Dear Friend,
Happy Monday! If you tuned in to the Super Bowl last night, you probably felt the impact of the moment. Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was a reminder of who we are and who we fight for. With flags from around the world, a message that “the only thing more powerful than hate is love,” and a clear celebration of immigrants and community, he used the biggest stage in the country to say that unity and togetherness is America.
That message matters, especially during Black History Month as we continue to see blatant disrespect and racism from the highest levels of power. From attacks on immigrant communities, to Governor Wes Moore being disinvited from a bipartisan White House dinner, to racist content from Trump targeting President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, these moments are not isolated. They’re part of a broader pattern meant to divide, intimidate, and erase. But our history, and our present, tell a different story. We honor Black history by continuing to show up, protect our neighbors, and fight for justice, dignity, and belonging for all.
Read on for legislative updates, issue campaign updates, plenty of ways to get involved, and important state and national news. In solidarity,
The Progressive Maryland Team |
Here’s what’s in today’s memo: -
Quick Actions
- BHM Spotlight
- Legislative Updates
-
PMD Events
Campaign Updates Local Chapter Updates -
State & National News
|
Quick Actions: Cut ICE Funding |
ICE violence is escalating, and Congress may soon boost its budget. We can’t let our tax dollars fund terror, disappearances, and inhumane detention. Call your legislators and demand they vote NO on ICE funding.
👉 Take action here
|
Black History Month Spotlight: |
|
|
|
Mary Elizabeth Lange was a Haitian immigrant, educator, and religious leader whose work helped shape Black life and education in Maryland. Settling in Baltimore in the early 1800s, she dedicated her life to teaching Black children at a time when their education was restricted, discouraged, and often criminalized. In 1829, she co-founded the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first Catholic religious order for Black women in the United States.
Through schools, mentorship, and community leadership, Lange built institutions that offered opportunity, dignity, and resistance in the face of exclusion. Her legacy stands as a powerful reminder that Black immigrants have long been architects of justice, education, and community in Maryland. |
|
|
2026 Legislative Session: Stay in the Know |
Climate: Investor-Owned Utility Bonus Limits (HB1 / SB2)
We scored a win last week! The bill that prevents utilities from using ratepayer dollars to pay corporate executive bonuses passed the House on February 6. The Senate version had a hearing in the EEE Committee, and now it needs to be put to a full vote. This is a big step toward keeping your utility bills fair and making sure companies aren’t profiting off our families’ backs.
Immigration: Ban on 287(g) Programs (SB245)
Our push to end local law enforcement collaboration with ICE is moving forward. This bill would ban the federal 287(g) program, which deputizes local police as ICE agents, putting immigrant communities at risk. This legislation would stop existing 287(g) programs and prevent new ones from starting, helping restore trust between communities and local law enforcement and keeping families safe.
|
PMD EVENTS:
Annapolis Task Force Training – Tuesday, February 10, 7:00 PM
Want to get more involved in shaping Maryland policy this session? Attend our Annapolis Training (virtual) to learn how to take action on key issues, organize in your community, and prepare to meet with legislators. Sign up here. Lobby Night – February 23
We’re exactly two weeks away and hundreds of Marylanders will be flooding the halls of Annapolis to make their voices heard! This is the night where people power meets lawmakers. Join us as we push for bold action on healthcare, housing, wages, climate justice, and immigrant rights. You’ll get trained, team up with fellow members, and meet directly with legislators to demand real results for working families. This is your chance to turn passion into power and make change happen. RSVP Today!
|
Task Forces & Issue Campaigns Updates: |
Environmental Justice Task Force: Hold Corporations Accountable for High Energy Bills and Pollution!
Energy bills are skyrocketing, and polluting corporations continue to harm our communities and our environment. Join us Thursday, February 12, from 6:00–7:00 PM EST for a virtual meeting to learn about the environmental justice policies and initiatives we’re pushing, from energy affordability and cumulative impacts legislation to Baltimore City budget advocacy and strategies to shut down the BRESCO incinerator.
Sign up here |
Healthcare Justice Task Force:
Breaking News: We have a Bill - HB 971 to Protect and Reclaim Medicaid! PLUS hearings next week on the Safe Staffing Act!
Safeguarding healthcare programs like Medicaid is PMD’s top healthcare priority. For our most vulnerable residents and about half of the children in our state, Medical Assistance is a lifeline. The Republicans in Congress cut $1 trillion dollars in Medicaid funding in the 2025 budget. It will take effect next year and our state stands to lose as much as $2 billion in funding.
It’s critical for Maryland to identify revenue to replace the loss of federal dollars. Our bill, HB 971, would create a process for the state to assess the expenses (13 cents on a dollar) and downsides (claim and care denials) to using Managed Care Organizations, many of which are private insurance companies, to manage this public program. The state would realize significant savings by transitioning to a direct payment system to administer Medicaid. Connecticut has saved $4 billion since 2012 when they dropped the use of MCOs. Tell lawmakers to support HB 971!
Hearings for the Safe Staffing Act, which will give nurses and front line hospital workers a voice in how ER rooms and beds are staffed, are scheduled for the Senate Finance Committee at 1:00 on Feb.17th and for the House Health Committee at 1:00 on Feb. 18th. This will give our state a powerful way to address the crisis of long emergency room wait times in Maryland. If you’d like to attend a virtual meeting about the bill at 5:30 this Wednesday, Feb. 11th, contact Patty for the link.
|
Frederick County
Calling Frederick County Renters!
If you rent in Frederick County—or know someone who does—take a minute to fill out this quick survey. Your experiences with rent increases will help shape local housing policies and make sure renters’ voices are heard.
|
Maryland amps up its defenses against ICE incursions, worrying some that it might invite them
Maryland, not heavily engaged with ICE enforcement at the battleground scale of Minnesota and some other states, is nevertheless ramping up its defenses. Trump's wholly vindictive assault against Minneapolis-St. Paul is showing signs of wear but state and national officials -- including some in Congress -- are still trying to temper the damage by legal means. Judges, however, are making long lists of the number of legal rulings that the mock-warriors of DHS are routinely ignoring. Congress is near-deadlock on funding the Department of Homeland Security unless Democratic requirements for controlling ICE tactics get some satisfaction. If it gets more intense we might have to do this twice a week. It's News You Can Use, but don't look away too fast or you might miss something.
|
Don't forget to follow us on social media! |
Progressive Maryland
P.O. Box 6988
Largo, MD 20792
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive emails from us, please unsubscribe or update your preferences in your supporter portal. |
|
|
|
