Celebrating Black History Month

WDC Newsletter — February 1, 2026 Celebrate Black History Month in Montgomery County President's Letter “We must accept finite disappointment but never lose infinite hope.” — Martin Luther King, Jr. “If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice.” — bell hooks The above quotes are favorites of mine and are especially apt in these fraught times as we commemorate Black History month. Throughout February we have the opportunity to pay special attention to the people and events in the history of the African diaspora, including civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. and Black feminist and poet bell hooks. There are innumerable lessons to be learned from Black History that can help us hold on to “infinite hope” and propel us to build a “beloved community,” a vision expressed by Martin Luther King, Jr. for a societybuilt on justice, equal opportunity, and love, where poverty, racism, and violence are eradicated through nonviolent means. That vision has urgent resonance today and should continue to spur us to collective action to achieve it. Additionally, important lessons are contained in American literature and nonfiction by a myriad of Black authors. Because I’m a book nerd, I want to highlight two books of several that have had deep staying power for me. I highly recommend them for their profound brilliance and humanity. The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin. This slim book, published in 1963, packed a wallop with Baldwin’s personal examination of the legacy of racism. The Atlantic’s review in my paperback version describes it this way: “So eloquent in its passion and so scorching in its candor that it is bound to unsettle any reader. As a novelist and writer of uncommon talent, James Baldwin plunges to the human heart of the matter.” The Warmth of Other Suns, by Isabel Wilkerson , tells the epic story of the Great Migration of nearly six million Black citizens from the South to northern, midwestern, and western cities between 1915 and 1970. It is vivid, narrative nonfiction and makes history come alive, illuminating the story of Black citizens whose journeys transformed our nation. May we all read and learn. May we all have a meaningful Black History Month. May we all continue to strive to build our beloved community. Cynthia Rubenstein  --------- Advocacy Corner With the Maryland General Assembly two-and-a-half weeks into its session, WDC’s advocacy is already well underway. We have submitted testimony in support of eight critical bills, including: anti-masking legislation, the Path Act, the women’s prerelease center, graduate student unions, better data collection and reporting on bullying and harassment in our schools, special elections, and a bill to remove firearms from domestic abusers under temporary restraining orders. In coming weeks, we expect to support legislation to protect our civil rights, our environment, and our neighbors and to speed our transition to green energy, more affordable housing, and universal access to care and healthcare. We are heading to Annapolis on February 4th to advocate in person. It’s not too late for you to get in on the fun! REGISTER HERE . To learn about what our subcommittees have been working on, CLICK HERE. Wednesday, February 4, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. To register, CLICK HERE . -------- WDC News & Events Join Us on Feb. 28 for this important discussion about charging children as adults in criminal cases. Confining children in adult prisons and jails has, among other negative outcomes, been associated with a 30% increased risk of mortality during early to mid-adulthood (ages 18-39 years). Nationally, Black children are four times more likely to be charged as adults; in Maryland, 77% of children charged as adults are Black. Legislation this session seeks to reduce the charging of children as adults. SB 323, The Youth Charging Reform Act, is sponsored by Senators Smith, Hettleman, Love, Muse, Sydnor, and West; the cross-filed bill is HB 409 Delegates Bartlett, Toles and Lehman. Similar legislation was introduced in the last session. With the Chairs of both the Senate Judicial Proceedings and House Judiciary Committees as sponsors, the legislation could pass this session. WDC is sponsoring this event to discuss the extent to which children are charged as adults, its implications for health, welfare and safety, and how the legislation would limit its use. The panel will include Senator Will Smith, Georgetown Law Professor Kristin Henning, and Eddy Ellis of the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth. Olinda Moyd, Vice President of the Sentencing Project Board, will moderate. It will be an informative discussion about an issue we all need to understand. To register, CLICK HERE .   -------- Marylanders for Data Center Reform Lobby Day Wednesday, March 11, 10am-4pm, in Annapolis Organized by the Data Center Reform Coalition We are urging state lawmakers to take action on the unchecked, exponential growth of data centers in Maryland. WDC is a member of the Coalition. For more information . Sign up to lobby here . -------- What You Might Have Missed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSe2j4NJyjM Watch the video. "What Does Maryland's Deficit Mean for Key Programs?" a discussion with Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Del. Marc Dorman (D16) held on January 6. -------- Montgomery County Democratic Party News MCDCC Seeks District 9A Member The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) has an open seat for a male/non-binary* member representing Maryland Legislative District 9A. The successful candidate will complete the unexpired term ending in November 2026. Please visit mcdcc.org/d9a-vacancy2025 for more information about this vacancy and details on how to apply. Democratic Party Gender balance rules stipulate that each legislative district’s two MCDCC members may not be of the same gender. The incumbent D9A member is female so the open seat must be filled by a male or non-binary. -------- Montgomery County & Maryland News & Events Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to Host Community Forum on Data Center Legislation and Policies on Tuesday, Feb. 3 Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich invites residents, community organizations, climate and environmental activists, and residents to attend a community forum on data centers from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Leggett Executive Office Building (LEOB) auditorium. The LEOB is located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. Residents and stakeholders can attend the forum in person or CLICK HERE to participate virtually.   Councilmembers Luedtke, Friedson, Glass Introduce Climate Resiliency Legislation The bill would expand flood mitigation, heat resilience, and infrastructure protection with community partners and Montgomery County Green Bank ROCKVILLE, Md., Jan. 20, 2026— Councilmembers Dawn Luedtke, Andrew Friedson, and Evan Glass introduced legislation today to strengthen Montgomery County’s response to climate change. Bill 2-26 - Taxation - Fuel-Energy Tax-Amendments will provide the Montgomery County Green Bank with additional flexibility and resources to support critically needed climate resiliency projects. To learn more about this bill, CLICK 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 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 HERE 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."   Share this newsletter with friends! Donate! Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club All Rights Reserved

