UWM Announcements
5th Anniversary of Fitch v. Maryland
Announced September 20, 2023
United We Matter Members Only!
Get Updated on everything that has occurred in the Fitch v. Maryland case and celebrate the five years we have been fighting to reinstate this benefit. Register Today.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 @ 11:30am
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Registration closes on September 30, 2023
Meeting for Out of State and Housebound
Announced July 21, 2023
HEARING SCHEDULED!
May 3, 2023
Legal Update in Fitch v. Maryland
The District Court for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt) has scheduled a hearing in Fitch v. Maryland on June 29, 2023 @ 2:00pm. The Court will hear arguments on class certification, whether to dismiss the and dissolve the injunction.
Support the attorney who has been fighting for you the last 5 years. Attend the hearing.
Remember United We Matter.
RX Drug Coverage Meeting
Announced March 3, 2023
2023 RX Drug Coverage Meeting
April 11, 2023 11:00AM - 1:00PM
The 4th Circuit has issued an opinion. What does it mean for our lawsuit? The Attorney General's Office has filed to dissolve the injunction that has been in place for five years. What does that mean? Join Us and find out. Question & Answer session after the presentation. Seating is Limited. Register Today.
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Seating is Limited
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Registration closes for everyone on April 1 2023.
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For more information, email KenFitch@unitedwematter.com.
RX Drug Coverage Group Meeting is being Sponsored by United We Matter.
CANCELLED
Fitch v. Maryland in 2022
United We Matter presents the Fitch v. Maryland in 2022 Legal Update Meeting with the lead attorney Deborah Hill, Esq. Catch up with what has happened with the lawsuit in 2022.
Attendance limited to United We Matter members. RSVP Today!
Announced December 15 2022
New Television Ad Airing
WBFF MYTV Channel 24 and 45.2
United We Matter Television Ads have started airing on WBFF MY TV on Channel 24 and 45.2 I want to thank every donor who contributed to the MEGA Media Blitz to make this happen.
If you are a State Retiree and not part of United We Matter – JOIN US. If you would like to contribute to the Mega Media Blitz, please send a check or money order to:
United We Matter
P.O. Box 44102
Nottingham, MD 21236
In the memo line: MEGA MEDIA BLITZ or ADS
Remember – WE MATTER and United we will make a difference!
New Radio Ad Airing
WBEY 97.9, WCTG 96.5 & 101.5FM 10
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Starting September 5, 2022, United We Matter Radio Ads will start airing on WBEY 97.9, WCTG 96.5 and 101.5 FM. The production of these ads and their airing are strictly due to donations. I want to thank every donor who contributed to the MEGA Media Blitz to make this happen.
If you are a State Retiree and not part of United We Matter – JOIN US. Just go to www.unitedwematter.com and hit the gold JOIN US button. If you would like to contribute to the Mega Media Blitz, please send a check or money order to:
United We Matter
P.O. Box 44102
Nottingham, MD 21236
In the memo line: MEGA MEDIA BLITZ or ADS
Remember – WE MATTER and United we will make a difference!
Fitch v. Maryland Legal Update Meeting
United We Matter is sponsoring the Fitch v. Maryland Legal Update Meeting with the lead attorney Deborah Holloway Hill, Esquire. Find out what's going on. Attendance limited to United We Matter members. RSVP Today!
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED
Announced May 30, 2022
1st Annual UWM Bull Roast
Announced May 30, 2022
United We Matter is sponsoring the first Annual Bull Roast. The Bull Roast is scheduled for October 8, 2022. For more information
May 2022 Brick & Mortar Meeting
United We Matter is sponsoring a Legal and Legislative Update Meeting on May 24, 2022 at Gunpowder VFW 10067, 6309 Ebenezer Road, Middle River 21236 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Seating is Limited
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED
April 6, 2022
Delegate Johnny Mautz to the Rescue!
Delegate Johnny Mautz offered an amendment on the House Floor to reinstate prescription drug coverage for active and retired State employees who had at least 5 years of service prior to 2011 and worked at least 16 years.
Fitch Plaintiffs file Response
April 3, 2022
Legal Update in Fitch v. Maryland
The Fitch Plaintiffs filed a response to the Defendants, the State of Maryland, Governor Hogan and Secretary Brinkley (DBM) Motion to Certify Interlocutory Appeal on April 3, 2022.
