OUR CURRENT PRIORITIES

Saving Democracy has never been more important!

Our work will begin in Maryland!

Be the Change is focusing on supporting the Fair Share for Maryland Act of 2025- HB1014/SB859

Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr and Senator Shelly Hettleman, the main sponsors and Kali Schumitz of Maryland Center for Economic Policy, presented at our January 29 meeting. Maryland currently has a $3 billion deficit and a tax system that is upside down: low income taxpayers pay a larger percentage of their income than the highest earners. This bill would fix that without raising taxes on any household making more than $250,000- and at that level, the increase would be very small. The Bill also closes corporate loopholes that currently provide an advantage to multinational corporations at the expense of Maryland-based businesses.

We can't cut our way out of this deficit. We need to tell our Legislators to support the Bill.

  • HB 1014 will be heard in the House Ways and Means Committee on February 20 at 1 pm. Written testimony will be due Feb. 18.

  • SB 859 will be heard in the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 5 at 1 pm. Written testimony will be due March 3.

This article by a Turkish journalist provides encouragement and a roadmap for opposition.

BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community and country? Do you want to know more about the issues that face us?

We are Marylanders building a sustainable movement for equity and integrity. Join us as we work toward a social justice agenda, and elect leaders who will stand up for our values.

Be the Change can help connect you with others who share your passion for social change.

WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE STARTED

Be the Change was formed in late 2017 by Jennifer Downs and Betsy Krieger, two Baltimore activists who recognized the need to give people simple options to become politically active.

The mission of Be the Change is to connect our large community of concerned and dedicated activists to organizations, movements and candidates promoting social, racial and climate justice at all levels of government. We are particularly committed to ongoing learning about the root causes of inequality, and to acknowledging historical trauma stemming from racism.