next meeting: 7-9 PM Tuesday, January 4, 2011

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
 -- Ted Kennedy at the Democratic Convention in 1980

You are essential! Thanks to you, the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance is making progress in Montgomery County and Maryland. As we move into 2011, the work goes on. With your help, the dream shall never die. But we need you to keep MCPA going and growing. MCPCA is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We can only keep working with generous member donations. We will not be able to pay for social networking tools such as Meetup.com, rent venues for special events, print flyers and other materials, and keep organizing for progress without your support.  

We've been organizing events, supporting candidates, and informing you about progressive efforts in our area since 2003. We have big plans to work with our friends and allies in the county and state on healthcare, the environment, equality, and more! MCPA is playing a role organizing, supporting, and/or promoting ALL of the events below. NO OTHER ORGANIZATION is involved and promoting progress on such a wide range of issues and efforts!

Help keep us working for you! Please support the MCPA with a generous donation now. We hope you will give $25 or more, but we appreciate any help you afford in these tough economic times. You can donate safely and easily online here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UW2R635KZPP9L or bring your donation to our meetings and events. Note: donations to MCPA are not tax deductible.

Join us at our next meeting: 7-9 PM Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, PDA, and more. Progressive Coalition Meeting to plan future events and actions.

Saigonese Restaurant
11232 Grandview Ave
Wheaton, MD 20902 

Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

Report on progress in our county and state on Healthcare, the Environment, Education, Labor, Transportation, Energy and other issues. We're building up our coalition and lobby efforts on the state and national level, planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working on meetings with legislators, and other organizations.

Please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/mcprogressivealliance

If you're on Facebook, please join the MCPA group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3401340272&ref=ts

Four Meetup groups--Progressive Victory, Democratic Party / MCPA, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance and this one--get together with like-minded activists working for Progressive Victories in 2010 and beyond. We meet at least once each month to discuss and plan events and actions.

1. MCPA: The Montgomery County Progressive Alliance is a result-oriented coalition working on local, state, national and international issues. MCPA includes more than 1,000 local activists, mainly in and around Montgomery County Maryland. The organization began in 2003 when Democracy for America Meetup members reached out to other Meetup groups and other groups. In 2004, 100s of Montgomery County for Kerry members and local Progressive Democrats of America members joined the MCPA. MCPA adopted a mission statement, organized special events, and has held meetings nearly each month since 2003.

2. DFA/DFMC: Democracy for America emerged from Gov. Howard Dean's presidential campaign in 2004, and has organized grass-roots activists to support socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates. DFMC is Democracy for Montgomery County, a local DFA-inspired organization which is not directly or legally affiliated with DFA. DFMC has organized events and meetings; and endorsed and organized volunteers for several candidates. DFMC is currently seeking additional steering committee members. Please contact me, mikehersh@mikehersh.com if you're interested. You can sign up for DFA here: http://democracyforamerica.com/session/new

3. PDA: Progressive Democrats of America began just after the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Bringing together people from the 2004 Kucinich and Dean Campaigns with other progressives, PDA adopted an "inside/outside strategy" uniting activists working inside the Democratic Party with those working in peace and justice movements. PDA's core issues include clean, accurate and transparent elections; environmental protection; single-payer healthcare; economic and social justice; and peace. See: http://www.PDAmerica.org/ You can sign up for PDA here: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/personal2.asp?formid=joinusshort&c=5052037%EF%BB%BF

Help keep us working for you! Please support the MCPA with a generous donation now. We hope you will give $25, but we appreciate any help you afford in these tough economic times. You can donate safely and easily online here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UW2R635KZPP9L or bring your donation to our meetings and events. Note: donations to MCPA are not tax deductible.

You are ESSENTIAL

"For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
 -- Ted Kennedy at the Democratic Convention in 1980

You are essential! Thanks to you, the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance is making progress in Montgomery County and Maryland. As we move into 2011, the work goes on. With your help, the dream shall never die. But we need you to keep MCPA going and growing. MCPCA is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization. We can only keep working with generous member donations. We will not be able to pay for social networking tools such as Meetup.com, rent venues for special events, print flyers and other materials, and keep organizing for progress without your support.  