State Files Motion
Legal Update in Fitch v. Maryland
The Defendants, the State of Maryland, Governor Hogan and Secretary Brinkley (DBM) through the Maryland Attorney General Office files a Motion to Certify Interlocutory Appeal on March 18, 2022.
March 18, 2022
House Hearing on HB 892
Click below to listen and see the virtual hearing on HB 892 held in the Maryland House of Delegates
United We Matter (Ken Fitch) testified in a virtual hearing in front of the Maryland House Appropriations Committee asking for a favorable recommendation for HB 892. HB892 was sponsored by Delegate Joe Boteler. The hearing was held on March 15, 2022 at 1:00pm
March 15, 2022
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Senate Hearing on SB 578
United We Matter testified at the Maryland Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, asking for a favorable recommendation for SB 578. SB 578 was sponsored by Senator Kathy Klausmeier. The hearing was held on March 2, 2022 at 1:00pm
SB 578 Hearing (2022)
March 2, 2022
Legislative Update - HB 892
February 9, 2022
Delegate Joe Boteler (with 42 co-sponsors) has filed HB 892 in the Maryland House of Delegates. This bill seeks to reinstate prescription drug coverage for retirees and active employees who worked at least five years prior to July 1, 2011.
Court Order issued in Fitch v. Maryland
The U.S. District Court of Maryland has issued an Order in Fitch v. Maryland on December 30, 2021.
Legal update meetings have been scheduled.
Please go to the Member Section for more information.
December 31, 2021
2022
Make it Right /Fix it Now
Car Rally
Announcement #29
The United We Matter 2022 Mega Media Blitz is starting with the
MAKE IT RIGHT – FIX IT NOW RALLY
Date: 1/12/2022
Location: Annapolis
Time: 945am till?
RSVP for a count
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Send us an email to RXDrugRally@gmail.com to confirm your attendance. DON'T FORGET TO GIVE YOUR NAME! More info will be sent as we get closer to the date.
RECAP of Eastern Shore Meeting
The Eastern Shore RX Drug Coverage Meeting went very well.
if you are a member, CLICK HERE for a full recap. If you are not a member JOIN US.
New Radio Ad Airing on Eastern Shore
WTDK-FM 107.1 & WI-FM - 100.9 & WCEM - FM 106.3 & WCEM-AM 1240 Sports
Eastern Shore RX Drug Coverage Group Meeting
United We Matter is sponsoring a RX Drug Coverage meeting on 11/18/2021 in Stevensville, Kent Island from 11:30am to 3:30pm
United We Matter members click here to register.
If you have difficulty signing into the member section or are a Non-Member click here to register. $10.00 Entry Fee for Non-Members
United We Matter Address Change
United We Matter
P.O. Box #44102
Nottingham, MD 21236
30 Second Commercials Click below
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UWM Annual Meeting - October 12, 2021
United We Matter is sponsoring a meeting on 10/12/2021.
United We Matter members click here to register.
Non-Members click here to register.
($10.00 Fee also needed for entry. Cash or Check Only)
Ken Fitch 08/11 Radio Interview
CLICK ARROW BELOW FOR INTERVIEW
Delegate Dan Cox Announces Candidacy
On this 4th of July 2021, Valerie and I are announcing that I am stepping up to run to be your next Governor of Maryland to restore Freedom to the Free State. My video announcement is linked below on our campaign website. Thank you for your support and I ask you to consider a contribution by clicking the link below and donating on the secure site, as we need your help to carry this Flag for us and our children. #PoliticsAnsweringToThePeople #FreedomIsNotFree #RuleOfLaw #fourthofjuly2021 #dutyhonorcountry #GodBlessAmerica #MakeMarylandThriveAgain #freedom #dontstopbelieving
2021 Lawn Chair Mega Rally
Announcement #20
May 22, 2021
This rally will be a little different - First it will start at about 5:15pm. Second - Bring your lawn chair (no Standing if you don't want to) and Third - no walking. This Rally is a Senior's dream. You just need to show up.
The Rally will be taking place in Catonsville, Baltimore County. Plan to show for this. Remember June 9th. Save the date!
Enter your email address to confirm your attendance. More info will be sent as we get closer to the date.
