WDC Newsletter — April 1, 2026 President's Letter Dictatorships are one-way streets. Democracy boasts two-way traffic. —Albert Moravia On Thursday, April 9, WDC is convening an event for Democrats and the democratically inclined public to hear from special guest speaker Simon Rosenberg of Hopium Chronicles . Hopium Chronicles is a nationally known Substack newsletter and political organizing community founded in March of 2023 by DC-based Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg. Hopium provides keen insights and informed political projections that emphasize electoral success paired with civic engagement. The nationwide Hopium community focuses on countering Democratic pessimism with strategic and positive action. Hopium also highlights and raises funds for Democratic Congressional candidates who are poised to tip the scales in November 2026. These highly competitive “ Winning the House ” candidates include Janelle Stelson (PA-10), Paige Cognetti (PA-08), Christina Bohannon (IA-1), Sarah Trone Garriott (IA-3), Jo Mendoza (AZ-6), Jonathan Nez (AZ-2), Elaine Luria (VA-2), Jamie Ager (NC-11) and others. (I’m an enthusiastic monthly contributor to two of these candidates, so far.) I hope to see a few hundred of you in the audience at Round House Theatre on April 9th to welcome and engage with Simon Rosenberg. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a powerful, call-to-action evening. Get your ticket(s) today . Cynthia Rubenstein President. -------- "No Kings" around Town And in Minneapolis... CLICK HERE to view images of the event -------- Advocacy Corner WDC Advocacy Continues Kate Stein, Advocacy Chair The MGA (Maryland General Assembly) had a busy week of March 16th, with a rare Saturday session on March 21st and with a few key bills “crossing over” at the last moment on Monday, March 23rd, the 69th day of this year’s 90-day session, known as “crossover day.” “Crossover” is an important day in the General Assembly. A bill that passes in one chamber—either the House or the Senate—by crossover is guaranteed a hearing in the opposite chamber. Because the MGA meets for only 90 days each year and bills must be passed by both chambers before they can be signed by the governor, bills that have not passed in one chamber by crossover have a narrower path to becoming law by Sine Die, the day that session ends, which falls on April 13th this year. While the path for a bill to become a law is narrower after crossover, the path does not close until Sine Die. Bills not clearing their chamber of origin by the 69th day are assigned to the Rules Committee in the second chamber. WDC and other advocacy groups still hope to see more bills heard on the floor of both chambers and become law. We continue to advocate—both on bills that have passed one chamber as well as a couple still stuck in committee. Please keep your eye out for advocacy alerts and other updates from our Advocacy Committee. Read about two bills of special interest to WDC HERE . -------- WDC New & Events An Evening with Simon Rosenberg April 9, 2026, 7-8:30 p.m. Join WDC for an informative and energizing conversation with Simon Rosenberg, a long-time Democratic strategist and creator of the popular Substack and podcast, Hopium Chronicles, celebrating its 3rd anniversary this month. Buy your ticket soon as this event will sell out quickly. Please note that WDC is unable to provide exchanges, refunds, or ticket sales at the door. RSVP at tinyurl.com/rosenberg-2026 Montgomery COUNTY EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES Forum -------- Montgomery County & Maryland News & Events  The Democracy Summer project seeks to bring about political change in America by training and deploying the next generation of Democratic organizers and leaders to win elections at every level. Founded by Congressman Jamie Raskin , backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and buoyed by thousands of supportive alumni across the country, Democracy Summer engages high school and college-aged young people in state-of-the-art tactics in voter registration, canvassing, and digital political organizing. Through on-line seminars with leading historians, law professors, political organizers and union and elected leaders, it provides an intensive education in the historical struggle for democratic freedom and essential lessons for effective political leadership today. For more information or to apply, CLICK HERE . Montgomery County Public Hearings Fiscal Year 2027 Budge t -------- Be an Educated Voter Primary Election Dates Information The 2026 Primary Election Is Just around the Corner Your civic toolkit — research candidates, understand ballots, and show up prepared Check off each step before election day Check your registration Verify you're registered and your address is current. Deadlines vary by state—many are 2–4 weeks before election day. Find your polling place Polling locations change. Look up your assigned polling place; don't