We've been organizing events, supporting candidates, and informing you about progressive efforts in our area since 2003. We have big plans to work with our friends and allies in the county and state on healthcare, the environment, equality, and more! MCPA is playing a role organizing, supporting, and/or promoting ALL of the events below. NO OTHER ORGANIZATION is involved and promoting progress on such a wide range of issues and efforts!

Help keep us working for you! Please support the MCPA with a generous donation now. We hope you will give $25 or more, but we appreciate any help you afford in these tough economic times. You can donate safely and easily online here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UW2R635KZPP9L or bring your donation to our meetings and events. Note: donations to MCPA are not tax deductible.

Join us at our next meeting: Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, PDA, and more. Progressive Coalition Meeting to plan future events and actions.

Saigonese Restaurant
11232 Grandview Ave
Wheaton, MD 20902 

Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line)
Google Map: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902

Report on progress in our county and state on Healthcare, the Environment, Education, Labor, Transportation, Energy and other issues. We're building up our coalition and lobby efforts on the state and national level, planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working on meetings with legislators, and other organizations.

Please join the Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Google Group: http://groups.google.com/group/mcprogressivealliance

If you're on Facebook, please join the MCPA group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3401340272&ref=ts

Four Meetup groups--Progressive Victory, Democratic Party / MCPA, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance and this one--get together with like-minded activists working for Progressive Victories in 2010 and beyond. We meet at least once each month to discuss and plan events and actions.

1. MCPA: The Montgomery County Progressive Alliance is a result-oriented coalition working on local, state, national and international issues. MCPA includes more than 1,000 local activists, mainly in and around Montgomery County Maryland. The organization began in 2003 when Democracy for America Meetup members reached out to other Meetup groups and other groups. In 2004, 100s of Montgomery County for Kerry members and local Progressive Democrats of America members joined the MCPA. MCPA adopted a mission statement, organized special events, and has held meetings nearly each month since 2003.

2. DFA/DFMC: Democracy for America emerged from Gov. Howard Dean's presidential campaign in 2004, and has organized grass-roots activists to support socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates. DFMC is Democracy for Montgomery County, a local DFA-inspired organization which is not directly or legally affiliated with DFA. DFMC has organized events and meetings; and endorsed and organized volunteers for several candidates. DFMC is currently seeking additional steering committee members. Please contact me, mikehersh@mikehersh.com if you're interested. You can sign up for DFA here: http://democracyforamerica.com/session/new

3. PDA: Progressive Democrats of America began just after the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Bringing together people from the 2004 Kucinich and Dean Campaigns with other progressives, PDA adopted an "inside/outside strategy" uniting activists working inside the Democratic Party with those working in peace and justice movements. PDA's core issues include clean, accurate and transparent elections; environmental protection; single-payer healthcare; economic and social justice; and peace. See: http://www.PDAmerica.org/ You can sign up for PDA here: https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/309/personal2.asp?formid=joinusshort&c=5052037%EF%BB%BF

Help keep us working for you! Please support the MCPA with a generous donation now. We hope you will give $25, but we appreciate any help you afford in these tough economic times. You can donate safely and easily online here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=UW2R635KZPP9L or bring your donation to our meetings and events. Note: donations to MCPA are not tax deductible.

Report: Scanners cost less than touch-screen machines

Please take a minute right now to call Gov. O'Malley's office and urge him to fund this in the budget he will introduce in Jan. Very little money should be needed in FY2012 for the switch.  The governor's office phone numbers are: 410.974.3901 / 1.800.811.8336

Phone calls are much more effective, but you can also use our click & send email at:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/302/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5179

Thanks for all your do to protect our elections, and happy holidays!   -- Rebecca

-------------------------------------------------
Friday, Dec. 24, 2010

Report: Scanners cost less than touch-screen machines

Advocates hope that change will be funded

by Alan Brody | Staff writer

ANNAPOLIS — Maryland would save as much as $9.5 million over eight years by switching to an optical-scan voting system, according to a new report that advocates hope will spur Gov. Martin O'Malley and legislative leaders to start funding the replacement of the current touch-screen machines in fiscal 2012.