Announcement #19
May 4, 2021
Rally Cancelled due to Weather Forecast
Check back for the new date and time.
Sign Up for the Carl Jackson Rally
Announcement #18
April 29, 2021
REMEMBER THE RALLY IS AROUND THE CORNER
Carl Jackson has forgotten he represents us! LETS REMIND HIM....
Date: Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Time: 10:00am
Meeting Locale:
Looneys Pub
8706 Belair Rd
Perry Hall, MD 21236
Click link below if you wish to attend.
Announcement #17
Posted 04/24/2021
McIntosh refuses to call vote
Well disappointing. Delegate Szeliga withdrew the Amendment because Delegate McIntosh REFUSED to put it up for a vote in the Appropriations Committee. McIntosh is also a member of the House Rules committee (where HB 1335 was). She represents Baltimore City and yet was in a position to deny thousands of state retirees the right to prescription drug coverage. A right that they earned with their service to the State. For three years this committee has not allowed this bill out of committee. She needs to go.
Announcement #16
Posted 04/12/2021
CALL, CALL, CALL APPROPRIATIONS
House Minority Whip, Delegate Kathy Szeliga (Baltimore, Harford County)
Announcement #15
Posted 04/12/2021
Minority Whip Szeliga moves to Amend!
Well well well. If you got to look at the House Floor Session today, Minority Whip, Delegate Kathy Szeliga moved to amend SB 680 to include the reinstatement of Prescription Drug Coverage. Of course there were resistance. Delegate Maggie McIntosh then moved that the amendment be “special order” to the Appropriations Committee. (Delegate McIntosh is the chair of that committee and that is where all our other bills died.) There was an argument as to which motion had precedence and the “special order” motion won out backed by Delegate Wilkens who is the “only parliamentarian” in the House of Delegates.
What is a “special order”? It is when a floor action is postponed until a definite time and date. Well since this is the last day of session for 2021, it appears this will be in the Appropriations committee in 2022. That’s my take, but it could be wrong. If I hear differently I will let you know. So looks like we need to let Delegate McIntosh and Delegate Wilkins feel our presence…....
RALLY TIME!
Maryland House Floor Session 04/10/2021
Announcement #14
Posted 04/10/2021
Well did you hear it? The House of Delegates had a debate over whether a bill should pass to allow one judge health care benefits with his pension. HB 607. (It passed by the way).
The debate starts at 9:20 marker. Delegate McComas (Harford County) could not see the sense in doing this for one judge when thousands of state retirees don’t have prescription drug coverage. That’s at 27.50 marker. Delegate Szlyega is working hard to get an amendment in.
Oh by the way this was in the morning session. So a lot of you might have missed it. For those of you who watched the afternoon session, don’t feel bad. I watched it too – its quite interesting to see how a part of the sausage is made.
To hear the debate click onto the link below.
Announcement #13
Posted 04/06/2021
· In June of 2011, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law that eliminated prescription drug coverage for State retirees who reached 65 or retired disabled effectively sentencing them to death.
In June of 2018, the State of Maryland got around to telling State Retirees that their prescription drug coverage was eliminated seven years earlier.
Now when disabled and elderly retirees need their prescription drug coverage the most, the Maryland General Assembly says NO. Click here to sign the Petition to Save the Lives of the Disabled and Elderly Retirees. Reinstate the RX Drug Coverage Program
Announcement #12
Posted 03/22/2021
Fitch Television Interview
Television Interview of Delegate Lauren Arikan and Ken Fitch on Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis Maryland. State Retirees braved a bucket load of rain to protest against the elimination of Prescription Drug Coverage. Click onto the link below.
Announcement #12
Posted 03/22/2021
Fitch to Interview - March 25, 2021
Ken Fitch will be interviewed live at 9:55 AM on March 25, 2021 by Dave Norman on WCBC 1270 AM. WCBC covers Western Maryland. Tune In! For anyone whose radio will not receive Western Maryland stations - you can click the above link to hear the March 2nd interview LIVE as it happens!.
Announcement #11
Posted 03/22/2021
WDVM will be having a press interview with Ken Fitch in Annapolis. Senator Paul Corderman and Delegate Lauren Arikan have stepped up to show their support in our efforts and will be present during the press conference.
