Maryland's media sleuths are agog at what TIME Magazine found when examining real estate mogul Larry Hogan's votes -- as governor -- for projects in which he had apparent conflicts of interest. We have the roundup here, as well as potential vulnerabilities of the Bay Bridge, an opinion that some judges shouldn't be on the ballot in Maryland, and a slow post-Pandemic recovery of school enrollment in the state. All that plus news about the other 49 states and the federal government. No news about Congress, though; they're on break till after the general election. Should we feel anger or relief?

Maryland officials are busily leveraging new funds to attack the housing shortage in Baltimore through an "acquire and repurpose" program for the inventory of vacant or abandoned dwellings.  Officials are also planning to forgive debts on parole tabs formerly owed by state inmates, now made illegal by a new law. And they have to be basking in the news that many thousands of Maryland's children have been helped to get more nutritious food through a family grocery program this past summer. All that and more about Maryland, plus (sometimes startling) news from the other 49 states and in areas that affect the entire nation (no news from the Feds, of course; Congress is out for election campaigning after doing about as close to nothing as any session since Harry Truman). It's all in this week's News You Can Use.

Sean Dobson, a political analyst and campaigner as well as a longtime friend of Progressive Maryland, outlines how MAGA-GOP operatives could interfere with, and even overturn, a legitimate Democratic presidential victory. His several scenarios show that the Electoral Count Reform Act, useful as it can be, may still not prevail against operatives determined to put Trump back in office. Attention to swing states, by all large-D and small-d democratic forces, must be paid.

Happy last day of September! As we prepare to enter the fourth quarter of the year, it’s time to focus on finishing 2024 strong. With just a few months left, we’re more motivated than ever to drive meaningful change and build a brighter future for Maryland.

Last Thursday, we held our Annual Gala, and it was an incredible success! The evening was filled with inspiration, powerful conversations, and a shared sense of community. Nina Turner delivered a stirring keynote speech, reminding us of what’s at stake in this election and the importance of defending our democracy. If you missed her speech or want to relive the moment, you can watch it here. A huge thank you to all who joined us and to our sponsors, artists, and volunteers who made the night possible. We recognized some of Progressive Maryland’s outstanding volunteer leaders who helped to lead our healthcare, environmental, and housing justice work and who donate their time and expertise to our communications team and organizing staff. Check out our PM Events section later in the memo for the full list of awardees.

As we look ahead, we have just 36 days left until the election, 24 days until early voting begins, and absentee voting is already underway. Now is the time to do everything we can to defend our democracy! One of the most effective ways is by making sure voters have a plan to vote and know what’s at stake, especially in the critical Senate race.

We need your help! Sign up for a phone banking shift this Tuesday or Thursday—we have various times available, and whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to get out the word.

Sign up for a phone banking shift here:

Tuesday Phonebanking to Save the Senate

Throwdown Thursdays

We also encourage everyone to tune in to the Vice Presidential Debate tomorrow at 9 PM. It’s an important opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, and we hope you find time to watch.

As always, read on for updates from our task forces, issue campaigns, and the latest in state and national news.

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Pretty amazing how a mere national disaster puts state news in the shade. Helene was like that, revving up to Cat4 in the superwarm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and delivering a haymaker up and down the Florida peninsula’s West Coast and into the Panhandle before going on to flood much of the Southeast up to… Virginia!. Florida has a state-backed home insurance plan; how much pressure will this latest disaster put on it, and the insurance industry as a whole?  See below for some early estimates on the total cost of one of climate change’s biggest recent tantrums. As we see below, POLITICO Playbook reported Monday a.m. that President Biden said he "may have to" call Congress back into session to pass emergency disaster funds. Yes, there is other news – also about climate. Maryland finally got around to protecting workers against our ever more superheated summers – now that summer is officially in the rear-view mirror. It’s all News You Can Use.