The independent analysis, conducted by a North Carolina research firm for the Department of Legislative Services, appears to confirm what supporters of a voter-verified paper trail system have long argued: It costs more money to maintain the current equipment than to purchase new machines that allow voters to print out paper receipts of their selections.

Read the rest at:

http://www.gazette.net/stories/12242010/polinew172811_32537.php

 

Rebecca Wilson
SAVEourVotes.org

SAVE our Votes is a nonpartisan grassroots organization working for
Secure, Accessible, Verifiable Elections in Maryland.

Save the Date: legislative forum Sunday afternoon Jan. 23rd

The Progressive Working Group will cosponsor a legislative forum with
General Assembly members

Sunday afternoon Jan. 23rd at IMPACT Silver Spring's office
25 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
(entrance across from the Whole Foods, located at the old Hollywood Video).

More information to come.

MoCo County Council President Valerie Ervin on the "Political Pulse" TV This Week

MoCo County Council President Valerie Ervin (D-District 5) will be on
the "Political Pulse" TV Show with Charles Duffy, Channel 16 on cable in
Montgomery county.

Topics will include MoCo budget issues and her views on what the MoCo
State Delegates and Senators should do on important issues that they
will be facing in Annapolis during the 2011 Legislative Session (like
the possible shift of some of the teachers pension expenditures to the
counties and Maintenance of Effort education funding).

Thurs, December 23rd at 9:00 p.m.
Fri-Sun, December 24th-26th at 6:00 p.m.
and Tues, December 28th at 9:30 p.m.

See:
http://www.stoptransfer.org/STOP_valerie-ervin-to-discuss-pensions_21_12_2010

Help us protect public schools and services

Please contribute now to help STOP TRANSFER OF PENSIONS

Help us plan public events and organize support for sensible policies.

Transferring pension obligations to the counties and cities would devastate local economies, hurt public schools, prevent needed maintenance, and delay or deny new projects by overburdening our local governments. We have better choices–untapped potential revenues Please support our efforts! Contribute to STOP and contact us to get involved. (PayPal is the safer, easier way to pay online without revealing your credit card number. Contributions to STOP are not tax deductible.) See our website: http://www.stoptransfer.org/

Some background: During the Glendenning years, Maryland adopted the “corridor” formula which was not actuarially sound and therefore underfunded the pension systems. The recession–with the stock market and real estate shocks–depleted the value of assets in the pension trust funds. Also, poor investment decisions led to lower-than-expected return on investments. These three factors combined to leave the pensions underfunded.

STOP agrees Maryland must address this shortfall, but we propose real solutions to the underlying problems. If the state dumps some or all of these pensions obligations onto localities, the results will be disastrous. When the state stopped paying for Social Security for teachers some years back, class sizes increased dramatically and school construction ground to a halt. Students attended school in too-hot or too-cold trailers instead of classrooms.

Transferring pensions does nothing to address real problems.

It would merely pass the buck–really billions of bucks–in a way that would exacerbate local fiscal problems. The same crunch Maryland faces on the state level is also hurting localities, leaving budgets overstressed and putting jobs and services on the chopping block. The counties and Baltimore City cannot afford to shoulder the pensions burden. Shifting that burden will not make it any smaller or easier to bear.

Shifting pensions obligations would hit Montgomery County particularly hard, but all local jurisdictions will suffer. MoCo has a restrictive revenues formula, making it very difficult to increase revenues. If the counties and Baltimore have to pay for pensions, they will lose many of the best teachers, and have to slash public services, layoff workers, and close facilities including schools, libraries, and county offices.

We’ve seen this problem coming for some time. WTOP.com reported in January 2009: “[Montgomery County Executive Ike] Leggett plans to make sure that Montgomery County does not get stuck with the state’s bill for teacher pensions. The pensions [transfer] would add another $100 million to the county’s current fiscal shortfall of approximately $500 million.” Quoting Leggett’s analysis of the problem, “I don’t think that was some kind of conspiracy,” says Leggett, “It’s just simply a reflection of some of the errors and negligence that occurred at the state level.”