President's Message

WDC Newsletter — January 1, 2026 President's Letter On Sunday December 14, WDC held its holiday party at the beautiful and historic venue of Sandy Spring Museum. The weather was frigid, windy, and icy; the team of Events organizers was nervous about turnout. Those nerves vanished when a capacity crowd of hardy Democrats showed up to hear from four stellar elected leaders who wowed the room: Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins and Delegate Ashanti Martinez. WDC marked the season of giving by presenting a $1,000 donation check to Congressman Raskin for Tommy’s Pantry , in honor of his late son Tommy Raskin, whose life exemplified a commitment to human dignity and taking care of others. Thanks to the efforts of Membership Chair Enid Light, creative door prizes brought an element of extra fun to the party. Some winners went home with original artworks donated by WDC member artists: Helen Wood, Alison Whyte, Denise Juliano-Bult, Carolyn Avery and Teresa Jade. To close out this message, I want to express gratitude to all who made donations to WDC with special recognition for our generous event sponsors as listed below. Blue Wave sponsors: Carole Brand, Terry Lierman, Cynthia Rubenstein, Kate Stein Red White and Blue sponsors: Karen Britto, Deborah Williams True Blue sponsors: Tazeen Ahmad, Nancy Avitabile, Margaret Barry, Diana Conway, Karen Finn, Lisa Fuller, Christine Kurkjian, Rosemary Lytle, James Montgomery, Teddi Pensinger, Marilyn Pierre, Cecily Thorne, Nicole Ukiteyedi. Wishing all of you a Happy New (Blue) Year, Cynthia Rubenstein -------- Advocacy Corner by Kate Stein, Advocacy Chair Last week’s special session of the Maryland General Assembly included a significant number of veto overrides. After the House of Delegates elected Joseline Peña-Melnyk as its new Speaker , the General Assembly quickly moved to override several of the Governor’s vetoes. Under Maryland law, when the General Assembly convenes to consider vetoed legislation, it must act on those vetoes before taking up any other legislative business. These overrides notably included several important environment and energy bills: SB 909 / HB 1037 – Energy Resource Adequacy Planning Act. 
 Requires the state to proactively plan for sufficient, reliable energy capacity to meet Maryland’s future electricity needs as the grid transitions to cleaner energy sources.
 SB 116 / HB 270 – Data Center Impact Study. 
 Directs the state to study the energy, water, land-use, and environmental impacts of large data centers and their effects on local communities and the electric grid.
 SB 149 / HB 128 – “RENEW Study” (Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Study). 
 Requires an analysis of the total economic costs of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland to better inform climate policy, planning, and investment decisions. Many delegates and senators from the Montgomery County delegation fought long and hard for these bills. We congratulate them on their eventual success. Notably, the special session did not include action on two issues that WDC advocated for throughout the summer and fall: mid-cycle redistricting and a statewide ban on 287(g) agreements , which deputize local law enforcement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) . That said, progress has been made on both fronts. The Governor’s Commission on Redistricting voted to recommend that the General Assembly proceed with drawing new legislative maps. In addition, the Montgomery County Council voted to codify Marc Elrich’s Executive Order 135-19 from 2019. This action, known as the "Trust Act" (Expedited Bill 35-25) , protects immigrants and prohibits county law enforcement from assisting ICE. The General Assembly will reconvene for its regular session on January 14, 2026 . Between opening day and Sine Die , you will be hearing from us more frequently. The Advocacy Committee has been hard at work since early fall—discussing legislative priorities, identifying and researching bills, and engaging legislators. Dorothy Manevich , co-chair of our Advancing Democracy subcommittee, delivered WDC’s first testimony of the season at a delegation hearing in support of enabling legislation for Ranked Choice Voting . We hope you will join us in Annapolis on February 4 for WDC’s Advocacy Day . It will be an exciting, jam-packed day of meetings with legislators and their staffs. Repeat after me: THIS is what democracy looks like! -------- WDC News & Events Despite efforts to manage the demand on resources, Maryland’s 2027 deficit is projected at $1.5 billion. Maryland Matters recently reported that the projections are for that to rise to $3.2 billion in 2028 and $3.5 billion in 2029. As the deficit rises what are the implications for the State? The 2025 General Assembly session was driven by imperatives to find cuts and limit new expenditures. This meant stepping back on dearly held commitments like the Blueprint for Maryland schools. While the significant investment in the Blueprint has been seen as an essential investment in