Tomorrow is the Primary Election! For those who've already voted, thank you for taking an active role in shaping our community's trajectory. But for those who haven't yet, now's the time to plan your trip to the polls. Let's make sure every voice is counted.

Our endorsed candidates still need your support. If you have some time to spare, we're looking for volunteers to assist at the polls tomorrow. Whether you can commit for a few hours or the whole day, every bit of help makes a difference. Sign up below!

District 1- Tiffini Andorful                    District 5- Iyamide House

Website/ Volunteer Link                     Website/ Volunteer LInk  

             District 7 Phelton Moss                       District 8- Zakyia Goins-Mccants

Website/ Volunteer LInk                      Website/ Volunteer LInk

And for those seeking answers to common voting questions or needing assistance, don't forget to check out our election section.  

Read on for updates from our task forces and issue campaigns, as well as State and National News.

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

This pudding has no theme this week. More states are suing fossil fuel companies for climate change effects; Maryland is getting high marks on LGBTQ+ and data privacy protection; reaching for climate goals here and elsewhere keeps getting more complicated; and the tense standoff between Israel and its number one arms supplier (that would be US) gets tenser. More going on than you might imagine, so dig in.

Early Voting is under way throughout Maryland this week, ending Thursday, May 9 in  advance of the Tuesday, May 14 Primary Election Day -- so you have lots of chances to cast your ballot in what is turning out to be a high-tension primary. Other news includes serious problems in the state's child care system, which is hampered by its private status, as well as a deep-dive roundup of the number of agencies charged with taking a hard look at how the Key Bridge fell and what to do about it. Plus news from other states that have similar problems to Maryland's and what they are doing about them, for better or worse, and perspectives on what's happening in the branches of the federal government (get your popcorn ready). It's all News You Can Use.

Happy Monday! This Wednesday marks May Day, also known as International Workers' Day, a time to honor the contributions of labor movements worldwide. You can check out May Day events from our allies later in the memo.

At Progressive Maryland, we're channeling the spirit of May Day as we gear up for an action-packed month ahead. With numerous issue campaigns and fresh initiatives underway, we're excited to continue organizing and building power for all Marylanders. And as we prep for the upcoming primary elections, your support is crucial. Join us for our weekly Throwdown Thursday phone banking sessions from 5:30-6:30 pm to help local progressives across the primary finish line. Click here to sign up.

Read on for updates and ways to get involved!

In Solidarity,

The Progressive Maryland Team

We had years of Larry Hogan's ambushes -- waiting till the last minute to veto bills from his very Dem General Assembly, giving them minimum opportunity to override until the following year's sessions. We are getting used, now, to a Governor and Assembly that are much more in sync. Wes Moore has (as you see below) rumbled through a big bunch of bills with a fast pen. What it will take to make him down-check a bill is not emerging in a hurry. He has embraced his housing package. Bills are on the way to him -- or have already been signed -- that may have some unpleasant aspects (like the refusal to take the "renewable" label off the choke-inducing Baltimore trash incinerator, or the last-minute sabotage of more general building requirements that would reduce the carbon hit from new buildings). Then there's the youth crime bill with all the panicky responses to carjacking. We'll wait and see if remedies are proposed. Meanwhile, check out what's getting signed, what other states are doing better (or worse) than we are in Maryland,  and keep up with the Feds with People's Action reporting and analysis. It's News You Can Use.

Happy Earth Day! As we gather this week to honor our planet, we’re given the opportunity to highlight the intersectionality of environmental issues and social justice. This week, let's broaden our understanding beyond traditional eco-actions like tree planting and plastic reduction. Let's acknowledge that a sustainable future requires equitable environmental policies that address the disparities faced by marginalized communities. While we are greatly disappointed by the legislature's failure to enact key environmental laws this year, like the Reclaim Renewable Energy Act, our fight for environmental justice continues. Let's use this Earth Week to raise awareness, take meaningful steps, and advocate for inclusive environmental policies. Click here to find ways to get involved with environmental events this week.

Now that the legislative session has come to an end, we’re pivoting to focus on organization building, expanding our task force work, and the upcoming elections. Look out for more announcements as we continue to advocate for progressive policies and create positive change in our state.

Read on for important updates, events from local chapters & allies, and news you can use.

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Most of the news in Maryland is not great, and a lot of it concerns health -- both the wait times in Maryland's ERs, among the nation's worst, and the poor value of behavioral health coverage in many insurance plans. And even though Maryland has a firm right to reproductive health on the books, nobody should overlook how some Supreme Court cases under way might threaten those rights (withouit a constitutional amendment, that is).

On the good side, despite the looming costs, polls show "overwhelming support" for the education reforms in the Blueprint for Maryland's Future. How about good news elsewhere? The UAW pro-union vote at the Chattanooga VW plant was a very big deal in the right-to-work South, but it shouldn't throw shade on still another Starbuck's union win right here in Maryland.

Thank you for being a supporter of Progressive Maryland. We are off to a strong start in 2024 thanks to you and to the dedication of our members, leaders, and staff. With the 2024 legislative session behind us, I’m writing to share some exciting successes, some areas where we fell short, and what we hope to achieve going forward.

Before I continue – we are a grassroots, member-led organization. Our work to oppose corporate influence and pass progressive legislation is only possible through the power of our organized membership. If you share our vision and are excited by what you read below, the most important thing you can do is become a member.

Our priority legislation – wins and losses

Each year, Progressive Maryland members, leaders, and staff develop a list of priority bills and plans to support their passage in the state legislature. In 2024, two of the bills designated as top priorities were able to fully pass, one was able to move through at least one legislative chamber, and one bill did not move forward at all. Additionally, an important housing bill that was not initially designated as top priority was surprisingly able to pass thanks to the critical intervention of Progressive Maryland leaders.