This episode of the MD Dems features Delegates Stephanie Smith (D-45) and Jheanelle Wilkins (D-20) who joined Arinze to talk about their work preparing Maryland for the 2020 Census. Del. Wilkins discusses her connection to the census through her lived experience as an immigrant (8:22). Del. Smith then talks about her work overcoming the challenges of connecting her community to the digital resources necessary for a complete count in Baltimore (10:40). She explains that Census 2020 will be the first time residents can complete the survey online. The trio discuss the importance of the nearly $1 million in census funding that had yet to be released by the Hogan administration for education and promotion efforts focused on the census (13:45) [Note: This episode was recorded two days before Hogan was eventually pressured into releasing the funds]. Dels. Smith and Wilkins breakdown the local struggle to push ALL residents to participate in the census, despite the fear-mongering and villainization of immigrants taking place in federal politics (19:00). Arinze segues the conversation into a discussion on Candace Owens’ (a prominent black conservative voice) viral comments during a panel at P. Diddy’s 2019 Revolt Summit. According to Owens, the biggest threat to black America is illegal immigration and cities like Baltimore’s inability to educate its children (23:45). Del. Smith talks shares her experience as a mother of a child attending a Baltimore City public school and talks about the significance of Hogan’s disingenuous engagement in Maryland’s attempts to upgrade its education systems – specifically in the ongoing HBCU lawsuit and the Kirwan Commission’s efforts to dramatically improve K-12 education (32:00). The conversation wraps with an important discussion about “having a seat at the table” as women and women of color who will serve under Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-10) —who is Maryland’s first ever woman, and first ever African-American Speaker of the House of Delegates (42:00). The Delegates discuss the types of bills women legislators bring to the general assembly such as economic justice, women’s rights, and maternal deaths—which is an issue that nearly claimed the lives of Serena Williams and Beyonce (50:25). Finally, the two share the challenges of running for office as a woman and what they did to overcome those obstacles (57:00).

This episode of the MD Dems features Delegates Stephanie Smith (D-45) and Jheanelle Wilkins (D-20) who joined Arinze to talk about their work preparing Maryland for the 2020 Census. Del. Wilkins discusses her connection to the census through her lived experience as an immigrant (8:22). Del. Smith then talks about her work overcoming the challenges of connecting her community to the digital resources necessary for a complete count in Baltimore (10:40). She explains that Census 2020 will be the first time residents can complete the survey online. The trio discuss the importance of the nearly $1 million in census funding that had yet to be released by the Hogan administration for education and promotion efforts focused on the census (13:45) [Note: This episode was recorded two days before Hogan was eventually pressured into releasing the funds]. Dels. Smith and Wilkins breakdown the local struggle to push ALL residents to participate in the census, despite the fear-mongering and villainization of immigrants taking place in federal politics (19:00). Arinze segues the conversation into a discussion on Candace Owens’ (a prominent black conservative voice) viral comments during a panel at P. Diddy’s 2019 Revolt Summit. According to Owens, the biggest threat to black America is illegal immigration and cities like Baltimore’s inability to educate its children (23:45). Del. Smith talks shares her experience as a mother of a child attending a Baltimore City public school and talks about the significance of Hogan’s disingenuous engagement in Maryland’s attempts to upgrade its education systems – specifically in the ongoing HBCU lawsuit and the Kirwan Commission’s efforts to dramatically improve K-12 education (32:00). The conversation wraps with an important discussion about “having a seat at the table” as women and women of color who will serve under Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-10) —who is Maryland’s first ever woman, and first ever African-American Speaker of the House of Delegates (42:00). The Delegates discuss the types of bills women legislators bring to the general assembly such as economic justice, women’s rights, and maternal deaths—which is an issue that nearly claimed the lives of Serena Williams and Beyonce (50:25). Finally, the two share the challenges of running for office as a woman and what they did to overcome those obstacles (57:00).