Fast forward to September 2010, and WTOP.com reported the same concerns. “[Ike] Leggett projects a more than $200 million shortfall for fiscal year 2012, or more depending on income tax returns and whether the state shifts more costs to the county. [Former] County Council President Nancy Floreen says it’s too early to say where cuts should come. ‘The other things on the table this year are what’s going to come out of Annapolis,’ Floreen says. One of the big questions is whether state lawmakers will require counties to pay for teacher pensions. Currently, the state pays teacher pensions.” See: http://www.wtop.com/?hlpage=255&nid=706&sid=1565430 (2009 article) and http://www.wtopnews.com/?sid=2063361&nid=25 (2010 article).

STOP agrees Maryland lawmakers must take decisive action to address this shortfall, but we propose real solutions to the underlying problems, not treating the pension obligations like a hot potato. Last year, then-Delegate, current State Senator Roger Manno filed HB 10 to protect education and public services by fully funding pensions on the state level. He called for combined reporting, progressive taxation, and other state-level revenues to shore up the pensions trust funds. Combined reporting would close a loophole some corporations use to avoid paying all or part of their taxes on income earned in Maryland. Other states have enacted combined reporting, and found that it’s a fair and effective method to accurately determine how much corporations should pay to states. The formula is precise and detailed, leading some to claim it’s “too complicated.” The complexity is required to accurately assess tax burdens. See: http://mcprogressive.wordpress.com/2010/01/09/wth-is-combined-reporting-and-why-do-we-need-it/

An article prepared by the New Rules Project explains combined reporting: “Many retail chains earn profits at stores nationwide, but have developed an accounting scheme to evade paying their full share of state corporate income taxes. Tax experts believe the practice is costing states billions of dollars in lost revenue. It has also given chains an advantage over locally owned businesses, which must pay state income tax on all of their earnings. Twenty-one states are not vulnerable to these tax-evasion schemes, because they have enacted a policy known as combined reporting.” The article lists corporations using loopholes to avoid taxes in Maryland and other states including The Gap, Home Depot, Ikea, Kmart, Kohl’s, Limited Brands (which owns Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, The Limited, Payless Shoes, and other chains), Staples, and Wal-Mart as companies that escape taxes, but which would be forced to pay their fair share under combined reporting.

Also from the New Rules Project: “As of November 2010, twenty-three states have adopted combined reporting. These states are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.” By contrast Maryland is one of the states that “have not adopted combined reporting and are vulnerable to chains escaping their state tax obligations by shifting income to subsidiaries.” See: http://www.newrules.org/retail/rules/level-playing-field-taxation/combined-reporting

Maryland can and should close this loophole, and STOP believes Maryland should use those and other revenues to address the pensions short fall–as outlined in HB 10. STOP remains open to any and all proposals that actually address the situation while protecting public schools and local services.

We need your help. Support public schools and local services. Please contribute to STOP. (PayPal is the safe way to pay online without revealing your credit card number. Contributions to STOP are not tax deductible.)

Join us for the Progressive Picnic in Montgomery County!

Progressive Picnic in Montgomery County
Saturday August 28, 2010 2 PM to 5 PM
Wheaton Regional Park Picnic Shelter “A”
2002 Shorefield Road, Wheaton, MD 20902

Hot Dogs, Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Veggie Dogs etc. Provided.
Please RSVP / pre-register so we’ll have enough food for you!

Suggested Donation: $15.00 per person now, $20 at the door.

For info. or to pay by check, email: mikehersh@mikehersh.com

Confirmed candidates appearing: MD Senate Candidate Del. Roger Manno; Delegate Tom Hucker; MD Delegate Candidates Dana Beyer, Eric Luedtke, and Neeta Datt; County Council Members Marc Elrich, Duchy Trachtenberg, and George Leventhal.

