July Recap

July was a busy month, Maryland continues to encounter problems from all sides while also learning to deal with a new reality in which we can not rely on the Federal Government. Our campaign spent a lot of the time with grassroots media talking about the problems we face today and the solutions we must pursue, and why the Green Party is essential to that future.

This monthly review is a new feature for the newsletter and I would love your feedback!

Happening in Maryland

July was Hot! Every day in Baltimore was above average and had a high in the 90s. Maryland summers are typically hot, we even have an official "Heat Season" that runs from the end of April through September. But this July it was consistent, with no breaks, no cool days and most nights above average as well. It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s also unhealthy, and in some cases deadly, with over 500 people hospitalized and eight deaths. - Maryland Matters

And it was Wet! Maryland has seen more flash flood warnings this year than in any of the last five years and July was no exception. The persistent heat and humidity have increased the water in the atmosphere by 75% so when it rains it is raining more than usual. Combined with years of drought it is a recipe for flash floods. These floods are deadly and damaging, and with FEMA denying flood assistance to Western Maryland, Maryland might need to prepare for a new normal. - Maryland Matters

Congress passed the "Big Beautiful Bill". President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law on July 4th and it will continue the trend of taking federal resources away from the state budget and from Marylanders. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will be forced into new work requirements and limitations, and citizenship and immigration criteria will become stricter. A recent urban institute analysis suggests that 369,000 Maryland families would lose some of their existing food benefits. The bill also shifts costs of the program to states and this will cost Maryland more than any other state. Maryland is taking on 172.5 million dollars as of next year and then 240 million dollars after that. - Maryland Matters

And the Medicaid Cuts. The Big Beautiful Bill also puts tighter work requirements and recertification burdens on Medicaid recipients. While the exact implications are not clear estimates suggest that over 125,000 Marylanders will lose coverage. Beyond that the bill also prevents any Medicaid funding for reproductive health care to any provider who also provides abortions. This will take more important medical care away from poor and working class Marylanders. All of this will strain an already expensive health care system and will likely increase prices for everyone, regardless of whether they receive coverage through Medicaid or private insurance. - Maryland Matters

Billionaire Summer Camp. In early July Governor Moore attended the Allen and Company retreat in Sun Valley Idaho. This exclusive retreat for media moguls, aspiring politicians seeking a national stage, and tech billionaires is often called "Billionaire Summer Camp." Read our statement about it here.

Keep an eye on this story. A controversy is developing around a proposed cricket stadium in Frederick. Residents, elected officials and candidates for this fall's city elections are raising questions about the timing, land usage and, about the impact on the Frederick community of 25,000 seat mixed use facility. Beyond that, the owner of the team that would play in the stadium is a large donor to Governor Wes Moore, Lt Governor Aruna Miller and the Maryland Democratic Party. Read our statement here.

Some Podcasts and Panels

July was a busy month for podcasts and panels. Check them out below.

Illinois Green Party Podcast- I joined Eyde Arndell and Scott Free of the Illinois Green Party to talk about the campaign, Gaza, and why we need a Green political revolution. Watch here

Letterhack - I always love the Letterhack, he has a great show, a great network, and an engaged audience. We talk about ICE, the 500 day campaign plan, and why we need the Green party right now. Watch here

Mid-Maryland Votes - I did not know about this show until they reached out to me. We may not agree on everything, but we had a great conversation about why the veto proof majority and gerrymandering in Maryland leave most people out, and why we need a new multiparty Maryland. Watch here

Green Socialist Notes with Howie Hawkins - I was excited to get join 2020 Green Party presidential nominee, Howie Hawkins for a great conversation about the campaign, independent left strategy, and a hopeful vision for what we can do in a time of rising fascism and constant crisis. Watch here

Halitics with Hal Ginsberg - Hal is another Maryland-based podcast that I like to go on. We talk about the Mamdani campaign in New York City, the influence of money in local politics, and the urgency of the moment. Watch here

Green Party Of the US Annual National Meeting - I was on a panel of Governor and Lt Governor candidates for the Green Party of the US Annual National Meeting. The panel was Butch Ware running for Governor in California, Eyde Arndell running for Lieutenant Governor in Illinois, and myself. Watch here

New in July

Campaign T-Shirt Store - We launched our campaign T-Shirt store with some of our best designs on a good selection of T-Shirts. It is a great way to show off green politics and help support the campaign. Check out the T-Shirt Store.

Leo Season Fundraising Drive - On July 23rd we kicked off our Leo Season Fundraiser, and on July 28th I celebrated my 49th birthday. We’re aiming to raise $20,000 and sign up 49 new monthly donors to match my 49th birthday—will you be one of them? Donate today!

Coming up in August

July was busy, and we have a lot coming up in August too!

• Website redesign
• More merchandise
• Volunteer outreach

And stay tuned—this fall, we’ll announce the next major step in our campaign, including who’s joining me on the ticket.”

Thank you for following our campaign and I look forward to sharing more with you!