Welcome to the Impeachment episode. It’s been a long time coming hasn’t it? After an impassioned pitch from Ben for recurring donations, Arinze breaks down the Amber Guyger/Botham Jean case (5:00) and its connection to Freddie Gray and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. He dives into the precedent set by Mosby and then talks about Mosby’s conviction integrity unit which has freed 4 of the 5 men who wrongfully served time for crimes that they did not commit. The five exonerated men are now seeking compensation from the State for the time they’ve lost, but Governor Hogan refuses to release the funds to pay them. For those of you that need a recap of how this impeachment inquiry all began—Arinze has you covered (8:49). Then Ben and Arinze discuss the 14-day surge in support for Trump’s impeachment, with 46% of voters favoring the inquiry. This is obviously getting to Trump, who melted down during a joint press conference with the President of Finland – listen to the clip at the 19 minute mark (19:34). Arinze then asks Ben whether Democrats should consider election-year politics more carefully before proceeding (22:00) and if the “Never Trump” Republicans will provide enough political cover for the rest of the GOP to turn against Trump. Ben then lays out the three elements for impeachment as defined by Congress (27:42). Arinze reminds Ben that NOTHING has stuck to Trump thus far, so why would we think that Trump’s playbook to deny and downplay would be any less effective (30:00). Ben talks about the “But her Emails” tactics that led to Trump’s victory and wonders if Biden is vulnerable to similar attacks if he becomes the nominee (34:00). Arinze wants to know if impeachment is the right move with an election in full swing—YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS BEN’S ANSWER (40:20).

Welcome to the Impeachment episode. It’s been a long time coming hasn’t it? After an impassioned pitch from Ben for recurring donations, Arinze breaks down the Amber Guyger/Botham Jean case (5:00) and its connection to Freddie Gray and Baltimore City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby. He dives into the precedent set by Mosby and then talks about Mosby’s conviction integrity unit which has freed 4 of the 5 men who wrongfully served time for crimes that they did not commit. The five exonerated men are now seeking compensation from the State for the time they’ve lost, but Governor Hogan refuses to release the funds to pay them. For those of you that need a recap of how this impeachment inquiry all began—Arinze has you covered (8:49). Then Ben and Arinze discuss the 14-day surge in support for Trump’s impeachment, with 46% of voters favoring the inquiry. This is obviously getting to Trump, who melted down during a joint press conference with the President of Finland – listen to the clip at the 19 minute mark (19:34). Arinze then asks Ben whether Democrats should consider election-year politics more carefully before proceeding (22:00) and if the “Never Trump” Republicans will provide enough political cover for the rest of the GOP to turn against Trump. Ben then lays out the three elements for impeachment as defined by Congress (27:42). Arinze reminds Ben that NOTHING has stuck to Trump thus far, so why would we think that Trump’s playbook to deny and downplay would be any less effective (30:00). Ben talks about the “But her Emails” tactics that led to Trump’s victory and wonders if Biden is vulnerable to similar attacks if he becomes the nominee (34:00). Arinze wants to know if impeachment is the right move with an election in full swing—YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS BEN’S ANSWER (40:20).

Baltimore City Councilman Ryan Dorsey discusses transportation policy, bike lanes, complete streets, and smart urban growth policy on this episode of the MD Dems Podcast. The discussion begins with a brief shout out to the striking journalists and musicians at the Baltimore Sun and BSO (3:00) before diving into Dorsey's role in calling out the Healthy Holly Scandal that lead to former Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh's resignation (6:44) and the ethics reform package Dorsey and his colleagues introduced in the wake of the scandal. Arinze asks Dorsey about a clip (19:22) of the Councilman telling Baltimore's Budget Director that the City's budget was a "racist document" because it did not prioritize closing the wealth gap between black and white Baltimore residents as part of its 'outcome based budgeting process'. "If black people had the same economic power per capita as white people in the City would have BILLIONS more in local spending." (22:48) The pair kick off an extended conversation on transportation, equity, and smart growth in urban settings. (26:30) Arinze asks Ryan to break down the "Black Butterfly and the White L" (look it up!) and how it impacts development in Black Baltimore neighborhoods (37:00). The episode ends with a surprise answer to, "Who is your favorite activist?" (55:00) Tune in to find out!

Baltimore City Councilman Ryan Dorsey discusses transportation policy, bike lanes, complete streets, and smart urban growth policy on this episode of the MD Dems Podcast. The discussion begins with a brief shout out to the striking journalists and musicians at the Baltimore Sun and BSO (3:00) before diving into Dorsey's role in calling out the Healthy Holly Scandal that lead to former Baltimore City Mayor Catherine Pugh's resignation (6:44) and the ethics reform package Dorsey and his colleagues introduced in the wake of the scandal. Arinze asks Dorsey about a clip (19:22) of the Councilman telling Baltimore's Budget Director that the City's budget was a "racist document" because it did not prioritize closing the wealth gap between black and white Baltimore residents as part of its 'outcome based budgeting process'. "If black people had the same economic power per capita as white people in the City would have BILLIONS more in local spending." (22:48) The pair kick off an extended conversation on transportation, equity, and smart growth in urban settings. (26:30) Arinze asks Ryan to break down the "Black Butterfly and the White L" (look it up!) and how it impacts development in Black Baltimore neighborhoods (37:00). The episode ends with a surprise answer to, "Who is your favorite activist?" (55:00) Tune in to find out!

