Meeting With State Legislators Sunday Jan 11th

Progressive Groups Hold Successful Meeting With State Legislators (District 20 and 18) in Silver Spring
Next Up--Public Meeting at Wheaton Library this Sunday afternoon--Please Join Us!

When: Sunday January 11th, 1:30 p.m.
Where: Wheaton Public Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton 20902. (The meeting room is on the lower level.)

Progressive Working Group Participants and Friends,

Despite the bad weather, 53 progressive activists met last night with the 8 state senators and delegates from Districts 18 and 20 to present the Progressive Working Group's legislative priorities. Representatives from environmental, immigrant rights, housing, voting rights, community, health care, and peace groups presented 15 progressive priorities for the 2009 state legislative session. Also attending were representatives from Congressman Chris Van Hollen and State Comptroller Peter Franchot's offices. The eight legislators attended generally expressed with support for almost all of the priorities (see below) with some dissent on the ICC and discussions about the Health Security Act continuing.

The Progressive Working Group will hold a similar meeting at the Wheaton Library this Sunday with state legislators from Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. We have already received definite or tentative confirmations from Senators David Harrington, Mike Lenett, and Paul Pinksy, and Delegates Kumar Barve, Jolene Ivey, Roger Manno, Doyle Niemann, Victor Ramirez, Kirill Reznik, Craig Rice, and Herman Taylor. All state legislators are welcome to speak. Other elected officials and members of the public are welcome to participate in Q&A. Please RSVP to me: mikehersh@mikehersh.com to confirm you will attend or if your plans change.

We invite you and progressive organizations to join us on Sunday as we continue to make the case for a progressive agenda for the upcoming legislative session. Please also spread the word to other activists and groups. The Progressive Working Group is building a coalition for progressive legislative change in the state of Maryland and we need your participation.

Legislative priorities presented to legislators will include: the Global Warming Solutions Act, combined taxation reporting for corporations, protection for immigrants, public financing of General Assembly campaigns, Workforce Anti-Fraud Bill, defunding the ICC, Health Security Act (single payer), bill on electoral integrity and transparency, protection for students from military recruiters, Civil Marriage Protection Act, gender identity and expression protection, and no police spying on lawful activities

The Progressive Working Group Steering Committee: Mike Hersh, Elbridge James, Dana Beyer, Wally Malakoff, Norm Oslik, Sharon Dooley, and Mike Tabor will host and moderate discussions.The Progressive Working Group is a coalition of progressive groups, primarily in Baltimore, Montgomery ad Prince George's Counties, working to create a broad-based progressive presence in Annapolis. Progressive groups that need more information on the coalition should contact malakoff@starpower.net

Sunday, January 11 Meet with Del. Manno

DELEGATE ROGER MANNO'S PRE-LEGISLATIVE SESSION COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER   Please join community leaders, neighbors, friends and activists for a  pre-legislative session brunch/lunch to support Delegate Roger Manno.  Date: Sunday, January 11th, 2009 Time: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm Address: 2138 Merrifields Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906 http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2138+Merrifields+Drive,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20906  Join a discussion about the upcoming session of the General Assembly,  the challenges facing Montgomery County and the State, community issues,  and Roger's 2009 legislative agenda.   Suggested donation: $35.00 Light Lunch will be served.  To donate online, click here:  http://www.rogermanno.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute   RSVP/more info: Roger@RogerManno.com Please RSVP by Saturday, January 10th -- all are welcome!!   Please make checks payable to Friends of Roger Manno. Bring checks to this event or mail to: Friends of Roger Manno 2138 Merrifields Drive Silver Spring, MD 20906.  Checks must be received by Monday, January 12th for deposit before the  2009 legislative session of the General Assembly. Donate online here:  http://www.rogermanno.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute   Directions:    From Downtown Silver Spring or DC: North on Georgia Avenue, right on  Bel Pre Road, left on Layhill Road, left on Marymont Road. Follow  Marymont to the end (intersection of Marymont and Merrifields). House is  2138 Merrifields Drive (last house on the right on Marymont).    From Rockville and Gaithersburg: East on Norbeck Road, right on Layhill  Road, right on Marymont Road. Follow Marymont to the end (intersection  of Marymont and Merrifields). House is 2138 Merrifields Drive (last  house on the right on Marymont).    From Olney and Gaithersburg: South on Georgia Avenue, left on Layhill  Road, right on Marymont Road. Follow Marymont to the end (intersection  of Marymont and Merrifields). House is 2138 Merrifields Drive (last  house on the right on Marymont).   Authorized by: Friends of Roger Manno, Vilma White, Chair; Sandra  Zimmet, Treasurer.

Maryland PDA Events Coming Up!

