Poverty has increased 19% in Maryland since 1990. It is impossible to rent a two-bedroom apartment on a minimum wage salary. Food and housing insecurity are on the rise. Yet wages have remained stagnant while student loan and medical debt have increased. Together, we can create a more affordable, sustainable, and equitable economy in Maryland. Join us to support, expand and strengthen the movement for economic rights and financial inclusion at the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition Economic Summit and Consumer Celebration on Tuesday, November 12th! Join policy experts, community leaders, and activists for a day of learning, organizing, and strategizing at our Economic Rights Summit. Our Summit, from 1:00-5:00 will bring together national and state leaders to discuss pressing issues that affect low-income Marylanders as well as policies and programs that will reduce the racial wealth gap and expand economic justice. Sessions will include debt collection and the criminalization of poverty; auto and transit equity; housing and community reinvestment; student loans and higher education; aging in place; as well as training/information sessions on community reinvestment, tax credits, and student loans repayment. From 5:30-8:30, our Consumer Celebration will honor champions of consumer rights. Enjoy good drinks, good food, good conversation, a silent auction, and more! This year our awardees include: Legal Champion of the Year: Eric Friedman, Director, Office of Consumer Protection, Montgomery County, MD Federal Champion of the Year: Whitney Barkley-Denney, Senior Policy Counsel, Center for Responsible Lending Legislative Achievement of the Year: Senator Mary Washington (D-43) Up-and-Coming Legislator of the Year: Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (D-20) Consumer Advocate of the Year: The Honorable Ryan Dorsey, Baltimore City Council (District 3) As always, we invite you to become an MCRC member and support our work all year long. Join us! *If you are a member of MCRC, we will have a member discount available for you! Please keep an eye out for your discount code, or email jenp@marylandconsumers.org to get the code today! (If the cost of this event is prohibitive for you, please email jenp@marylandconsumers.org to inquire about our Community Tickets.)