From the MD arm of Organizing For America:
This week - possibly Thursday - the fate of two landmark bills may be decided in the Maryland legislature: marriage equality and Maryland's version of the DREAM Act. However, key Democrats need to hear from their constituents and we have been called upon to mobilize them....
They are phone banking on behalf of the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which has been a key focus for this group, which they describe well here:
The Civil Marriage Protection Act, HB 175, would provide marriage equality. Same-sex couples are often denied many rights by not being able to have a civil marriage -- rights such as hospital visitation when there's been an accident or illness; the ability to obtain "family" health coverage; or taxation and inheritance rights. If passed, Maryland would join five other states and the District of Columbia in providing this fundamental civil right.
But then they list the "Maryland Dream Act" or by it's technical name, "The In-State Tuition for Imigrant Youth Act." Which I would love to get more info on....
The In-State Tuition for Immigrant Youth Act, SB 167 and HB 470, makes higher education more accessible to children of immigrants. With certain qualifications, it is intended to help children of immigrants who were brought to the U.S. by their parents at a very young age and have worked hard throughout their academic careers with the hope of going to college.
I was not aware it was hitting a crucial point this week as well... Here are the details of where to go to help:
Please come into the OFA-MD office in Kensington and phone bank with us Noon - 9 pm, Mondays through Thursdays. For all of these issues, come whenever you can; stay as long as you can....
And if you have more information on the Maryland Dream Act, do post them in the comments or send us a group message.