We're Kicking off 2009 with Exciting Events Please join us at some or all of these events this month, and join us in welcoming Progressive Democrats of Towson, our newest chapter, to PDA! 1. Progressive Working Group--uniting Maryland Progressive Organizations--two meetings, TONIGHT (Tues. 1/6) and Sunday 2. PDA chapter meeting in Wheaton (Weds. 1/7)--contact me to organize one near you! 3. Eco-Justice Cafe' in D.C. family-friendly (fun, Fri. 1/8) 4. Help Leaflet for Healthcare NOT Warfare/National Healthcare Jan. 16 5. PDA National Grassroots Conference and Celebration in D.C. Jan. 17-18 6. Support Progressive Legislators / Maryland Session begins Jan. 14 7. Martin Luther King Day fundraiser, 5 DVD set, Change Makes Change -------------- If you haven't already, join PDA: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/default.asp?formid=signup 1. Progressive Working Group--uniting Maryland Progressives: TONIGHT and Sunday: THE 2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN ANNAPOLIS - “A CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN?” January 6th and 11th First Meeting: Tuesday January 6th, 7:15 p.m. Where: Eastern Village Cohousing Community (3 blocks west of Georgia Ave. - 7981 Eastern Ave. Silver Spring 20910) Confirmed: District 18: Senator Richard Madaleno; Delegates Al Carr, Ana Sol Gutierrez, and Jeff Waldstreicher; District 19 Delegate Roger Manno; District 20: Senator Jamie Raskin; Delegates Sheila Hixson, Tom Hucker and Heather Mizeur. Co-sponsored by the Progressive Working Group, Progressive Neighbors, and Eastern Village Cohousing Community. Second Meeting: Sunday January 11th, 1:30 p.m. Where: Wheaton Public Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton 20902. (The meeting room is on the lower level.) Legislators Now Being Confirmed Among the legislative priorities that will be presented to legislators at the meetings: the Global Warming Solutions Act, combined taxation reporting for corporations, protection for immigrants, public financing of General Assembly campaigns, Workforce Anti-Fraud Bill, protection for tenants, defunding the ICC, Health Security Act (single payer), bill on electoral integrity and transparency, protection for students from military recruiters, Civil Marriage Protection Act, gender identity and expression protection, no police spying on lawful activities, and bring the MD National Guard home. PDA is a founding member of the Progressive Working Group--a coalition of progressive groups working to create a united progressive presence in Annapolis. 2. PDA chapter meeting in Wheaton--Wednesday January 6 7:30 PM Plans for 2009 including support for leafleting, PDA upcoming events, more. Where: Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton) Short walk from the Wheaton Metro / Red Line Parking in the lot across the street The Elections are over, we did great, now we have to make plans for efforts into 2009 and beyond including the PDA national grassroots conference January 17 and 18. PDA members from around the US will be meeting at UDC Law School, Van Ness Campus the weekend before the inauguration. You can see all the details here: 3. Eco-Justice Cafe' in D.C. family-friendly fun. When: Friday, January 09, 2009 6 PM - 10 PM Where: University of the District of Columbia 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC 20008 Featuring music, poetry, an open mike session, good food, good beer, good people, good cheer, good info and good karma! University of DC, Firebird Inn, Van Ness/UDC Red Line West exit--Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, 20008. Suggested donation $15/$10 students/$5 kids--Food and drink included. All ages event; child activities provided and powered by kids! More info 4. Help Leaflet January 16 PDA and the Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Healthcare/National Single Payer Coalition will leaflet at metro stations all around Washington, D.C. to tell people about healthcare reform and PDA's Healthcare NOT Warfare campaign. From 5 p.m. until we run out of leaflets or crowds. Red line: Shady Grove, Medical Center, Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Green line: College Park, Greenbelt and Branch Avenue. Orange line: New Carrollton and Largo Town Center. Contact Dr. Margaret Flowers at conversationcoalition@gmail.com to sign up. 5. PDA National Grassroots Conference in D.C. January 17-18 Join several members of Congress, progressive leaders, Col. Ann Wright (ret.), workshops, panels, live music, celebration, tabling, MORE! More info/sign up here 6. Support Progressive Legislators, The 90-Day Maryland state session begins January 14. Please support progressive legislators before the session. No contributions are allowed during the session. 7. Martin Luther King Day fundraiser, 5 DVD set, Change Makes Change PDA Martin Luther King Day Pre-Inaugural Tribute fundraiser: Intimate conversation with PDA Advisory Board Members and friends including Rep. Raul Grijalva, Co-Chair, Progressive Caucus; Rep. Jim McGovern; Thom Hartmann, award winning radio host/best selling author; Tom Hayden, peace activist; Donna Smith of Michael Moore's SiCKO; Code Pink founders Jodie Evans and Medea Benjamin; John Nichols, The Nation Magazine, author The Genius of Impeachment; live music by Dan Reed; SURPRISES! Please contact me for an invitation to the event, January 19 from 10 PM to Midnight. Regular price $300 but available for $275 for a limited time. ----------- A Progressive Agenda for the Obama Years: Pre-Order PDA's 5 DVD set recorded live in Denver featuring exciting guests (House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Sen. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Lynn Woolsey, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Raul Grijalva, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, Rep. Robert Wexler, Rep. Keith Ellison, Rep. Jim McGovern, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Jim Hightower, Amy Goodman, Ron Kovac, John Nichols, Norman Solomon, Donna Smith, Vincent Bugliosi, Mimi Kennedy, Tom Hayden, Jim Zogby, Greg Palast, MORE!), panels, live music. $45 for a limited time. Order online here. ----------- Keep PDA working for you, we're organizing events, supporting legislation, backing candidates, and reaching out to the public on your issues. Support PDA through the Change Makes Change program or with a one-time contribution. ----------- If you haven't already, join PDA: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/default.asp?formid=signup Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal: work with and increase the progressive majority in Congress as we build on our 2008 electoral successes into 2009 and beyond. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann, Jim Hightower, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood. More info | Find Chapters | Find Local Events Spread the Progressive Word--Shop PDAstore

REMINDER--TONIGHT! Support Del. ANA SOL GUTIERREZ

TONIGHT! You are Cordially Invited to
A RECEPTION & FUNDRAISER
For Maryland State Delegate, District 18
ANA SOL GUTIERREZ
Monday, January 5. 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Mi Rancho Tex-Mex Restaurant
8701 Ramsey Ave.. Silver Spring

Come Enjoy Good Friends. Good Food. Plus Progressive Politics

Hear What's Happening in 2009 in Annapolis
If you cannot attend, you can still help support Ana!

Suggested Contributions: From $50 to $500
Please make checks payable to: Gutierrez for Delegate
3317 Turner Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Support Del. Saqib Ali

Passed along from Delegate Ali:

SAQIB ALI DEMOCRAT, DELEGATE DISTRICT 39
"Fresh Ideas, Bold Vision, Strong Leadership"

Dear Friend,

As you know, I am an elected member of the Maryland General Assembly.
I'm honored to serve and represent the people of Maryland's 39th
Legislative District. In this position I feel I have a tremendous
opportunity as well as responsibility to help move our state forward.

The General Assembly holds its annual 3-month legislative session in
Annapolis starting on January 14th. Currently, I'm preparing legislation
for the 2009 session. I have an ambitious plan and I'm hoping for some
momentous results. Keep your eyes on your email box and the newspapers
in the next few months for updates. I hope to work especially hard in in
my capacity as a public watchdog for Maryland's residents and consumers.
Examples: http://www.saqibali.org/blog/

As much as I want to focus on good, progressive policies my job also
entails a good amount of politics. And without strong political
standing, I will be less able to push through desired policies. If I'm
always concerned about my own re-election, I won't be able to focus as
much on legislating. That is why I am requesting your help today.

I humbly request that you make a contribution to my re-election campaign
fund today. My goal is to raise $4,000 before January 9th. I urge you to
donate as generously as you can comfortably afford ($25, $50, $100 or
more). Every dollar counts. And I need your help today. You can donate
online securely with your credit card by clicking here:
http://www.alifordelegate.com/contribute.htm

If you are uncomfortable donating online, please send your donation by
mail to:
12504 Degas Court,
North Potomac, MD 20878.
Checks should be made payable
to "Friends of Saqib Ali".