Also featuring Garland Nixon: Montgomery Municipal Cable TV and 89.3 FM WPFW Pacifica Radio Raucous Caucas Host.

Other guests and candidates welcome and expected.
Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com to arrange appearance.

Cosponsors: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Progressive Democrats of Maryland, Democracy for Montgomery County, Health Care NOW! Maryland, Fair And Clean Elections MD and Peace Action Montgomery.

Contact mikehersh@mikehersh.com to co-sponsor. Suggested co-sponsorship donation $50 (includes 3 admissions).

Please bring a dish or drink to share with 10 people.
If your last name begins with:
* A-F please bring salad / side dish  * G-L please bring a dessert
* M-R please bring water * S-Z please bring soft drinks

Directions to Shorefield Area: From I-495 take Exit 31 for Georgia Avenue/MD 97 North. Follow Georgia Avenue for almost 3 miles, then turn right onto Shorefield Road. Continue on Shorefield Road until you reach the parking area. Keep left as you enter the park. Shelter “A” is the closest to the parking area.

Public transportation: take Y5 or Y9 Bus from Wheaton Metro.

Not the Final Four--Sen. Cardin WEDS NIGHT, other events in the Montgomery County area plus ways to ensure your vote counts next year

Not the Final Four--Sen. Cardin WEDS NIGHT, other events in the
Montgomery County area plus ways to ensure your vote counts next year

1. Sen. Ben Cardin--Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 at White Oak Middle School
2. Rep. Chris Van Hollen/MoveOn PowerUp Campaign--Saturday, March 28
12:30 p.m. Wheaton Library
3. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG--Wednesday,
April 1, 7 p.m.
4. Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Act now to ensure your vote counts next year

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

1. Senator Cardin will discuss the Economic Crisis
Sponsored by the Greater Silver Spring Democratic Club

Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30 at White Oak Middle School
12201 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20904
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=12201+New+Hampshire+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20904
Public transportation info: http://www.wmata.com/

2. MoveOn PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off
Saturday March 28 12:30 pm. to 3:30 p.m.
Wheaton Regional Library Mtg room 2, lowest floor
11701 Georgia Ave., Wheaton, MD 20902
Sign up online here: http://pol.moveon.org/event/poweruplaunch/92499

PowerUp Campaign Kick-Off of MoveOn's 2009 Agenda and Organizing our
efforts in Montgomery County
Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen CONFIRMED

Accessible to all, short walk or bus ride from the Wheaton Metro Station.
Directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/wh.asp
Requested donation $5 (or more) to defray costs of the room,
refreshments, etc.

We'll discuss ways to support President Obama's Green Economy/Green Jobs
initiatives and ways we can all conserve energy.

We'll also organize efforts to continue progress and build on our
accomplishments.

April: Maryland Legislative Update (details TBA)
May: Healthcare in Maryland and the USA (details TBA)

3. Combined MeetUp/Meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m.
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902

Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups. MoveOn
has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of involved,
informed members in our area. Please join the Montgomery County MoveOn
Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

4. Eco-Justice Cafe' University of DC--Friday, April 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Music, poetry, an open mike session, good food, good beer, good people,
good cheer.
University of DC, Firebird Inn, Van Ness/UDC Red Line West exit
Building 39, B-Level, 4200 Connecticut Ave., NW, DC 20008, Wheelchair
Accessible.
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4200+Connecticut+Ave.,+NW,+DC+20008

Suggested donation $15/$10 students/$5 kids -- Food and drink included.
All ages event; child activities provided and powered by kids!

5. Act now to ensure your vote counts next year
If you care about saving money and secure elections, please take action
with Verified Voting.

Keep in mind: it's far better to use your own words rather than click
and send the suggested message. Please share this with all concerned
Marylanders.

You can send your message using this link:
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/199/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=26912

This is what I sent:

First, I want to thank you for your leadership in 2007, passing
legislation and budgeting money needed to make Maryland's elections
trustworthy by 2010. This was an important step forward.

I worked with legislators and concerned Marylanders back then. I
testified before the Senate committee, send emails, made calls. I was
back in Annapolis a few weeks ago, and again last week to discuss these
issues with friends and leaders in the legislature. Why? Because I am
very concerned about what I'm hearing.