assume it's the same as before. Know what's on your ballot Ballots often include more than just candidates—ballot measures, judges, and local races matter too. Research each candidate & measure Use nonpartisan sources to understand positions, not just party labels. Check ID requirements Some states require photo ID; requirements differ widely. Know yours before you go. More complete information about voting and voting rights and specifically the 2026 Primary Election can be found at League of Women Voters (LWV) LWV is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented through advocacy, education, and litigation, at the local, state, and national levels. Prospective voters can download or order a Voter's Guide in English or Spanish by clicking HERE . -------- Community Resources Maryland Public Servants Resource Website Resources for Maryland's Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition – Maryland Department of Labor Rise Up – Federal Workers Legal Defense Network Other Government Resource Websites Chris Van Hollen’s Resources for Marylanders Affected by Trump Admin Policies Jamie Raskin’s Resources for Marylanders Affected by Troubling New Trump Administration Policies Montgomery County Resources for Workers Impacted by Recent Federal Government Actions Montgomery County Council, United in Service and Support Online Informational Series (virtual information sessions) -------- Fight Back & Stay Informed Indivisible’s Weekly WHAT’S THE PLAN? A Weekly Discussion with Indivisible’s Co-Founders Join the Weekly Zoom Chat with Indivisible Co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, who will help you wade through the week’s news, answer your questions, and provide timely calls to action. Webinars are held every Thursday, 3–4:00 pm EST. Register HERE . "Trusted Sources" Downtown Nasty Women Social Group (DNWSG) has created “Trusted Sources,” a fact-based news source because they believe legacy media has failed the pro-democracy movement. DNWSG believes staying informed is an act of resistance. CLICK HER E for the current list of “Trusted Sources." -------- Community Activism Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club (WDC) 50501 (FiftyFiftyOneMovement) Civic Action Hub Commit to Democracy Democracy Forward Democracy Helpers Now DoTheMostGood Downtown Nasty Women Social Group MoCo EmpowerHer Five Calls Indivisible Indivisible MoCoWoMen Indivisible Montgomery J WalkersAction Group LWV (League of Women Voters) MCDCC MDDEMS Mobilize NOPE (Neighbors Defending Democracy) People Power United Silver Spring Progressive Action (SSPA) Vote Forward  -------- It's Cherry Blossom Time in the DMV! Kenwood in Bethesda, Brookside Gardens, Glenview Mansion are popular spots to see the heralds of Spring. See "6 places to be charmed by cherry blossoms in Montgomery County," by Josephine Jack in the March 26, 2026, issue of Bethesda Today , for recommendations.

WDC Newsletter — March 2, 2026 Celebrating Women's History Month in Montgomery County President's Letter In honor of Women’s History Month , I’m highlighting three iconic women leaders whose lives continue to inspire and move Americans to action. Ida B. Wells-Barnett (1862-1931) lived a life of tireless truth telling. She was a journalist, anti-lynching activist, a women’s suffragist, and an early civil rights movement leader. Wells-Barnett pioneered the field of investigative journalism and, in 1895 she published “A Red Record.” This 100-page book provided history and a statistical record of lynchings of African Americans, shaping the anti-lynching movement. Her brave and dogged work unequivocally demonstrated that lynchings were racist murders, no ifs, ands, or buts. Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was the first woman to join a presidential cabinet as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. When she was appointed, she gave the President a list of policies she intended to pursue. On that list were things we now take for granted as Americans: Social Security, unemployment compensation, the banning of child labor, the minimum wage and the 40-hour work week. Dolores Huerta , born in 1930, is most well known as the co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union with Cesar Chavez. A consummate organizer and negotiator during her long career, she has gone toe-to-toe with fellow lobbyists and elected officials on behalf of farm workers and their families. To this day, she continues to develop leaders and advocates for women and their families through the Dolores Huerta Foundation . WDC honors figures like Ida, Frances, and Dolores this month by continuing to press for state and county legislation to protect Maryland women and their families. Many of our members are also participating in collective action to save our democracy. Please read the rest of this newsletter for opportunities to take-action-for-good in commemoration of Women’s History Month. There’s something for everyone. Cynthia