"Immigrants breathe new life into communities. Our hope, resilience and joy renews faith in what is possible when we live an “American Dream” of solidarity together." Read an account of what the real immigration problem is from Sulma Arias of People's Action. It is not immigrants -- who are keeping our economy vibrant and our culture ever self-enriching. Instead, it is ultra-nationalist demagogues like Trump and Vance, and the lies they use to prop up their failing effort.

Happy fall! With the season just starting, it’s a great reminder that the sprint to Election Day is officially on. Can you believe we’re less than 45 days away? Here in Maryland, absentee voting has already begun as of today, so there's no time to waste. Remember, you don’t need an excuse to request a ballot, but make sure to submit your application by October 29. Your completed ballot must reach state officials by November 5. For all the details you need, including how to get registered, check out our 2024 Voting Tools page.

This week, we’re gearing up for our big Annual Gala this Thursday, September 26, at Yellowfin Restaurant in Edgewater. Don’t miss your chance to join us for an unforgettable evening of inspiration and connection. Hear from our keynote speaker, Nina Turner, mingle with passionate progressives, and celebrate the strides we’re making to build a better Maryland. Tickets are going fast, but there’s still time to secure yours—grab your ticket here!

There’s plenty to catch up on in this week’s memo, including updates on our issue campaigns, state and national news, and ways to get involved. Let’s keep the momentum going as we head into this critical election season!

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Are we ready to spend $780 million on our school systems statewide? In the next ten days? Maryland school officials assure an inquiring reporter that they can do it before that federal deadline. We can imagine some proposals, from actual teachers. And as we enter October, voting gets under way -- mail voting sooner, early voting a little later, and fussing about the Senate race still under way. Read more about this, plus what's going on (good and bad examples) in other states and at the federal level, including (eeew) Congress. It's all News You Can Use.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15th. It’s a time to celebrate the rich contributions of Hispanic communities to our country, but also to reflect on the challenges they continue to face. Here at Progressive Maryland, we are committed to fighting for the rights of all people, including Hispanic communities. This November, the stakes are high, with right-wing politicians making it clear they’re targeting Hispanic communities with harmful policies. That’s why we need to ensure that everyone we know gets out to vote this election.

We’re also just 10 days away from our Annual Gala on September 26th, and tickets are selling fast! We’d love to see you there for a night of inspiration, networking, and progress. Special shoutout to our amazing sponsors: 1199 SEIU, People's Action, the Montgomery County Education Association, the Maryland National Organization for Women and the Office of Councilmember Will Jawando. You can buy your tickets here and join us for this unforgettable event.

In other news, our Executive Director Larry Stafford Jr. will be speaking with Jamilla Woods on WPFW 89.3 FM about the recent state budget cuts and how they will impact funding for child care and Medicaid. Listen live here or tune in directly to WPFW 89.3 FM on Tuesday, September 17 at 11am to catch the conversation. You can also access the show after it airs here.

There are plenty of ways to get involved with us here at Progressive Maryland. Read on for more on upcoming events, opportunities, and important state and national news

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

How to improve the Chesapeake Bay (and the complex forces, human, social and natural, involved) ties in with events like the Curtis Bay coal dust problem, enviro solutions like more bike-and-walk ways to get to work, the sudden closing of Atlantic Beaches, and on the political front big-time worries among state elections officials about whether the USPS mail system is being strangled (and mail voting endangered) by USPS's cost-obsessed (and Trump-appointed) Postmaster General. Ben Franklin, he ain't...

Happy Monday! We’re in the final stretch of the election season and we know your inbox and phone have been buzzing with messages, ads, and reminders, but that’s because the stakes are high. With less than two months to go, this is the most crucial time to make sure you're ready to cast your vote.

Early voting starts on October 24, 2024, and now’s the time to lock in your voting plan. Head to our website where you can register to vote, find your polling place, and even preview your exact ballot so you know what’s coming.'

There’s a lot going on here at Progressive Maryland as we ramp up our efforts. Keep reading for updates on key state and national news, plus plenty of ways to get involved in these final weeks!

Let’s get ready to win this!