Your financial support today will make me a more effective legislator.

Thank you for you friendship and support,

Delegate Saqib Ali
(301) 685-3409
www.SaqibAli.org

Support Del. Tom Hucker Sunday, January 11

Governor Martin O'Malley, Speaker Michael E. Busch & Chairwoman Maggie
McIntosh
Invite You to A Reception For Delegate Tom Hucker

Sunday, January 11, 2009 3:30 until 5:30 p.m.
McGinty's Public House
911 Ellsworth Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910

Host Committee: VIPs $4,000 Benefactors: $2,000 Hosts $1,000
Sponsors $500 Patrons $250 Friends $125

RSVP/questions, please call (410) 547-1068 ext 216 or e-mail
jill@martinlauer.com
Please make checks payable to Friends of Tom Hucker.
Contributions or Gifts Friends of Tom Hucker are not tax deductible.
By Authority: Friends of Tom Hucker, Dennis Desmond, Treasurer.

Support Del. Roger Manno Sunday, January 11

DELEGATE ROGER MANNO'S PRE-LEGISLATIVE SESSION COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

Please join community leaders, neighbors, friends and activists for a
pre-legislative session brunch/lunch to support Delegate Roger Manno.

Date: Sunday, January 11th, 2009
Time: 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Address: 2138 Merrifields Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2138+Merrifields+Drive,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20906

Join a discussion about the upcoming session of the General Assembly,
the challenges facing Montgomery County and the State, community issues,
and Roger's 2009 legislative agenda.

Suggested donation: $35.00 Light Lunch will be served.

To donate online, click here:
http://www.rogermanno.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute

RSVP/more info: Roger@RogerManno.com
Please RSVP by Saturday, January 10th -- all are welcome!!

Please make checks payable to Friends of Roger Manno.
Bring checks to this event or mail to:
Friends of Roger Manno
2138 Merrifields Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20906.

Checks must be received by Monday, January 12th for deposit before the
2009 legislative session of the General Assembly.
Donate online here:
http://www.rogermanno.com/contribute/index.cfm?Fuseaction=contribute

Directions:

From Downtown Silver Spring or DC: North on Georgia Avenue, right on
Bel Pre Road, left on Layhill Road, left on Marymont Road. Follow
Marymont to the end (intersection of Marymont and Merrifields). House is
2138 Merrifields Drive (last house on the right on Marymont).

From Rockville and Gaithersburg: East on Norbeck Road, right on Layhill
Road, right on Marymont Road. Follow Marymont to the end (intersection
of Marymont and Merrifields). House is 2138 Merrifields Drive (last
house on the right on Marymont).

From Olney and Gaithersburg: South on Georgia Avenue, left on Layhill
Road, right on Marymont Road. Follow Marymont to the end (intersection
of Marymont and Merrifields). House is 2138 Merrifields Drive (last
house on the right on Marymont).

Authorized by: Friends of Roger Manno, Vilma White, Chair; Sandra
Zimmet, Treasurer.

The Inauguration is coming to town and so are millions of people!

The Inauguration is coming to town and so are millions of people!

Yes, we can have a national health program (if we ask for it)! We need
your help to spread our message of hope for real health care reform and
educate about HR 676.

The Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Healthcare/National Single
Payer Coalition and Progressive Democrats of America will be handing out
leaflets at metro stations all around Washington, D.C. to tell people
about HR 676.

Please join us on Friday, January 16th to leaflet at several Maryland
metro stations. We will start at 5 pm and continue until we run out of
leaflets or crowds.

On the Red line, we'll be at Shady Grove, Medical Center, Silver Spring
and Takoma Park. On the Green line, we'll be at College Park, Greenbelt
and Branch Avenue. On the Orange line, we'll be at New Carrollton and
Largo Town Center.

Please let us know where you can be to help. We encourage you to sign up
in groups of at least 2, but if you need a partner, we'll try to find
one for you. Contact Margaret Flowers at conversationcoalition@gmail.com

Thank you!

Friday Jan 9: Gala event for SENATOR JAMIE RASKIN

Congressman Elijah Cummings and Attorney General Doug Gansler Co-Chairs
of Maryland for Obama

CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO
An extraordinary gala event for SENATOR JAMIE RASKIN, Chair of
Montgomery County for Obama
at the Corcoran Gallery of Art, Friday, January 9, 2009 - 8:00 pm

Live Music By: DAR WILLIAMS! America's Beloved Singer-Songwriter
THE ARK GOSPEL CHOIR OF THE ARK OF SAFETY CHRISTIAN CHURCH & MARCUS
RASKIN in a rare performance by the piano prodigy-turned-philosopher
And Special Invited Guest: IOWA GOVERNOR CHET CULVER Leader of the Great
State of Iowa, where the change began in 2008

Event Details
Friday, January 9, 2009 at 8:00 pm
The Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=500+Seventeenth+Street+NW,+washington,+dc

Black Tie Optional, Exquisite Maryland Wines, Delicacies and Desserts

Tickets:
$4,000 Avedon's Avatars (1-20 tickets)
$2,500 Annie Liebovitz (of Silver Spring!) (1-10 tickets)
$2,010 2010 Visionary (1-5 tickets)
$1,000 America Reframed (1-4 tickets)
$500 Diane Arbus (1-3 tickets)
$250 Picture the Change (1-2 tickets)
$150 District 20 Paparazzi (1 ticket)
$100 Down & Out in the Bush Economy (1 ticket)
$75 Starving Students (from grade school to grad school) (1 ticket)

Note: Donors contributing $1,000 or more will be included on the Host
Committee in our program.

Host Committee (still in formation — your name here!)

RSVP: Yes! I want to come inaugurate the change.
There are two easy ways to RSVP Yes:

1. RSVP Online by midnight on Wednesday, January 7th, using our secure
online credit card processing system:
https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d2/default.aspx?wid=24417
OR
2. RSVP by Check by clicking
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=jNsNZ5D_2bvrKCwnRx984zmg_3d_3d and
indicating what price level you would like to purchase, as well as the
number of tickets and names of your guests. Checks can then be mailed to:

Friends of Jamie Raskin
1611 Ballard Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910

All checks must be received by January 7th, 2009. Precise names of all
guests must be received by January 7th for security purposes (very
special guests have been invited). Space at the event is limited; act now.

No, I cannot attend. If you cannot attend, you can make a secure, online
contribution: https://co.clickandpledge.com/sp/d2/default.aspx?wid=24417

By Authority: Friends of Jamin Raskin, Chair: Debbie Spielberg,
Treasurer: Phil Zipin.