Maryland’s future, healthcare, programs to address child poverty, transportation, environment, and supporting business expansion have also been priorities. Looking forward, what can we do to fund such priorities? We have asked Comptroller Brooke Lierman to join us to give some hard facts about the State’s fiscal condition and what she sees as the possibilities for expanding our revenue base. And, we have asked Delegate Marc Korman to give us a sense of what lies ahead in navigating a budget that can reasonably address projected deficits while preserving spending priorities. To register to join us for this important discussion, CLICK HERE . Wednesday, February 4, 9 am - 1 pm To register, CLICK HERE . RCV (Ranked Choice Voting) Day in Rockville Celebrate RCV Day! Join community members and local leaders for an interactive event to support better elections for all. Light refreshments and beverages will be available. Guest speaker: Rockville Councilmember Zola Shaw Co-hosted by Represent Women and the Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club To RSVP, CLICK HERE . -------- Montgomery County Democratic Party News MCDCC Seeks Member At-Large The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee will fill a vacancy for a member at-large at its regular business meeting on February 10, 2026. The successful candidate will complete the unexpired term ending in November 2026. Candidates for this position must fulfill the following criteria as of the date of appointment: Identify as female or non-binary * Be registered in Maryland Legislative District 9A, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20. The application deadline is Friday, January 23, 2026. For information on how to apply, CLICK HERE . MCDCC Seeks District 9A Member The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee (MCDCC) has an open seat for a male/non-binary* member representing Maryland Legislative District 9A. The successful candidate will complete the unexpired term ending in November 2026. District 9A includes the northwestern edges of Montgomery County, from Clarksburg across to Damascus and points to the northeast of Damascus. You can look up your legislative district at mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/District . Please visit mcdcc.org/d9a-vacancy2025 for more information about this vacancy and details on how to apply. Democratic Party Gender balance rules stipulate that each legislative district’s two MCDCC members may not be of the same gender. The incumbent D9A member is female so the open seat must be filled by a male or non-binary.. - Montgomery County & Maryland News & Events 2026 MLK Day of Service & Volunteer Fair Monday, January 19, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Doors open at 1:30 pm The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is thrilled to announce our upcoming MLK Day of Service, where volunteers across the County will come together to make a difference in our community. Participate in service projects that will benefit people and communities in Montgomery County. Participants will also have the chance to engage with local non-profit organizations to learn about opportunities to give back throughout the year. Registration required. To register, CLICK HERE . Peña-Melnyk Elected Unanimously As House Speaker, Making History in the Process by Bryan P. Sears, Maryland Matters, December 16, 2025 Maryland lawmakers made history Tuesday, electing the first Afro-Latina and the first immigrant to serve as House speaker. Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel) is the 109th person to serve as speaker of the House of Delegate but just the second woman of color in the job, following her predecessor, Del. Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County). Her rise to the speaker’s rostrum caps a nearly two-decade career in Annapolis, but got its start in an unlikely place: a small home with a leaky roof in the Dominican Republic. (To read the complete article in Maryland Matters, CLICK 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 Governor Wes Moore’s Maryland Public Servants Resource Website 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) Maryland Department of Labor , Resources for Maryland’s Former Federal Employees and Other Workers Impacted by the Federal Government Transition 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 at 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 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. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, plastic is out! Montgomery County’s new Bring Your Own Bag Law bans plastic carryout bags and sets a 10¢ fee on paper bags. Bring reusable bags to save money and protect our planet! 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." Share this newsletter with friends! Donate! Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club All Rights Reserved

President's Message

Much to do in September

Dear WDC Members and Friends,

Dear WDC Members and Friends,

Moving Forward in 2025

Some Ideas to Work on in the Months Ahead