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In our latest blogs: two on school improvement, one on improved election access and one on criminal justice reform efforts. Plus: the inside game of unelected Assembly members; campaigns on the move (Medicare for All, school improvement; hazardous cell transmitters); events in our chapters; calendar of events from our progressive allies; and more.
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Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Tuesday October 15 2019
In our latest blogs: two on school improvement, one on improved election access and one on criminal justice reform efforts. More details are below.
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INSIDE GAME IS SCHEDULED: The resignation of Prince George’s Del. Tawanna Gaines (D-22nd) as she is indicted for mail fraud has rocked the county’s Assembly delegation and brought the announcement by the Prince George’s Democratic Central Committee that potential replacements will be vetted at a PG DCC meeting Tuesday, Oct. 29.
Those who want to be considered for the DCC recommendation to Gov. Larry Hogan – who actually makes the appointment – must file for the job by Tuesday, Oct. 24, a week before the meeting at the MNCPP headquarters, 6600 Kenilworth Ave. in Riverdale.
Several “potential” candidates are listed in the Maryland Matters article, including at least one current member and one former member of the PG DCC, as well as two other unsuccessful candidates for delegate seats. This tends to be an inside game.
One out of every five members of the current General Assembly got the job first through appointment by a local Central Committee (usually, but not always, with a D for Democratic rather than an R for Republican in the acronym). So the insider nature of central committees’ practice has a large influence on the composition of the legislature even though election to central committees – by the electorate at large --usually gets the least attention or consideration from said electorate.
Progressive goals and proposals are continually under attack by the people in power – not only the wealthy and corporate business interests in Maryland, but also the corporate Democrats who parrot neoliberal “wisdom” about staying in the middle of the road because that keeps their campaign coffers filled.
You know them when you see them, and so do we.
Their dependence on big money and its big spenders endangers the interests of everyday working families in Maryland – for instance in the corporate and neoliberal pushback on the necessary steps to restore our schools to excellence, move to clean energy and end mass incarceration. To achieve those goals we have to build power with movement politics – winning elections and holding elected officials accountable to the people. Find out where our chapters are, below. Get more information about Progressive Maryland membership, and join us.
PROGRESSIVE MARYLAND DAY IN, DAY OUT
Our ideals are broadly and concretely represented by the campaigns we wage. At Progressive Maryland (and with our progressive allies) we work for environmental justice, reform of the criminal justice/policing system and cutting the school-to-prison pipeline, fair elections that loosen the grip of big money on our politics, and reform of the systems that keep our families trapped in poverty in the midst of wealth. We are formulating our part in campaigns for Medicare for All (see the Oct. 20 MoCo town hall, below) and for education reform in the path being laid out by the Kirwan Commission:
Progressive activism around the Free State, both Progressive Maryland’s action and those of our allied organizations and individuals, are in this Weekly Memo early every week (usually Monday unless a holiday intervenes). It’s a clearinghouse for folks who are building power together; and you can be in that environment of collective action.
You can get the Weekly Memo by email; just sign up here.
 CAMPAIGNS ON THE MOVE <> Medicare For All<>School Improvement<> <>Electropollution hazard
>>Sunday, October 20 Medicare For All Town Hall in District 6 - 2 PM – 4 PM Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3545 Hosted by Maryland Progressive Healthcare Coalition and 14 others Â
The American healthcare system is not working. We pay more for healthcare than any other country yet millions of Americans still don’t have health insurance or are underinsured.
Come learn about Medicare For All, and how the United States can join every other developed country in the world for a healthier citizenry! Speakers include: Â Â Â Â Gabe Acevero, Maryland Delegate District 39; Laura Kaplan-Weisman, MD; labor activist Larry Cohen, chair of Our Revolution; Sanjeev Sriram, MD ("Dr. America"); Richard "RJ" Eskow, host of the Zero Hour; -- and AN OPEN INVITATION FOR Congressman David Trone to discuss the healthcare of his constituents within District 6 !
>>THE PUSH FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS is at the heart of the Kirwan Commission proposals to improve Maryland’s schools. A new poll shows that about three out of four Marylanders want more money spent on public schools but have low information on what’s being proposed. Here is the excellent recent summary from the Maryland Reporter’s state roundup; it has links to full coverage in several outlets: Luke Broadwater of the Sun reports that in the survey conducted Sept. 13-18, 74% of Marylanders said they support personally paying more in taxes to improve public education, while only 26% were opposed. But only about 22% of those polled said they were aware of the work of the Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, which has rolled out a decade-long reform plan that could cost about $3.8 billion more each year once fully implemented, Danielle Gaines reports for Maryland Matters.
Progressive Maryland activists and your communities can find out more about the Kirwan proposals: The “Blueprint for Maryland’s Future” coalition, including Progressive Maryland and teachers’ organizations statewide, has set 23 information sessions from the mountains to the Shore – the next one is Wed. Oct. 16 in Columbia -- and well into November -- see them all here.