Please note: Friends of Jamin Raskin does not accept contributions from
corporations. Additionally, a person can contribute no more than $4,000
to one Maryland state campaign account and a total of $10,000 to all
Maryland non-federal campaign accounts during the four year cycle. The
current cycle began on January 1, 2007 and will end December 31, 2010.
Contributions to political campaigns are not tax deductible.

Support Del. Waldstreicher Monday, January 12

Please Join Governor Martin O’Malley, Attorney General Doug Gansler,
Speaker Michael E. Busch & Chairman Joseph F. Vallario, Jr.

For a Reception in honor of  Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher, District 18, Montgomery County
With Hosts Mike McCurry, Former Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton, Andrew Mitz & Carol Fried

Monday, January 12, 2009 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
at The Home of Jeffrey Cohen & Leslie Fried
 4406 Brookfield Drive Kensington, MD 20895

 Hosts ~ $500   Patrons ~ $250   Guests ~ $100
 Please make checks payable to: Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher
 Contributions and gifts to Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher are not tax deductible.
By Authority: Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher, Jonathan Sachs, Treasurer.

Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher

1010 Hull Street, Suite 202 • Baltimore, MD 21230

(410) 547-1068 ext. 233

 

Yes, I will attend the Reception on January 12^th. Please reserve:

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­__Host(s) at $500        __Patron(s) at $250      __Guest(s) at $100

 

I cannot attend the breakfast, but I would like to support Delegate Waldstreicher.

Enclosed is my contribution of $ _______.

 

Name _________________________________­  Work Phone_______________­­_

Organization____________________________­ ­ Fax Phone _________________

Address _______________________________  Home Phone________________

City ____________________ State _____ Zip Code _________

E-mail _______________________________________________

 

Contributions and gifts to Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher are not tax deductible.

By Authority:Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher, Jonathan Sachs, Treasurer.

Support Ana Sol Gutierrez Monday, January 5

You are Cordially Invited to
A RECEPTION & FUNDRAISER
For Maryland State Delegate, District 18
ANA SOL GUTIERREZ
Monday, January 5. 2009, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
 
Mi Rancho Tex-Mex Restaurant
8701 Ramsey Ave.. Silver Spring
 
Come Enjoy Good Friends. Good Food. Plus Progressive Politics
 
Hear What's Happening in 2009 in Annapolis
If you cannot attend, you can still help support Ana!
 
Suggested Contributions: From $50 to $500
Please make checks payable to: Gutierrez for Delegate
3317 Turner Lane, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY FOR HR 676, Universal Healthcare TODAY!

NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY FOR HR 676, Universal Healthcare this Monday 22, 2008

GIVE AMERICA A GIFT: One Nation. One Plan. Please call both our Senators
and your Representative in Maryland. (see below)

The first national call-in day is TODAY, Monday, December 22nd. The
second national call-in day will be Thursday, January 15th. Please call
your representative and senators today and next month. Share this
message with fellow Marylanders.

Also, please call Senator Kennedy's office today. In a letter he
explained, "In recent weeks I have been working on legislation that will
have bipartisan support and guarantee quality, affordable health care
for all Americans and their families." Let him know the only way to
achieve this is through expanded and improved Medicare: national health
care for all. Call/Fax Kennedy's office: 617-565-3170 / Fax:
617-565-3183. A draft message to his office is below as well.

If your Representative is not Rep. Elijah Cummings or Rep. Donna
Edwards, then he or she is not a cosponsor of HR 676. If either of these
two represent you, please thank them and encourage them to ask their
colleagues to join the HR 676 effort. If your Representative is not yet
a cosponsor, ask him or her to contact Rep. Conyers to become a
cosponsor. No Senators have cosponsored yet. Ask Sen. Cardin and Sen.
Mikulski to take the lead on this essential effort.

Keep calls brief and to the point. Send a clear message: you want your
elected official to cosponsor H.R. 676--not a weak "compromise" that
will pay our tax money to private for-profit insurance companies which
overcharge and deny medically necessary care. Tell the staffer they can
get more information from Rep. Conyers' office or Healthcare-NOW--email
address: info@healthcare-now.org

Please keep track of your outreach efforts. This information is critical
as we track support for HR 676. Please report results to
info@healthcare-now.org

Find your Senators and Representative using this link:
http://capwiz.com/pdamerica/dbq/officials/ Find their phone number below.

Ask to speak to the Chief of Staff or Health Care Legislative Aide,
rather than leaving the message with whomever answers the phone.

Senator's Name-Phone Number
Senator Barbara Mikulski 202-224-4654
Senator Benjamin Cardin 202-224-4524

Dist.-Representative's Name-Phone Number
1 Rep. Wayne Gilchrest* 202-225-5311
2 Rep. "Dutch" Ruppersberger 202-225-3061
3 Rep. John Sarbanes 202-225-4016
4 Rep. Donna Edwards 202-225-8699 (HR 676 Cosponsor)
5 Rep. Steny Hoyer 202-225-4131
6 Rep. Roscoe Bartlett 202-225-2721
7 Rep. Elijah Cummings 202-225-4741 (HR 676 Cosponsor)
8 Rep. Chris Van Hollen 202-225-5341
* Lost bid for re-election. Incoming Congressperson is Frank Kratovil
phone: 410-643-8201

Draft scripts:

HR676 Co-sponsor call:

Hi, my name is ----------------. I am calling to thank Rep.
___________________ for his/her support of HR676, John Conyers' National
Health Insurance Act. Rep. Conyers plans to reintroduce HR676 shortly
after the Congress is back in session in January, but I want to reaffirm
my support for HR676, single payer healthcare legislation and ask Rep.
____________________ to do the same by signing on again as a co-sponsor
working for true reform of this terrible healthcare system. I say no to
Massachusetts style health care, and yes to single payer health care as
proposed in HR 676. Single payer gives more freedom of choice and access
to quality care for patients and it is the most economical way to make
sure we all can access care when we need it. Now is the time to give the
gift of healthcare for all to every American. Happy holidays and thank
you. If you have any questions about single payer or about me, please
call me at __________________.