Rubenstein ------------------------ Advocacy Corner WDC Annapolis Day - February 4 by Kate Stein Yes, there was Weather. There was snow outside the Louis L. Goldstein Treasury building. There was snow outside the Lowe House of Delegates Office Building. There was snow outside the James and Miller Senate Office Buildings. And there was snow outside the Maryland Statehouse. February 4th was a typical winter day and a great day for advocacy. The more than thirty WDC advocates were fired up! Comptroller Brooke Lierman hosted us for the day. The new House of Delegates speaker, The Honorable Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, and our host, The Honorable Brooke Lierman, Comptroller of Maryland, addressed us first. The Speaker shared her story and legislative priorities and spoke passionately about the needs of immigrants and the importance of education, while the Comptroller shared an overview of the comptroller’s function. Both were generous with their time and willingness to answer advocates’ questions. Subcommittee chairs and other issue captains huddled and then dispersed to pre-scheduled meetings with legislators. Some advocates were able to visit morning committee meetings and listen to hearings. Delegate Dana Jones, President of Women Legislators of Maryland, addressed the group at lunch and shared legislative activity focused on improving the lives of girls and women in the state. While we ate, many members of the Montgomery County Delegation who were not in committee meetings stopped by to speak to our group. A special thanks to Delegates Crutchfield, Korman, Lopez, Mireku-North, Palakovich Carr, Queen, Solomon, Spiegel, Vogel, Wims, and Senator Waldstreicher. We then walked en masse to the State House, where we met with Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller, who shared the work of the administration and answered questions from our youngest advocates, our NextGen members, who are politically motivated students from Walt Whitman High School. Our Advocacy is not over. Many bills will be heard in committee over the next few weeks, including a WDC priority bill, HB1356 / SB857, which aims to protect employees from being forced to choose between employment and speaking and protesting lawfully when they are off duty. The Maryland Employee Civic Activity and Lawful Expression Protection Act is sponsored by Delegate Lopez in the House and by Senator Waldstreicher in the Senate. Reach out to get engaged and advocate! To view photos, CLICK HERE ! ------------------------ WDC News & Events Rally for the Women’s Pre-release Center—BUILD IT NOW! Wednesday, March 3 at noon at Lawyer’s Mall in Annapolis. House Judiciary Committee Hearing on HB935 at 1:00 PM Sponsored by the Women’s Pre-release Equity Coalition (WPEC) WDC President Cynthia Rubenstein is speaking at the Rally. The State of Maryland has spent 17 years NOT providing women with a community-based prerelease center to assist in their return to society from the women’s state prison. The 2021 Gender-Responsive Prerelease Act required the state to build such a facility; it has failed to comply with the statute. Male prisoners have these resources. WDC has been part of WPEC since 2019. With your help, we can pass revised legislation this year that will finally force the state to provide incarcerated women being released from prison the same opportunities as released incarcerated men are given. Let’s show Governor Moore and the Maryland General Assembly that Maryland’s women want them to BUILD IT NOW! Rally with WPEC on March 3 at noon at Lawyers’ Mall in Annapolis and attend the Judiciary Committee hearing in force. Please RSVP here. What: Rally for Women’s Prerelease When: 12 -1 pm, Tuesday, March 3 (House Judiciary Committee Hearing on HB935 to follow) Where: Lawyers’ Mall (between Calvert Street and the State House), Annapolis ----------------------------- Data Center Reform Rally Press Conference For more information, CLICK HERE . ----------------------------- Navigating the Backlash: Reclaiming Progress for Women April 27, 2026 11:30 am to 2 pm. For More information, CLICK HERE. ----------------------------- SAVE THE DATE: WDC Event Simon Rosenberg, Thursday, April 9th from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Round House Theatre in Bethesda Montgomery County Democratic Party News & Events County Executive Forum with Candidates Sunday, March 22, 3-4:30pm at Takoma Park Middle School Montgomery County & Maryland News & Events Governor Moore Statement on the Passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson Published: 2/17/2026 ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today released the following statement regarding the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson. “Today, Maryland mourns the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson—a giant of the civil rights movement and a champion for the dignity of working people. “Of the many shoulders that we stand