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

The side issues in Maryland's hotly contested Senate election are not only taxes and regulatory issues but they are Maryland tax and regulatory issues as well. The Senate race is spiced by attacks on Gov. Wes Moore's handling of such issues by his predecessor, generally an attack on Democratic governance meant to sideswipe Larry Hogan's opponent in the Senate race, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Moore is retaliating quite directly. Read about these and other state issues as well as the political back-n-forth in the Other 49 (states) and the Federal landscape as Congress returns and a government shutdown looks more likely. It's News You Can Use for this week, as usual a mixed bag.

We hope you enjoyed the Labor Day weekend and had some quality time with family. As we welcome September, we’re officially in the final stretch—exactly 9 weeks from Election Day. This election is one of the most important and intense we’ve faced, and it’s crucial that we come together as a community to ensure our values are protected at every level—presidential, congressional, state, and local. Every level is equally important, and defending our democracy requires action across the board.

To help you stay informed and engaged, our website features an easy-to-navigate 2024 Election Tools page. Be sure to check it out for essential election information and tools to make your vote count.

The Senate race in our state is particularly critical and heating up fast. According to WBAL, a new poll shows the Maryland U.S. Senate race is tied. With so much at stake, we must reach even more voters and out-organize the Republicans. We’ve been working hard to reach voters and our efforts are far from over.

Every Thursday evening, we host phonebanking sessions where we talk to voters about Angela Alsobrooks and help them solidify their voting plans. And this month alone, we have four Days of Action dedicated to canvassing for Angela Alsobrooks in various locations across the state. Sign up here to get involved.

As we gear up for these final weeks, your involvement is more important than ever. Let’s come together to make sure our voices are heard and our values are defended.

Read on for important updates from our task forces and issue campaigns, events from allies and the latest state and national news.

In solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

Yes, a big Nebraska company got an initial contract to rebuild the Key Bridge while the state seems to be trimming a lot of local road rehab out of the stressed budget. Meanwhile, health hazards -- coal dust, listeria and yes backyard chickens -- creep into our state. In the other 49 states, news of plastic bags and environmental foot-dragging, solar on public land, a Green New Bank and lots of news on the national front from various sources. It's after Labor Day, all the political newsletters are using terms like "the home stretch" and of course its fizzing state and nationwide. It's News You Can Use and these days there's never too much and it's always more than you can stand.

Happy Monday and Happy First Day of School! As our children head back to class today, we're entering year three of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. This is a pivotal moment for improving our education system, ensuring every student has access to quality education and the resources they need to thrive. We're making strides, but there's still work to be done.

We’re also exactly one month away from our Annual Gala! This year's event is set to be bigger and better than ever. With Nina Turner as our keynote speaker and Drew Murray the magician hosting the evening, you won't want to miss the chance to connect with fellow progressives, community leaders, and passionate advocates. Early bird tickets end this week, so make sure to grab yours before they’re gone!

As we gear up for the fall sprint to Election Day, we’re coming off the momentum of the DNC ceremonies and focusing on Maryland’s crucial Senate race. While Hogan and his team mock and insult Alsobrooks in the media, we’re doubling down on our efforts to out-organize the Republicans and reach voters where it counts. That’s why we need you to join us for Throwdown Thursdays, our weekly phonebanking session dedicated to GOTV for Alsobrooks. Sign up here and help us make every call count. We’ll be at it every week until the election and the big day will be here before we know it.

Read on for updates from our issue campaigns and task forces, opportunities to get involved, and the latest state and national news.

Lots going on under the umbrella of Labor Day's official launch of the presidential campaigns -- The Bay's pollution by two large local businesses is compounded by local governments' insufficient moves to remedy stormwater runoff. Result: a one-two punch to the Bay's future. Students' cellphones are an up-front issue in schools throughout the state, while the effects of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, the long-range (and expensive) plan for school improvement, is creeping into everyday life in mostly good ways (unless you are a county budget officer). Around the country, those states that still tax groceries are deciding to dump or suspend them to ease supermarket costs. And more: new Covid boosters OK'd, states struggle to overcome local resistance to renewables, and a software company is sued by DOJ for enabling rental price-fixing. It's News You Can Use.