Non-co-sponsors call:

Hi, my name is ----------------. I am calling to urge Rep.
___________________ to support of HR676, John Conyers' National Health
Insurance Act. Rep. Conyers plans to reintroduce HR676 shortly after the
Congress is back in session in January, and I want to reaffirm my
support for HR676, single payer healthcare legislation and ask Rep.
____________________ to do the same by signing on as a co-sponsor and
working for true reform of this terrible healthcare system. I say no to
Massachusetts style health care, and yes to single payer health care as
proposed in HR 676. Single payer gives more freedom of choice and access
to quality care for patients and it is the most economical way to make
sure we all can access care when we need it. Now is the time to give the
gift of healthcare for all to every American. Happy holidays and thank
you. If you have any questions about single payer or about me, please
call me at __________________.

Message to Senator Kennedy:

Hi, my name is ----------------. I am calling to urge Senator Kennedy to
make his proposed legislation for health care reform single-payer. The
current reform in Massachusetts is leaving thousands uninsured and is
far too expensive to be sustained because it leaves profit in the middle
of our health care system. In the most recent election, local ballot
initiatives supporting single payer and opposing individual mandates
passed by landslide margins in all ten legislative districts where they
appeared. With almost all precincts tallied, roughly 73 percent of
181,000 voters in the ten districts voted YES in support of a
single-payer system. Say no to Massachusetts style health care, and yes
to single payer health care as proposed in HR 676. Happy holidays and
thank you. If you have any questions about single payer or about me,
please call me at __________________.

Urge MoveOn to explicitly endorse Rep. John Conyers' bill H.R. 676, Expanded and Improved Medicare for All.

Today, MoveOn announced we, their members, voted that our top priority
is "Universal Health Care."

Please remind MoveOn "Insurance" is not the same as "Health Care," and
we voted for the latter not the former.

Urge MoveOn to explicitly endorse Rep. John Conyers' bill H.R. 676,
Expanded and Improved Medicare for All.

Contact MoveOn here: http://pol.moveon.org/feedback/fb/form.html?tp=suggest

I sent this message:

Thank you for polling us, the members of MoveOn, to determine our top
priorities. I agree with millions of other MoveOn members that universal
health care (as opposed to health insurance) should be our top priority.

Thank you for framing the issue accurately. "Insurance" is not the same
as "Health Care," and we voted for the latter not the former.

Please explicitly endorse Rep. John Conyers' bill H.R. 676, Expanded and
Improved Medicare for All. No other approach is proven to
cost-efficiently, fairly and effectively provide universal health
care--currently to all Americans who qualify by age or other characteristic.

Extending Medicare to all, and improving it by allowing negotiations for
pharmaceuticals, higher reimbursements for doctors and other provisions
in the bill, would indeed guarantee universal health care. Other
approaches cannot.

Thank you!

Mike Hersh

Contact MoveOn here: http://pol.moveon.org/feedback/fb/form.html?tp=suggest

Here's the announcement from MoveOn, with the top four priorities:

---------------

Dear MoveOn member,

Hundreds of thousands of us nominated and voted, and now the results are
in--we know where to focus MoveOn's efforts for the next year.

We asked you to vote for your three top goals, but after looking at the
results, it's clear that four rose above and beyond the rest.

Here's how it worked out, in descending order:

1. Universal Health Care

2. Economic Recovery and Job Creation

3. Build a Green Economy and Stop Climate Change

4. End the War in Iraq

(Check the P.S. for a link to the full results, including the percentage
of folks who voted for each goal.)

The agenda you set is bold, ambitious--and it is exactly the change
America needs. Of course, these aren't the only things we'll work on
together--we'll work on other issues as they come up, too. But the four
big goals listed above will be our top priorities.

Over the course of the week, we received more than 78,000 nominations,
1.6 MILLION ratings and 806,707 votes.

And we also received a lot of emails--stories from so many MoveOn
members who're personally affected by these issues. Notes like the one
below are a reminder of why these goals are so critical.

"I lost a daughter to cancer in July after a fight she couldn't win
because she had no insurance. When President-elect Obama said no one in
these United States should die of cancer because they didn't have
insurance, I knew we had to work to get him elected. My daughter had to
go to a county hospital where they died one by one in Houston, TX, one
of the cities with the best cancer hospitals. That is when I joined
MoveOn and worked with them online and in my city to register and get
out the message to vote. My daughter passed away wishing her death would
not be in vain. Yes We Did." --Martha T., Abilene, TX

Click here to read more of these stories on each of the four
priorities--and to see the full results for all 10 finalists:
http://pol.moveon.org/2009/agenda/results/

So, thank you for lending your thoughts, your nominations, and your
ratings to this process. It's a huge, exciting agenda!

Have a great holiday season, and rest up--because in 2009, we've got a
lot to do.

Thanks for all you do.

--Adam, Adam G., Aisling, Anna, Carrie, Daniel, Eli, Ilyse, Joan,
Justin, Karin, Laura, Lenore, Marika, Matt, Michael, Nita, Noah, Patrick
S., Peter, Tanya, Wes and the whole team

P.S. To see the full results from the voting, click below:
http://www.pol.moveon.org/2009/agenda/results/results2.html

GIVE AMERICA A GIFT: One Nation. One Plan.

Monday, December 22: NATIONAL CALL-IN DAY FOR HR 676, Single-Payer Healthcare

GIVE AMERICA A GIFT: One Nation. One Plan. Call both our Senators and your Congress Member in Maryland. (see below)

The Leadership Conference for Guaranteed Healthcare/National Single Payer Coalition Steering Committee has adopted an action plan that includes two national call-in days to Congressional members. PDA is a key member organization of the Leadership Conference on Guaranteed Healthcare with California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, Healthcare-NOW! , and Physicians for a National Health Plan. The call-in days will focus coalition organizations on asking their membership to call individual members of Congress to support HR676.

The first national call-in day is Monday, December 22nd. Activists are asked to target their representatives in their home districts.
The second national call-in day is Thursday, January 15th. Activists will target the DC offices of their representatives.

Call both our Senators and your Congress Member in Maryland. (see below)

We also encourage activists to target Senator Kennedy's office on December 22nd. According to a letter he sent in response to a request to support HR 676, he stated "In recent weeks I have been working on legislation that will have bipartisan support and guarantee quality, affordable health care for all Americans and their families." We need to let him know that the only way to achieve this is by implementing single-payer national health care for all. Kennedy's in-district office can be contacted at Phone: 617-565-3170 / Fax: 617-565-3183. A draft message to his office is below.

Tips for Single-Payer Healthcare Activists participating in this effort:

We want to reach ALL members of Congress with our message. Current cosponsors should be thanked for their support and encouraged to get active behind HR 676. Non-cosponsors should be asked to get on board with HR 676 asap. Find the co-sponsors here. 