ELECTROPOLLUTION HAZARD IN ANNE ARUNDEL -- Anne Arundel County government will hold a hearing Monday, Oct. 21 on spreading small cell transmitters around neighborhoods. Activists contend that there should be a moratorium on this enabling legislation until health and safety effects are fully understood. County residents can testify at the hearing; signups are at 6:30 but may begin as early as 6 PM. Take Action AA County activist members urge either a moratorium or amendments to mitigate safety and health concerns and restore tree cover lost to the installation.
 Those unable to attend in person may e-mail testimony to Administrative Officer JoAnne Gray at [email protected]. Copies will be made and distributed to all councilmembers. Location: Arundel Center - County Council Chambers, 44 Calvert Street, Annapolis, MD 21401  Phone 410-222-1401. For a fuller explanation of the two bills being heard and their potential consequences, see this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16mH8zkXqV1LG0Xg6PoHETvQK9112LmGlT-0qhONyT2Q/edit?pli=1
Additional sources of info on 5G:Â www.americansforresponsibletech.org, https://whatis5g.info, www.ehtrust.org, https://www.5gcrisis.com, safeg.net
OUR CHAPTERS AROUND THE STATE
Tuesday, Oct. 15 2019 Debate Watch PARTY – 8 PM, Trinity Grill & Bar, 3010 Hamilton Street Hyattsville, MD 20782 -- Hosted By PGCYD, PGCDCC & Progressive Maryland
Saturday, Oct. 19 PROGRESSIVE PRINCE GEORGE’S CHAPTER MEETING, 11 AM--1 PM. At the Clout Workspace, 9221 Hampton Overlook, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. Discuss the work we are doing around education equity, criminal justice reform, and elections and how you can get involved! Sign Up Now
Local Elections and our endorsed candidates: From Union City, Metropolitan Washington AFL-CIO newsletter: Saturday, October 19 Political power starts at the local level, so the Metro Washington Council and the Maryland and DC AFL-CIO are teaming up to host a member-to-member walk for MWC-endorsed candidate Derrick Mallard, in Bowie City Council District 4 this coming Saturday, October 19th. Click here to sign up. Derrick – a bus driver and member of ATU Local 689 -- is running on a platform to bring the wider Bowie community together into the decision-making process. He has been endorsed for election by Progressive Prince George’s and Progressive Maryland.
PMD Montgomery -- Progressive Montgomery Upcoming Events
A list of power-building events with Progressive Maryland in Montgomery County. Find one that works for you and join us!
Canvass for Virginia and James in Rockville! Canvass October 19, 2019 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM ET King Farm Park, 401 WATKINS POND Blvd, Rockville, MD 20850 Join us in the King Farm neighborhood in Rockville to canvass for Virginia Onley for Mayor and James Hedrick for City Council! The ballots are out, which means now through November 5th is GOTV! Sign Up Now
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Sunday, October 20 Medicare For All Town Hall in District 6 - 2 PM – 4 PM Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3545
Hosted by Maryland Progressive Healthcare Coalition and 14 others -- More below in our Allies calendar.
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Take Action Anne Arundel County
See “Electropollution Hazard” above or go to https://docs.google.com/document/d/16mH8zkXqV1LG0Xg6PoHETvQK9112LmGlT-0qhONyT2Q/edit?pli=1
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Lower Shore Progressive Caucus
SAT October 26 Progressive Maryland People's Leadership Institute: Movement Politics Training Organizing Meeting 10 AM - 5 PM ET ATU 1300, 126 W 25th St, Baltimore, MD 21218 This training is for activists interested in running for office, working on a campaign, or volunteering on one. The goal is to empower people with the skills and tools needed to change the political landscape in Maryland. In just one day, participants will learn the tools of the trade from experienced organizers and will leave with the knowledge needed to launch and win electoral campaigns. The training will cover: - How to Run a Campaign and Campaign Strategy - The Process and Rules of Filing to Run For Office - Fundraising and Budgeting - Field operations - Communications   Sign Up Now
EVENTS FROM OUR MARYLAND PROGRESSIVE ALLIES
Tuesday, Oct. 15 – Democratic Presidential Candidates Debate Watch PARTY – 8 PM, Trinity Grill & Bar, 3010 Hamilton Street Hyattsville, MD 20782 – 12 candidates, biggest group on one stage so far. Hosted By PGCYD, PGCDCC & Progressive Maryland
Wednesday, October 16 -- Maryland State Legislative overview for Prince George’s Dist. 47 residents, 9 AM – 2 PM with state Sen. Malcolm Augustine -- information and guidelines on the legislative process from the Department of Legislative Services, a tour of the State House and a light lunch. Recommended arrive 8:45 at Joint Hearing Room, Legislative Service Building, 90 State Circle (College Avenue entrance), Annapolis. RSVP. For questions, please email [email protected] or call 301-858-3745.