Today marks the beginning of the Democratic National Convention and we’re excited to see the energy and commitment to democracy take center stage. This DNC comes at a crucial moment when we need a powerful, joyful, and united front against Trump’s attacks on our families, freedoms, and future. It’s a time to celebrate democracy and listen to the voices of everyday people.

With our presidential candidate Kamala Harris leading the charge and Governor Wes Moore set to speak, this is a critical opportunity for us all to rally behind our values and build momentum to defend our democracy. Harris and Walz should continue listening to grassroots people and organizers, and call for a new course on Gaza. But right now, we must also be clear: President Biden still has several months left in office, and it is his responsibility to use his influence to secure a real ceasefire and prevent U.S. weapons from being used against civilians in Gaza. We also commend those who are exercising their right to protest peacefully despite an atmosphere of pressure, intimidation, and provocation around this issue. We want a country where everyone belongs and everyone has a say, regardless of race, religion, or country of origin. As the DNC unfolds over the next four days, we hope you’ll tune in and stay engaged.

On Friday, we announced the date for our Annual Gala on September 26th, and tickets are now live! The early bird sale is happening now, so make sure to grab your tickets here. You can find more details later in the memo.

We still have a lot going on here at Progressive Maryland. Our issue campaigns and task forces have plenty of ways for you to get involved, so read on for important updates and news you can use.

Let’s keep up the energy and stay focused on the work ahead! See what we are doing and where you can pitch in -- below.

The Maryland Association of Counties (MaCo) conference in O.C. is an event that brings state and local officials together (at the beach!) to hash out difficult details -- usually about budgeting. This year the ambitious K-12 education goals in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future were chafing all concerned, and as usual any discussion of tax changes sent all those officials scurrying for cover. Taxing the well-off and corporations (who are after all the source of campaign funds) is never popular, even in an alleged blue state.

Maryland is, however, excited about the Democratic Convention this week, even though it's in Chicago -- because a major stage was set here. Many will recall that just last week President Joe Biden and candidate-designate (and Vice President) Kamala Harris were at Prince George's Community College to ballyhoo the results of Medicaid's power to negotiate drug prices. That's a power that every large corporation has -- quantitative scale procurement pricing -- but the country's largest health care provider was shut out until now because of Congressional resistance and (not incidentally) as a result of lobbying and handouts to Congress from Big Pharma. See more below in the roundup by People's Action. The first ten medications, announced last week, will be followed by many more in sequence, assuming the next administration follows the law of the land. You can guess which one would. Note also that many states, like ours, are doubling down on health care concerns at the state level to buttress what's going on at the federal level. That kind of solidarity can only be good. It's News You Can Use.

The Olympics wrapped up yesterday, and the USA topped the medal count once again! Maryland played a huge role, with 18 athletes competing in the Paris Games, and half of them bringing home medals. Maryland will have even more athletes competing at the Paralympic Games later this month. Now, it’s time to channel that winning energy into our own high-stakes race with the upcoming general election. With the Vice President officially selecting Tim Walz, the most progressive of her potential running mates, things are heating up on the national stage. But our work doesn't stop there. 

Here in Maryland, we have a lot on the line with the critical Senate race and local races that will shape the future of our communities. That’s why this Thursday, August 15th, we’re hosting a huge virtual election campaign launch to bring together progressives from across the state. We’ll discuss our strategies, activities, and tactics for the upcoming election, and explore how everyone can get involved. Delegate Tiffany Alston will be joining us as a featured speaker, and you won’t want to miss it! RSVP Here for Thursday Evening.

Our task forces and issue campaigns have also been hard at work this month, hosting key community events and pushing forward on vital initiatives. Read on for important updates and learn how you can join the action.

Let’s bring home the gold for Maryland this election season!