HB 1335 PULLED!
Announcement #10
Posted 03/22/2021
Delegate Carl Jackson pulled HB 1335 from the House Rules and Executive Nomination Committee. As a result, there is no bill pending in the General Assembly in 2021 that will address the Prescription Drug Coverage Needs of Retirees who are disabled or 65 and older. It is a death sentence for every retiree who needs medication to stay alive.
Car Rally 03/16/2021 & 03/17/2021
Announcement #9
Posted 03/15/2021
2nd & 3rd Car Rally of 2021! We will Rock the Capital! State Retirees will be circling the State House to protest against the elimination of their Prescription Drug Coverage. The Car Rally Protest will begin promptly at 8:30am. Please contact Ken Fitch at unitedwematter@gmail.com for more information.
Announcement #8
Posted 03/07/2021
1st Car Rally of 2021! State Retirees will be circling the State House to protest against the elimination of their Prescription Drug Coverage. The Car Rally Protest will begin promptly at 8:30am. Please contact Ken Fitch at unitedwematter@gmail.com for more information.
Car Rally 03/09/2021
CLICK ARROW BELOW FOR 03/02/2021 FITCH INTERVIEW
Fitch to Interview on March 2, 2021
Ken Fitch will be interviewed live at 9:20 AM on March 2, 2021 by Dave Norman on WCBC 1270 AM. WCBC covers Western Maryland. Tune In! For anyone whose radio will not receive Western Maryland stations - you can click the above link to hear the March 2nd interview LIVE as it happens!.
Announcement #7
Posted 02/24
CLICK ARROW BELOW FOR 02/24/2021 FITCH INTERVIEW
Announcement #6
Posted 02/19
Announcement #5
Posted 02/18
Fitch to Interview Live on WCBC
Ken Fitch will be interviewed live at 9:55 AM on February 24, 2021 by Dave Norman on WCBC 1270 AM. WCBC covers Western Maryland. A second live interview will occur on March 2, 2021. Tune In!
Announcement #4
Posted 02/11
HB 1335 introduced!
Delegate Carl Jackson (Baltimore County) has introduced HB 1335 in the Maryland House. HB 1335 is a bill that seeks to reinstate prescription drug coverage for state retirees who vested into the Maryland State Employee and Retiree Health Welfare and Benefits program. Call the House Rules and Executive Nomination Committee to show your support!
Announcement #3
Posted 02/11
Eastern Shore & Western MD ADS
United We Matter will be running radio ads in Western Maryland on WCBC and on the Eastern Shore on WTDK-FM 107.1 and WAAI-FM 100.9. If anyone would like to donate for these ads, it would be appreciated. You can hear the radio ads below.
CLICK ARROW BELOW FOR Eastern Shore COMMERCIAL
CLICK ARROW BELOW FOR Western MD COMMERCIAL
Announcement #2
Posted 02/6
WCBM - 1st Radio Ad
I want to thank everyone that sent a check in for the radio advertisement. We were able to meet our goal! The radio ad will run on WCBM 680 AM starting Monday Feb. 15 2021 till Friday, February 19, 2021. Then the radio ad will run Monday Feb. 22nd and Tues. 23rd. The ad will be heard two times on the specified days between 6am and 6 pm. This could not have happened without your support! Thank you. Listen below.
CLICK ARROW BELOW FOR WCBM COMMERCIAL
Radio ADS?
Announcement #1
Posted 01/26
Hello members,
I have been getting a lot of questions about the radio advertisement. Thank you for all the questions! Here is more information,
The target audience is the 48,000-90,000 State retirees who still live in Maryland and who are affected by the loss of prescription drug coverage. The purpose of the ad is to raise awareness about this issue to generate greater participation to our letter, email and phone campaigns, rallies and demonstrations. It won't hurt to make the general public more knowledgeable and maybe more sympathetic about our issue.
Donate whatever you can. I am looking to run an ad between 6am and 6pm for seven days. The one-minute ad costs $70 a minute. The ad would run 2 or 3 times a day. $10 from 100 members would cover the cost.
If you decide to donate to the ad (give whatever you can) please make your checks payable to: United We Matter. Send it to 111 Warren Road, Suite 7A, Cockeysville, MD 21030. In the memo line, put in Radio AD.
Ken Fitch