This episode was recorded on day one of the national General Motors Strike. Hear the stories of Rob Dinatele -- a 25 year employee of GM-- and Jackie Parncutt, who is a 35 year GM employee and the First Committee Chair for UAW Local 239. Rob and Jackie met Arinze at the picket line in front of the now shuttered GM assembly facility in White Marsh. The trio discussed the reason for the strike and the $35 billion in profits GM made while closing facilities across America (3:40). Jackie breaks down the impact of the May 2019 layoffs that shut down the Baltimore facility (6:30) and what she and her union have been doing to remedy the situation. The trio also discussed the discuss the culture of unions, its benefits, and the difference between relying on a union representative to settle labor disputes and complaints rather than corporate HR staff (14:40). Wrapping up the conversation Arinze asks about globalization and Jackie explains the significance of vehicle VIN numbers that begin with the number 3 (30:00). Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about working people sticking together and striking for the compensation and opportunities that they deserve.

This episode was recorded on day one of the national General Motors Strike. Hear the stories of Rob Dinatele -- a 25 year employee of GM-- and Jackie Parncutt, who is a 35 year GM employee and the First Committee Chair for UAW Local 239. Rob and Jackie met Arinze at the picket line in front of the now shuttered GM assembly facility in White Marsh. The trio discussed the reason for the strike and the $35 billion in profits GM made while closing facilities across America (3:40). Jackie breaks down the impact of the May 2019 layoffs that shut down the Baltimore facility (6:30) and what she and her union have been doing to remedy the situation. The trio also discussed the discuss the culture of unions, its benefits, and the difference between relying on a union representative to settle labor disputes and complaints rather than corporate HR staff (14:40). Wrapping up the conversation Arinze asks about globalization and Jackie explains the significance of vehicle VIN numbers that begin with the number 3 (30:00). Tune in for a heartfelt discussion about working people sticking together and striking for the compensation and opportunities that they deserve.

Welcome back! On this episode, Arinze interviews Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-21) who was the lead sponsor of a law to create America's first Drug Affordability Review Board. The two discuss how the law intends to reduce drug prices for Marylanders (2:18) and year long process of engaging Maryland's healthcare sector and the Attorney General's office to craft the legislation (4:00). But Pena-Melnyk points out that Gov. Hogan refused to provide funding for the Affordability Board to do its work (10:00) and Hogan's administration -- including the Health Department-- never participated in any of the discussions regarding this major piece of legislation. Pena-Melnyk then breaks down the difference between the Board being independent versus being operated by Hogan's administration (15:00)and recalls the moment she found out that Hogan was blocking the Board from moving forward after it was established by law. Arinze and Pena-Melnyk later discuss the need for Democrats to communicate to voters the numerous progressive policies passed by Party Members including $15 minimum wage, marijuana decriminalization, Title X funding, Ban the Box, and more (21:00). To wrap up the episode, Pena-Melnyk touches on the election of Speaker Jones; gives predictions on the Kirwan Commission during session 2020; and shares her thoughts on the importance of state action on healthcare in the absence of movement at the federal level (26:00).

Welcome back! On this episode, Arinze interviews Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (D-21) who was the lead sponsor of a law to create America's first Drug Affordability Review Board. The two discuss how the law intends to reduce drug prices for Marylanders (2:18) and year long process of engaging Maryland's healthcare sector and the Attorney General's office to craft the legislation (4:00). But Pena-Melnyk points out that Gov. Hogan refused to provide funding for the Affordability Board to do its work (10:00) and Hogan's administration -- including the Health Department-- never participated in any of the discussions regarding this major piece of legislation. Pena-Melnyk then breaks down the difference between the Board being independent versus being operated by Hogan's administration (15:00)and recalls the moment she found out that Hogan was blocking the Board from moving forward after it was established by law. Arinze and Pena-Melnyk later discuss the need for Democrats to communicate to voters the numerous progressive policies passed by Party Members including $15 minimum wage, marijuana decriminalization, Title X funding, Ban the Box, and more (21:00). To wrap up the episode, Pena-Melnyk touches on the election of Speaker Jones; gives predictions on the Kirwan Commission during session 2020; and shares her thoughts on the importance of state action on healthcare in the absence of movement at the federal level (26:00).