including unpaid medical bills in people’s credit scores. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau oversees credit agencies and plans to issue a proposed rule that could benefit around 100 million people with medical debt. 

Too many of us, patients and providers, are having to fight with health insurers for the care we need or the claims that should be covered. Share your experience here. 

Environmental Justice Task Force

EJTF will host a listen, lead, and share session this Saturday, September 30, at Enoch Pratt Library in Cherry Hill. The purpose of this session is for the EJTF to gather feedback from residents regarding any other community issues, in addition to the nearby Silent-Killing Baltimore incinerator, which is located less than 2 miles from Cherry Hill. If you wish to attend, please register here.

Will trash incineration be a part of Maryland's Climate Pathway Report? Let your voice be heard NOW!

The Maryland Climate Pathways draft report was released in June, and on Tuesday September 12th a listening session happened at Morgan State University in the Center for the Build Environment and Infrastructure studies building. Progressive Maryland’s Environmental Justice Task Force was in attendance, and brought attention to the drafts lack of a plan to remove trash incineration. The removal of trash incineration, woody biogas, and biomass would significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and move Maryland closer to becoming a national leader in reducing GHG. The Climate Solutions Now Act, passed in 2022, requires the state to publish a report by the end of this year detailing a policy pathway to reduce emissions by 60% by 2031 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. We need your voice, you can comment on the draft report here until October 15. 

Be on the lookout for important updates from SirJames and the Environmental Justice Task Force!

Returning Citizens Task Force

Maryland State Delegate Adrian Boafo (District 23) will address this evening’s RCTF meeting on his proposed legislation to “ban-the-box” in housing throughout the state (he was unable to attend our previous meeting).  We will also hear updates on other proposed legislation favorable to returning citizens and updates on our grant program. This evening’s RCTF meeting will be held via zoom from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. For more information contact Kurt.

EVENTS FROM ALLIES:

PG County School Board member Jonathan Briggs will host a town hall meeting Thursday,  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. 

The Baltimore County Progressive Democrats Club Annual Picnic.

JLC’s interactive & dialogue-based workshop, Saturday, September 30 · 10am - 12pm | RSVP HERE!

Maryland Democratic Party Annual BBQ Bash happening next Sunday, October 1st from 4-7PM at Allen Pond Park in Bowie. 

“We’ll be joined by Governor Moore, members of our federal delegation, state and local elected officials, and other strong Democrats and activists from all over the state, and you won’t want to miss out!” RSVP here.

Rally to Support Anton's Law and Ensure Transparency Around Police Misconduct

“Help keep policing transparent and accountable by coming out to a demonstration from 8:30 to 9:30 before the hearing, and then join us at the hearing from 9:30 to 11:30 if you are able”

 Peace and Justice event on Sunday, Oct 15 in Baltimore County.

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!"

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.

State and National News:

As a federal shutdown looms, Maryland's 150,000-plus civil servants face the ultimate bossism -- the need to show up for work without a paycheck while members of the US House fumble a solution repeatedly thanks to the divisions in GOP-majority ranks. (P.S.sst Members of Congress still get paid…) Plus -- a ("somewhat sheepish") Jamie Raskin is urged to reconsider his decision not to run for the Senate at Progressive Maryland's annual Gala in Annapolis. Maryland hospitals (but which ones?) flunk a safety check and new Maryland laws go into effect Oct. 1 It's 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 -- Maryland federal workers in impact zone as government shutdown looms; "Run, Jamie, Run..." News You Can Use

• New Today --The Progressive Maryland 2023 Annual Gala was a Celebration of Unity and Democracy

• 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

>>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