Keeping calls brief and to the point is best and not only makes your members more willing to make calls but also makes logging the issue and sending a clear message to Congressional members much more efficient.

Should the Congressional office want more information, you may give them Rep. Conyers' contact information or Healthcare-NOW!'s information.

Please keep track of your outreach efforts--especially reactions to the calls that your members may note. All of this information is critical as we track the support in Congress for HR 676. Please report back about the Call-In day to Healthcare-NOW!.

How to contact your representative: You can find your representatives contact information here. We recommend calling and/or faxing on this day to get your message through. If possible, request to speak to the Chief of Staff or Health Care Aide, rather than leaving the message with whomever answers the phone.

District	Name	Party
Senior	Senator Barbara Mikulski 202-224-4654	Democratic
Junior	Senator Benjamin Cardin 202-224-4524	Democratic
1	Rep.  Wayne Gilchrest* 202-225-5311	Republican
2	Rep.  C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger  202-225-3061	Democratic
3	Rep.  John Sarbanes 202-225-4016	Democratic
4	Rep.  Donna Edwards  202-225-8699	Democratic
5	Rep.  Steny Hoyer  202-225-4131	Democratic
6	Rep.  Roscoe Bartlett  202-225-2721	Republican
7	Rep.  Elijah Cummings  202-225-4741	Democratic
8	Rep.  Chris Van Hollen  202-225-5341	Democratic

* Lost bid for re-election. Incoming Congressperson is Frank Kratovil   (D)

Draft scripts:

HR676 Co-sponsor call: Hi, my name is ----------------. I am calling to thank Rep.  ___________________ for his/her support of HR676, John Conyers' National Health Insurance Act. Rep. Conyers plans to reintroduce HR676 shortly after the Congress is back in session in January, but I want to reaffirm my support for HR676, single payer healthcare legislation and ask Rep. ____________________ to do the same by signing on again as a co-sponsor working for true reform of this terrible healthcare system. I say no to Massachusetts style health care, and yes to single payer health care as proposed in HR 676. Single payer gives more freedom of choice and access to quality care for patients and it is the most economical way to make sure we all can access care when we need it. Now is the time to give the gift of healthcare for all to every American. Happy holidays and thank you. If you have any questions about single payer or about me, please call me at __________________.

Non-co-sponsors call: Hi, my name is ----------------. I am calling to urge Rep.  ___________________ to support of HR676, John Conyers' National Health Insurance Act. Rep. Conyers plans to reintroduce HR676 shortly after the Congress is back in session in January, and I want to reaffirm my support for HR676, single payer healthcare legislation and ask Rep. ____________________ to do the same by signing on as a co-sponsor and working for true reform of this terrible healthcare system. I say no to Massachusetts style health care, and yes to single payer health care as proposed in HR 676. Single payer gives more freedom of choice and access to quality care for patients and it is the most economical way to make sure we all can access care when we need it. Now is the time to give the gift of healthcare for all to every American. Happy holidays and thank you. If you have any questions about single payer or about me, please call me at __________________.

Message to Senator Kennedy:

Hi, my name is ----------------. I am calling to urge Senator Kennedy to make his proposed legislation for health care reform single-payer. The current reform in Massachusetts is leaving thousands uninsured and is far too expensive to be sustained because it leaves profit in the middle of our health care system. In the most recent election, local ballot initiatives supporting single payer and opposing individual mandates passed by landslide margins in all ten legislative districts where they appeared. With almost all precincts tallied, roughly 73 percent of 181,000 voters in the ten districts voted YES in support of a single-payer system. Say no to Massachusetts style health care, and yes to single payer health care as proposed in HR 676. Happy holidays and thank you. If you have any questions about single payer or about me, please call me at __________________.

Please Join Governor Martin O’Malley, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Speaker Michael E. Busch & Chairman Joseph F. Vallario, Jr.

 

Please Join Governor Martin O'Malley, Attorney General Doug Gansler, Speaker Michael E. Busch & Chairman Joseph F. Vallario, Jr.

 

For a Reception

In honor of

Delegate Jeff Waldstreicher

District 18, Montgomery County

 

With Hosts

Mike McCurry, Former Press Secretary to President Bill Clinton

Andrew Mitz & Carol Fried

on

Monday, January 12, 2009

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

at

The Home of Jeffrey Cohen & Leslie Fried

4406 Brookfield Drive

Kensington, MD 20895

 

Hosts ~ $500   Patrons ~ $250   Guests ~ $100

 

Please make checks payable to: Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher

 

Contributions and gifts to Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher are not tax deductible.

By Authority: Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher, Jonathan Sachs, Treasurer.

 

Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher

1010 Hull Street, Suite 202 • Baltimore, MD 21230

(410) 547-1068 ext. 233

 

Yes, I will attend the Reception on January 12^th. Please reserve:

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­__Host(s) at $500        __Patron(s) at $250      __Guest(s) at $100

 

I cannot attend the breakfast, but I would like to support Delegate Waldstreicher.

Enclosed is my contribution of $ _______.

 

Name _________________________________­  Work Phone_______________­­_

Organization____________________________­ ­ Fax Phone _________________

Address _______________________________  Home Phone________________

City ____________________ State _____ Zip Code _________

E-mail _______________________________________________

 

Contributions and gifts to Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher are not tax deductible.

By Authority:Friends of Jeff Waldstreicher, Jonathan Sachs, Treasurer.