 Sunday, October 20 Medicare For All Town Hall in District 6 - 2 PM – 4 PM Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave, Gaithersburg, MD 20879-3545. Hosted by Maryland Progressive Healthcare Coalition and 14 others
The American healthcare system is not working. We pay more for healthcare than any other country yet millions of Americans still don’t have health insurance or are underinsured.
Come learn about Medicare For All, and how the United States can join every other developed country in the world for a healthier citizenry! Speakers include:     Gabe Acevero, Maryland Delegate District 39; Laura Kaplan-Weisman, MD; labor activist Larry Cohen, chair of Our Revolution; Sanjeev Sriram, MD ("Dr. America"); Richard "RJ" Eskow, host of the Zero Hour; -- and AN OPEN INVITATION FOR Congressman David Trone to discuss the healthcare of his constituents within District 6 !
Sunday, October 20    Discussion of “The War on Science” with Tim Whitehead.  2:30-4:00 PM at Greenbelt Community Church, 1 Hillside Road, Greenbelt, Maryland. 20770. Tim Whitehead is executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Sponsored by Maryland United for Peace and Justice.
Monday, October 21 “Reel & Meal at the New Deal” features The Beginning of the End of Nuclear Weapons, a documentary on 2017’s 120-nation UN Treaty to Prohibit Nuclear Weapons.  The free show begins at 7 pm at the New Deal Café, 113 Centerway in Roosevelt Center. An optional vegan buffet at $14 will be served from 6:30 pm. The discussion – possible action to bring the US “Back From the Brink” – will be led by Gwen DuBois, president of Chesapeake Physicians for Social Responsibility and co-founder of Prevent Nuclear War Maryland.
Baltimore progressives, Check in on Max Obuszewski’s highly useful activist calendar and tip sheet at http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/
Reading the Progressive Maryland BlogSpace: our blogs for the previous week are shown below, but if you want a handy way to keep track – and never miss a blog post – you can sign up to get this Weekly Memo by email. Remember this is your blogspace and your participation is heartily invited. See something going on that you don’t like – or that you do like and hope to see more of? Send us your thoughts; submit to the moderator at [email protected]
We recently published these blog posts:
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October 14, 2019 Kirwan funding group meets tomorrow; recommendation expected this week
Polls show Marylanders recognize the need to improve the state’s K-12 schools and understand it will cost more, because many of our county systems are chronically underfunded. A working group of the Kirwan commission that has put together school improvement plans, as this Maryland Matters article outlines, is coming down to crunch time on the costs – particularly to local governments. So it’s freak-out time for certain tax-averse county councils that are dominated by business interests rather than the needs of working families. Marylanders who know the stakes here will need to organize and tell those councils that they can bite the bullet and fund real school improvement. Or the elected officials can expect strong and increasingly well-organized grassroots efforts to return them to private life.
October 11, 2019 Assembly group aims to improve police transparency
Lifting the long-imposed veil over law enforcement misconduct, frequently covered up with the help of outmoded law shielding officers and departments from investigation, is critical but surrounded by barriers. As this Maryland Matters account shows, conscientious Maryland lawmakers are struggling again this year to chip away at the Blue Wall and bring justice to those who suffer police misconduct, sometimes including killings of the innocent.
Your legislators need to hear from you that they should join this struggle instead of looking the other way.
October 10, 2019 State Board will consider additional early voting site in Montgomery, but not Baltimore
Activists nudge the state’s elections bureaucracy to increase the opportunities for early voting in the 2020 primary and general elections – a proven arrangement for increasing participation, especially among disadvantaged blocs of voters. More sites in low-income areas can overcome “transportation obstacles faced in an area with lower vehicle ownership and inadequate public transportation – especially on the weekends.” Montgomery may win, but Baltimore loses, as this account from Maryland Matters outlines.
October 09, 2019 How the community school approach leverages all local improvement efforts
Informational town halls on school funding improvements are under way around the state, with one in Prince George's County's Laurel High School set for tomorrow night (Thursday, Oct. 10). Only a coordinated and fully-funded approach can lift schools and communities together.
October 07, 2019 Progressive Maryland Weekly Memo for Monday, October 7, 2019
Lots of progressive activism going on this week and into October, with a Medicare for All event in MoCo, vigl for a police killing TOMORROW NIGHT in Prince George's, scary small-cell objects in Anne Arundel, and the fight for school improvement, despite Larry Hogan's outside-money campaign against it, going on statewide with informational events from mountains to the Shore. The Memo keeps you up on things; get it by email.
>>REMEMBER – these blog posts are frequently expressions of political opinion from our wide-ranging membership and circle of allies. They are not expressions of opinion by Progressive Maryland. Don’t be surprised if they sometimes vary in their political content. You might even disagree with them – a good reason to contribute a blog of your own. Send it to the moderator, Woody Woodruff, at [email protected].
>>Keeping up with the blogs is easier with the index. The blogs published in the PM BlogSpace from June 2015 through December 2016 are all available with descriptions and links here. You can follow blogs for 2017-18 starting from here
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