After making the correct decisions and passing a good law and a budget
to ensure Maryland will convert to trustworthy, cost-effective Optiscan
paper ballot voting--the law to make this move passed unanimously--some
have advocated costly and unnecessary delays in this transition. Please
do not let this happen.

Continued use of outdated, unreliable DRE (touch screen) machines will
cost Maryland $millions in equipment upkeep, repair/replacement and
other charges. Maryland would need only about one tenth as many Optiscan
machines as DREs, which would save us $millions. This is especially
important in these tough financial times. Sen. Madaleno and Del.
Gutierrez both shared the grim news about the budget crunch with
District 18 voters last week.

Also, use of DRE machines risks an election day (or primary day)
debacle, such as happened in Virginia recently. You can read about the
Virginia voting machine meltdown online here:
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=326929&paper=71&cat=104

I trust you will stand by your correct decision and ensure the smooth,
timely and cost-saving move to more reliable, cost efficient
paper-ballot based Optiscan machines.

Thank you,

Mike Hersh

Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen CONFIRMED

Montgomery County Progressive Alliance Coalition Event
(Including MoveOn, Democracy for Montgomery County, Progressive
Democrats of America, MeetUp and others)
Special Guest Congressman Chris Van Hollen CONFIRMED
Please sign up here:
http://www.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=92499

Saturday, March 28, 2009 / 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Wheaton Regional Library Mtg room 2
11701 Georgia Ave Wheaton, MD
Accessible to all, short walk or bus ride from the Wheaton Metro Station.
Directions:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/libraries/BranchInfo/wh.asp

Requested donation $5 (or more) to defray costs of the room,
refreshments, etc.
Please bring a snack or drink to share with other attendees.

We'll discuss ways to support President Obama's Green Economy/Green Jobs
initiatives and ways we can all conserve energy. We'll also organize
efforts to continue progress and build on our accomplishments. Please
join the Montgomery County MoveOn Council by clicking on this link:
http://www.moveon.org/team/search/signup.html?team_id=4221

-----------

Organizing meeting for MCPA, DFMC, MoveOn, PDA, PWG and more.
Wednesday April 1, 7 p.m.
Saigonese Restaurant 11232 Grandview Ave Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902

Short walk from Wheaton Metro (red line) /
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave+Silver+Spring+MD+20902
We're working on Coalition Building Efforts, several bills and lobby
efforts on the state and national level. We'll also discuss the upcoming
County Council Special Election, coalition efforts, and much more!

We're planning special events, forming a steering committee, and working
on meetings with legislators, etc. We'll be holding meetings and events
to make a real difference in our county, state and nation. Participating
organizations include: Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Democracy
for Montgomery County, Progressive Democrats of America, MoveOn.org and
the Progressive Working Group as well as several "MeetUp" groups. MoveOn
has an exciting, progressive agenda for the U.S. and 1000s of involved,
informed members in our area.

DFA/PDA/MCPA Monthly Meeting Wednesday, March 4

Event Name: DFA/PDA/MCPA Monthly Meeting

Description: The Maryland session is in full swing. We're involved
with several bills and lobby efforts on the state and national level.
We'll also discuss the upcoming County Council Special Election,
coalition efforts, and much more! This is an important meeting to
discuss and plan 2009 efforts. We're discussing special events, forming
a steering committee, visits to and with legislators, etc.

Time: Wednesday, March 4 from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Location: Saigonese Restaurant (Wheaton, MD)
11232 Grandview Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Directions: Short walk from the Wheaton Metro Stop (red line) Public
Parking in the big lot across the street. Grandview Ave. is very close
to Georgia Ave. University Blvd. and Viers Mill Rd. A few miles outside
the Beltway--nearest exits Ga. Ave. and Conn. Ave.