we've earned a real celebration

Relive some of the best progressive moments of 2008! Dear Friend, We progressives sure kept busy. We did our part to make last month's elections turn our nation away from the right wing and get us back on the right track. How did we do that? By starting early and working hard, standing up for regular Americans and our values. I was proud to help PDA kick off the Healthcare NOT Warfare campaign in D.C. on St. Patrick's Day. That was part of my national tour for my book, Swim Against the Current. Lately, I've been keeping an eye on union-busting senators and big coal's contract hit on Appalachian wilderness in the Hightower Lowdown. Just last week, we saw Tim Carpenter on MSNBC, CNN, and in all the news fit to print--The New York Times. Last August, while the DNC put on their big show, we PDAers had our own show--Progressive Central. I helped PDA welcome progressives to Denver, and I'd say Tim Carpenter, Mimi Kennedy and the rest of the PDA team did a great job, along with our exceptional moderator, The Nation's John Nichols. You don't have to take my word for it. You can see all the panels, speakers, music and more on the Progressive Central DVDs, a set of five discs.  The lineup of speakers and panelists was first-rate:  Representatives John Conyers, Keith Ellison, Raul Grijalva, Dennis Kucinich, Barbara Lee, Jim McGovern, Lynn Woolsey--even Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Movement heroes like Rev. Jesse Jackson, Tom Hayden, Ron Kovic and Amy Goodman also appeared--with many others. My fellow PDA board members Norman Solomon, Jodie Evans, Medea Benjamin, and Steve Cobble joined in. A progressive's work is never done, but I think we've earned a real celebration for all we've accomplished. What better way to celebrate than watching and sharing these DVDs with friends and family? You can order this professionally produced video record of these historic events while you support PDA--a leading voice on your issues--for just $60.00. Order now, and we'll pay for the shipping! Buy extra copies and give the gift of progress for the holidays. But you have to act fast; the free shipping offer ends Friday, December 19. Order here. I hope to join PDA in DC for the Grassroots Leadership Conference January 17 & 18. I'll be in Coralville, Iowa, January 26 and I'll announce more tour dates at my website. Until then, you can see me--and many of the country’s foremost progressive leaders--on these great DVDs. Happy Holidays, and keep swimming up stream, even a dead fish can go with the flow! Jim Hightower PDA Advisory Board member Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal: work with and increase the progressive majority in Congress as we build on our 2008 electoral successes into 2009 and beyond. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann, Jim Hightower, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood. More info | Find Chapters | Find Local Events | Join PDA

Important events for Healthcare Activists

Important events for Healthcare Activists, especially those supporting Single Payer Healthcare.
For more updates, join PDA: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/default.asp?formid=signup:

* The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 is online, please join us for discussions in Baltimore Dec. 6 and Rockville Dec. 13 (more to come--details below)

* Virginia Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) Healthcare reform event Dec. 7 (details below)

* PDA Annual Grassroots Leadership Conference at UDC January 17 & 18 (details below)

-------

The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 in DRAFT form is now available at www.mdsinglepayer.org
Please take a few moments to review the act, and send thoughts and comments to conversationcoalition@gmail.com

Please attend one or both of the bill reading events and join the discussion:
Baltimore Saturday, Dec. 6th 10 am to Noon
Mercy Hospital, Weinberg building, 2nd floor conference room
227 St. Paul Street, Baltimore
Parking available. Bring your own refreshments

Rockville Saturday, Dec. 13th 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Dr in Rockville
just off Viers Mill Rd - 586, Accessible by rideon bus (#45), metrobus (#Q1 and #Q2) and metro train (Twinbrook stop on Red Line). Bring your own refreshments.

For more information, please contact Margaret Flowers at 410-591-0892 conversationcoalition@gmail.com

---

PDA Virginia Single-Payer Universal Healthcare with Chuck Pennachio
Join us for an afternoon with Chuck Pennachio, professor of political history and the history program director at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, founder of Citizen Solutions for Pennsylvania, and a recent US Senate candidate. For more information: moyaatk@att.net or 703-941-3707 or link below. This event is free. Please RSVP: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=14186

---

Join PDA January 17 & 18 for the PDA Annual Grassroots Leadership Conference at the University of the District of Columbia, for workshops, music, celebrations, and more! PDA is among the leaders in a national coalition for HR 676--the National Healthcare bill. Confirmed speakers include--REP. JIM MCGOVERN, PDA Advisory Board member; REP. RAUL GRIJALVA, CPC Co-Chair and PDA Advisory Board member; REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ, HR 676 Co-Sponsor; JOHN NICHOLS, Washington Correspondent, The Nation; ANDY SHALLAL, Busboys and Poets Proprietor, PDA Advisory Board Member, and host of the First-Ever Inaugural Peace Ball; TIM CARPENTER, The Nation Magazine's 2008 Progressive of the Year and PDA's National Director; plus music by the sensational DAN REED!

More information, sign up online: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=14123

Join PDA: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/default.asp?formid=signup

Progressive Democrats of America Update December

Progressive Democrats of America  Maryland State Update December Please join us for these events and support PDA's efforts to make progress: 1. 12/3 Progressive Democrats of America Monthly Meeting, (NOT 12/4) 2. 12/4 Building the Election Reform Movement meeting in D.C. 3. 12/5 Eco-Justice Cafe' at Univ. of D.C.--Newly Added Event 4. The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 is available online (see below)     a. 12/6 Reading in Baltimore/Discussion of Healthcare in Maryland     b. 12/13 Reading in Rockville/Discussion of Healthcare in Maryland 5. 1/17-18 Save the Dates: PDA National Grassroots Convention in D.C. 6. Support PDA with a one-time contribution or join Change Makes Change ------------------------------ 1. 12/3 Progressive Democrats of America Monthly Meeting, (NOT 12/4) Agenda: Plans for 2009 especially inauguration events, PDA grassroots conference in D.C. and ongoing lobbying and organizing including healthcare, peace and other issue initiatives. All are welcome. Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Wheaton, MD 20902 2 block walk from Wheaton Metro (redline) Wednesday, December 03, 2008 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM More info/RSVP online. ------------------------------ 2. 12/4 Building the Election Reform Movement meeting in D.C. 7:00 PM at People's Media Center in Washington, DC More info/RSVP online. ------------------------------ 3. 12/5 Eco-Justice Cafe' at Univ. of D.C.--Newly Added Event 6 PM - 10 PM University of the District of Columbia 4200 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC 20008 Featuring music, poetry, an open mike session, good food, good beer, good people, good cheer, free professional massage (10 mins each, FC/FS!) good info and good karma. Free tabling. In addition, enjoy The 4.0 Lounge, (with pool and ping pong tables, chess and checkers, internet connections and more!) and an Eco/Justice Video Screening room at the Anonymy Studio! More info/RSVP online. ------------------------------ 4. The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 in DRAFT form is now available online. Please take a few moments to look at the act. Give your feedback to conversationcoalition@gmail.org. Attend one or both of the following readings and join the discussion. Share your vision of health security with us: Saturday, Dec. 6th 10 am to Noon Mercy Hospital, Weinberg building, 2nd floor conference room 227 St. Paul Street, Baltimore Parking available. Bring your own refreshments Saturday, Dec. 13th 10:30 am to 1:30 pm Twinbrook Library 202 Meadow Hall Dr in Rockville just off Viers Mill Rd - 586, Accessible by rideon bus (#45), metrobus (#Q1 and #Q2) and metro train (Twinbrook stop on Red Line). Bring your own refreshments. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Margaret Flowers at 410-591-0892 conversationcoalition@gmail.com ------------------------------ 5. 1/17-18 Save the Dates: PDA National Grassroots Convention in D.C. As the nation prepares for the inauguration of President Barack Obama, please join the Progressive Democrats of America national team for our Annual Grassroots Leadership Conference at the University of the District of Columbia, January 17 and 18, 2009. We'll have workshops, music, celebrations, and more! Confirmed speakers include--REP. JIM MCGOVERN, PDA Advisory Board member; REP. RAUL GRIJALVA, CPC Co-Chair and PDA Advisory Board member; REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ, HR 676 Co-Sponsor; JOHN NICHOLS, Washington Correspondent, The Nation; ANDY SHALLAL, Busboys and Poets Proprietor, PDA Advisory Board Member, and host of the First-Ever Inaugural Peace Ball; TIM CARPENTER, The Nation Magazine's 2008 Progressive of the Year and PDA's National Director; plus music by the sensational DAN REED! More info/RSVP online. ------------------------------ 6. Support PDA with a one-time contribution or join Change Makes Change PDA has been leading the way on your issues from Healthcare NOT Warfare to global warming/environmental protection, election integrity, fair trade and economic justice. No other organization does more on these issues, using an inside/outside strategy. PDA is working hard for you, so please support PDA with a generous contribution online here. You can also send a check using the same link. Please fill out the online form, and the website will give you the address to mail your donation. We know times are tough, but give yourself a well-deserved present this holiday season by supporting real progressive change now. We can't do it without you! Thanks and happy holidays, Mike Hersh Maryland PDA State Coordinator Progressive Democrats of America is a grassroots PAC that works both inside the Democratic Party and outside in movements for peace and justice. Our goal: work with and increase the progressive majority in Congress as we build on our 2008 electoral successes into 2009 and beyond. PDA's advisory board includes seven members of Congress and activist leaders such as Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin, Thom Hartmann, Jim Hightower, and Rev. Lennox Yearwood. More info | Find Chapters | Find Local Events