on, Jesse Jackson’s were amongst the broadest. He led with love and reminded all of us of our voice and our power. Reverend Jackson was a trailblazer who never waited for permission or to ask for a seat at the table—he insisted on it, and he widened that table for generations to come. “Reverend Jackson spent his life turning pain into purpose and protest into progress and organizing communities to make those promises real. “Dawn and I send our deepest condolences to the Jackson family and to all who loved him and were shaped by his life’s work. We pray that Reverend Jackson may enjoy eternal peace and a well-deserved rest.” ----------------------------- Moore signs bills banning agreements between local police, federal immigration agencies: Sheriffs have 90 days to get out of so-called ‘287(g)’ agreements with ICE by William J. Ford, February 18, 2026, Maryland Matters Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed emergency legislation Tuesday banning 287(g) agreements between local police agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ending years of effort by immigration advocates who say local police should not be doing the work of federal agents. Senate Bill 245 and House Bill 444 take effect immediately, and give the nine Maryland counties 90 days to end their agreements with the feds. But the fight may not be over yet, as sheriffs in several of those counties said they are considering going to court to challenge the law that they said will lead to more, not less, immigration chaos in the state. Click HERE to read the rest of the article. ----------------------------- Know Your Rights Community & Business Canvassing Montgomery Village, Maryland (exact location given upon registration) Saturday, March 7, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Register: tinyurl.com/MoCoIRC-KYR26 A number of organizations in Montgomery County provide opportunities for involvement in immigrant support and safety. Below are just a few: Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center International Rescue Committee We Are Casa Community Resources Maryland Public Servants Resource Website Resources for Maryland's Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition – Maryland Department of Labor Rise Up – Federal Workers Legal Defense Network Other Government Resource Websites Chris Van Hollen’s Resources for Marylanders Affected by Trump Admin Policies Jamie Raskin’s Resources for Marylanders Affected by Troubling New Trump Administration Policies Montgomery County Resources for Workers Impacted by Recent Federal Government Actions Montgomery County Council, United in Service and Support Online Informational Series (virtual information sessions) Fight Back & Stay Informed No Kings, March 28, 2026 Indivisible’s Weekly WHAT’S THE PLAN? A Weekly Discussion with Indivisible’s Co-Founders Join the Weekly Zoom Chat with Indivisible Co-founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, who will help you wade through the week’s news, answer your questions, and provide timely calls to action. Webinars are held every Thursday, 3 - 4:00 p.m. EST. Register HERE . "Trusted Sources" Downtown Nasty Women Social Group (DNWSG) has created “Trusted Sources,” a fact-based news source because they believe legacy media has failed the pro-democracy movement. DNWSG believes staying informed is an act of resistance. CLICK HER E for the current list of “Trusted Sources." Community Activism Montgomery County Women’s Democratic Club (WDC) 50501 (FiftyFiftyOneMovement) Civic Action Hub Commit to Democracy Democracy Forward Democracy Helpers Now DoTheMostGood Downtown Nasty Women Social Group MoCo EmpowerHer Five Calls Indivisible Indivisible MoCoWoMen Indivisible Montgomery J WalkersAction Group LWV (League of Women Voters) MCDCC MDDEMS Mobilize NOPE (Neighbors Defending Democracy) People Power United Silver Spring Progressive Action (SSPA) Vote Forward WDC Membership By joining WDC, you are building community and political muscle with other Democratic members, clubs, and allies to elect Democrats and support progressive Democratic policy goals. WDC is excited to work with each of you, as we advocate for our WDC priorities, and present our Speakers Programs, Community Education Panels, social events, and service projects. And you'll be privy to our very own "WDC Members Only" Facebook page. Join us by clicking HERE ! If you're already a member and haven't already renewed, you can do so online HERE . You may also mail your $35.00 annual dues ($25 for members 35-years-old or younger) payable to "WDC" to: WDC, PO Box 34047, Bethesda, MD 20827. Make a Difference—Volunteer with WDC! WDC needs you! Can you help us in one of these positions? Not sure what a position entails? Come try it out—no obligation! Membership Co-Chair Events Committee Member Finance Committee Member Advocacy Committee Members To learn more, please contact Cynthia Rubenstein and make sure to use the subject line: "Volunteering with WDC."