MCPA / PDA / DFA MeetUp 7:30 Tuesday May 6

Montgomery County Progressive Alliance
MCPA / PDA / DFA MeetUp 7:30 Tuesday May 6, 2008

Agenda: Legislative Wrap Up (first of two, other TBA)

SaigonESE Restaurant
11232 Grandview Ave
Silver Spring (Wheaton), MD 20902

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=11232+Grandview+Ave,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20902
Tons of Parking in the Municipal lot across the street

Public Transportation: Short walk from Wheaton Metro:

http://tinyurl.com/26kgu3
More information: http://www.wmata.com/

4th Cong. District Debate Prince George's County African-American Dem. Club

Prince George's County African-American Dem. Club
4th Congressional District Debate

Donna Edwards, the true Democrat in the race, faces Iraq War supporter and special interest money kingpin Al Wynn.

10:30 AM Saturday, Nov. 17th
Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD

Public Transportation from the SOUTHERN AVE METRO STATION (Green Line)
Take D12 BUS towards SUITLAND STATION at 9:56am
Arrive at the LIBRARY 6200 OXON HILL RD at 10:16am

The Maryland primary is on Feb. 12, 2008

Donna Edwards: The Change We NeedRight Here, Right Now

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Dan Weber November 9, 2007 Phone #: (301) 316-1880 Donna Edwards' Campaign Releases Second Video in "The Change We Need, Right Here, Right Now" Series Video Provides Edwards' Vision and Congressman Wynn's Failures On Environment TEMPLE HILLS, MD - The Donna Edwards for Congress campaign announces the release of a second video, "The World We Are Leaving Our Children" Donna Edwards believes that "environmental issues are some of the biggest, most important policy questions of our generation." This video highlights some of the environmental initiatives Ms. Edwards will take on as a member of Congress and why she will be a true leader for change. The video also discusses the failures of Congressman Wynn and his conflict of interest when receiving so much corporate special interest PAC money from oil, gas, and electric companies. This series will continue to highlight several substantive issues and show why Ms. Edwards has the vision and character to provide the change Maryland's 4th Congressional District needs. (from the Donna Edwards for Congress Campaign)

DFMC Endorses Donna Edwards

Democracy for Montgomery County, an independent, nonpartisan grass-roots activist organization voted to endorse Donna Edwards for U.S. Congress in Maryland's 4th District. DFMC is inspired by, but not affiliated with Democracy for America (DFA) which has also endorsed Donna Edwards.

The DFMC membership overwhelming voted to endorse Edwards this past week. DFMC supports socially progressive, fiscally responsible candidates and policies. The group also endorsed Edwards in her remarkably successful primary effort in 2006 which fell a few thousand votes short of unseating long-term incumbent Albert Wynn.

DFMC activists will support the Edwards campaign by volunteering at events, door knocking, and in several other ways leading up to the Maryland Democratic Primary which will be held February 12, 2008.

DFMC Steering Committee member Gina Angiola is organizing Montgomery County for the Edwards effort. DFMC members have already begun phone-banking, handing out info at subway stops, and organizing coffees, house parties and other events to help Donna Edwards win the 4th District Congressional seat.

MCPA / PDA / DFA Monthly Meeting

7:30 PM Tuesday November 6

Monthly meeting covering PDA and DFMC core issues and working with coalition of area and regional groups to achieve success. Building Progress in MD 8, Maryland and the US. Special focus on elections and voting issues including local, state and national candidates, the environment, health care for all, ending the Iraq war and occupation, preventing war with Iran.

Sabang Restaurant
2504 Ennalls Avenue
Wheaton, MD 20902

Short walk from the Wheaton Metro Stop (red line) / Accessible to all

More info.  | Please RSVP

DFMC Discusses Immigration Policy

DFMC members and others discussed Immigration Policy with special guests Maryland Secretary of Labor Tom Perez; Don Mooers, Immigration Attorney; Guled Kassim, former candidate for delegate D19; and Beth Wong, a progressive activist involved with several issues including immigrants' interests. The event, sponsored by DFMC, took place at the Executive Office Building in Rockville Thursday October 25th. DFMC Steering Committee member Sharon Dooley was the primary organizer for the event. DFMC will continue working for progressive immigration policies locally, in Maryland and nationally.