Progressive Democrats of America / Maryland State Update

Progressive Democrats of America / Maryland State Update

1. 12/4 Progressive Democrats of America Monthly Meeting, (Wednesday not
Tuesday this month)

2. The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 is available online (see below)
a. 12/6 Reading in Baltimore/Discussion of Healthcare in Maryland
b. 12/13 Reading in Rockville/Discussion of Healthcare in Maryland

3. 1/17-18 Save the Dates: PDA National Grassroots Convention in D.C.

4. Support PDA now with a one-time contribution or join the Change Makes
Change program

------------------------------

1. Progressive Democrats of America Monthly Meeting, Wednesday not
Tuesday this month

Agenda: Plans for 2009 especially inauguration events, PDA grassroots
conference in D.C. and ongoing lobbying and organizing including
healthcare, peace and other issue initiatives.

Saigonese Restaurant
11232 Grandview Ave
Wheaton, MD 20902

2 block walk from Wheaton Metro (redline)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

More info and RSVP here:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=13593

------------------------------

2. The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 in DRAFT form is now
available at www.mdsinglepayer.org
Please take a few moments to look at the act. Give your feedback to
conversationcoalition@gmail.org.

Attend one or both of the following readings and join the discussion.
Share your vision of health security with us:

Saturday, Dec. 6th 10 am to Noon
Mercy Hospital, Weinberg building, 2nd floor conference room
227 St. Paul Street, Baltimore
Parking available. Bring your own refreshments

Saturday, Dec. 13th 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Twinbrook Library
202 Meadow Hall Dr in Rockville
just off Viers Mill Rd - 586, Accessible by rideon bus (#45), metrobus
(#Q1 and #Q2) and metro train (Twinbrook stop on Red Line). Bring your
own refreshments.

All are welcome! For more information, please contact Margaret Flowers
at 410-591-0892 conversationcoalition@gmail.com

------------------------------

3. 1/17-18 Save the Dates: PDA National Grassroots Convention in D.C.

As the nation prepares for the inauguration of President Barack Obama,
please join the Progressive Democrats of America national team for our
Annual Grassroots Leadership Conference at the University of the
District of Columbia, January 17 and 18, 2009.

We'll have workshops, music, celebrations, and more! Confirmed speakers
include--REP. JIM MCGOVERN, PDA Advisory Board member; REP. RAUL
GRIJALVA, CPC Co-Chair and PDA Advisory Board member; REP. LORETTA
SANCHEZ, HR 676 Co-Sponsor; JOHN NICHOLS, Washington Correspondent, The
Nation; ANDY SHALLAL, Busboys and Poets Proprietor, PDA Advisory Board
Member, and host of the First-Ever Inaugural Peace Ball; TIM CARPENTER,
The Nation Magazine's 2008 Progressive of the Year and PDA's National
Director; plus music by the sensational DAN REED!

More information, sign up online:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/mtglistproc.asp?formid=meet&caleventid=14123

------------------------------

4. Support PDA now with a one-time contribution or join the Change Makes
Change program

PDA has been leading the way on your issues from Healthcare NOT Warfare
to global warming/environmental protection, election integrity, fair
trade and economic justice. No other organization does more on these
issues, using an inside/outside strategy. PDA is working hard for you,
so please support PDA with a generous contribution online here:
https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/donate.asp?formid=donate

You can also send a check using the same link. Please fill out the
online form, and the website will give you the address to mail your
donation. We know times are tough, but give yourself a well-deserved
present this holiday season by supporting real progressive change now.
We can't do it without you!

Thanks and happy holidays,

Mike Hersh
Maryland PDA State Coordinator

MD health security act/mtgs in Balt. and MoCo

The Maryland Health Security Act of 2009 in DRAFT form is now available
at www.mdsinglepayer.org

Please take a few moments to look at the act. Give your feedback to
conversationcoalition@gmail.org

Or better, attend one of the following reading groups and join the
discussion. Share your vision of health security with us:

The first reading will be Saturday, Dec. 6th 10 am to Noon
Mercy Hospital, Weinberg building, 2nd floor conference room
227 St. Paul Street, Baltimore
Parking available. Bring your own refreshments

The second reading of the will be Saturday, Dec. 13th 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Twinbrook Library
202 Meadow Hall Dr in Rockville
just off Viers Mill Rd - 586, Accessible by ride on bus (#45), metro bus
(#Q1 and #Q2) and metro train (Twinbrook stop on Red Line). Bring your
own refreshments.

All are welcome! For more information, please contact Dr. Flowers at
410-591-0892 conversationcoalition@gmail.com