Second Annual Progressive Summit, Monday March 12 2012, Progressive Working Group

Last year, many groups came together for the first Progressive Summit, which proved very successful, and we would like to make this year's Summit an even bigger event.

On March 12, we will be lobbying key legislators, including committee chairs, beginning at 3:30 pm. We will have appointments and a summit meeting until 8 pm, so come as early as you're able. Our meeting room, from 3 to 8 pm, will be the Ways and Means Committee Meeting Room in the House Office Building in Annapolis.

Second Annual Progressive Working Group
2012 PROGRESSIVE SUMMIT AND LOBBYING NIGHT

Monday March 12, 2012

Ways and Means Committee Meeting Rm, House Office Building, Annapolis

First lobbying appointments begin at 3:30 pm; appointments and a summit meeting will continue until 8 pm - come as early as you're able (Our meeting room will be open 3 to 8 pm.)

Join activists and progressive groups from around the state as we meet with legislators and jointly advocate for key progressive issues. (Shown on reverse side)

Our objective is to have various organizations and individuals work together in advocating for a range of critical progressive issues, thus strengthening our collective voice.

To receive further information and to have your organization serve as a co-sponsor, contact Norman Oslik at noslik A-T verizon D-O-T net (301-322-5272)

KEY LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR 2012 PROGRESSIVE SUMMIT*
(Not shown in order of priority)

1. Fair Taxation, including combined reporting and a more progressive personal income tax to promote fairness and equity in the revenue process and to fund needed programs and services.
2. Off Shore Wind Power to help move Maryland toward a pollution-free energy future.
3. Opposition to Pension Transfer to counties unless the means are provided to counties to fund them.
4. Gender Identity Anti-Discrimination to ensure full civil rights are enforced for all residents.
5. End to the Death Penalty, an extremely costly, ineffective, and discriminatory method of criminal justice.
6. Civil Marriage Equality to allow all Maryland families to enjoy the same rights and civil privileges before the law.
7. Healthy Water including restricting fracking and controlling atrazine and other chemicals in the water supply as Maryland continues to have higher than average cancer incidence.
8. Efforts to Support a U.S. Constitutional Amendment to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision and to restore fair elections and democratic sovereignty to the people.
9. Single Payer Health Care (Health Security Act) to provide expanded coverage for all Marylanders.
10. Healthy Maryland Initiative to raise taxes on non-cigarette tobacco products to the same level as currently for cigarettes, to reduce teen use and provide funds to benefit health needs.
11. Transparent Government in Annapolis to maximize citizen access and voting machines with a verifiable paper trail to ensure the integrity of our elections.

*Some of our targeted legislation may vary depending on status of bills in early March.