Franchot Blog

Issue 19 — January 24, 2012

Happy New Year! It’s been an active and exciting start to 2012 for Maryland’s Fiscal Watchdog. Thanks to the broad grassroots support from Marylanders in every corner of the State, the Franchot Campaign reached its fundraising goal of over a million dollars in the bank! Comptroller Franchot remains humbled by the positive response he continues to receive and is pleased to have the resources necessary to share his vision for economic growth and social justice through fiscal responsibility throughout the State of Maryland.

Busting through the Bureaucracy.

After three years of bureaucratic stalemates and tired excuses, the people of Maryland are speaking out! As the General Assembly begins its 2012 Legislative Session, the Comptroller and his broad coalition in support of financial literacy education reached its ambitious goal to collect 10,000 signatures. Recently, the Comptroller was also pleased to join Rep. Donna Edwards and address financial literacy at her “Financial Fresh Start” forum in Landover. We’re continuing to build momentum, so if you haven’t already, SIGN THE PETITION TODAY!

Honoring Dr. King.

Comptroller Franchot was honored to join Pastor Charles T. Sembly at Union Bethel AME Church in Randallstown for their 4th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ecumenical Service. Comptroller Franchot noted Maryland’s long history in the struggle for civil rights, but that we truly honor Dr. King’s memory by pursuing his Dream every day: fighting for equal justice, human rights and opportunity for all people.

Opposing New and Higher Taxes.

Comptroller Franchot continued to warn his fellow state leaders against raising taxes on working Marylanders who continue to struggle in the midst of a weak economy. Addressing the Maryland Association of CPAs and the Maryland Chamber of Commerce at their respective Annapolis Days, the Comptroller emphasized the sluggish recovery and advocated for economic certainty and fiscal discipline during the 2012 Legislative Session.

Protecting Maryland’s Treasure.

The Comptroller gave the keynote address at the Wicomico Environmental Trust (WET) Annual Meeting. In his remarks, Franchot emphasized that protecting the Chesapeake Bay is not only an environmental and food safety imperative, it is essential to the health and stability of the Maryland economy. At the event, he was also pleased to recognize his friend and colleague, House Appropriations Chairman Norm Conway, for his many years of effective environmental stewardship and advocacy.

Issue 18 — November 22, 2011

Thanksgiving is a welcomed time for family, friends and reflection after a busy period for the Comptroller and his hardworking staff. Before cherishing quality time with his family, Comptroller Franchot will help those less fortunate by serving turkey and trimmings at Goodwill’s 56th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Baltimore.

Supporting Financial Independence for all Maryland Women.

Last week, Comptroller Franchot gave the opening remarks at the 3rd Annual Maryland Women’s Conference. Joining author and financial literacy proponent, Madeleine Greene, Franchot spoke about the nexus between understanding fundamental financial principles and making sound decisions to support a productive and fulfilling life. He received a rousing response in support of his petition supporting a standalone financial literacy course for all Maryland high schoolers. You can join Maryland Women and the countless other supporters by SIGNING THE PETITION or LIKING our page on Facebook.

Recognizing Maryland’s Working Families.

Comptroller Franchot spoke at the Maryland-DC AFL-CIO Biennial Convention over the weekend where he stated that “a strong middle class means a strong Maryland.” Franchot recognized the particularly difficult economic environment for working Marylanders and reiterated his strong belief that Maryland’s highly skilled workforce provides a comparative advantage over other states and is a key to the State’s economic recovery and long-term prosperity.

Shopping Maryland This Holiday Season.

Comptroller Franchot is set to kick-off a Shop Maryland Tour to promote taxpayers to patronize Maryland businesses this holiday season to support their neighbors, the State and the Maryland economy. Starting with visits next week to Downtown Annapolis and Mondawmin Mall in Baltimore, Franchot will make stops at Maryland businesses in every region of the State.

Appreciating Maryland’s Wildlife.

Peter Franchot, his wife Anne and their dog Henry, attended the Maryland Waterfowl Festival in Historic Easton recently. The festival – which Franchot and his wife attend nearly every year – supports local artists and sportsmen and raises critical financial support for waterfowl and wildlife habitat conservation.

Enhancing Maryland’s Quality of Life & Business Climate.

Comptroller Franchot joined Governor O’Malley and Transportation Secretary Swaim-Staley for the opening of the second leg of the Inter-County Connecter (ICC). Franchot recognized how the project enhances quality of life for Maryland families by relieving traffic congestion. He also touted its positive effects on Maryland’s business climate by connecting the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas and making markets and businesses more accessible.

Issue 17 — November 11, 2011

Today is Veterans’ Day, when we set aside time to recognize the sacrifice that so many service men and women have made and continue to make – along with their families – to protect our freedom and ensure our security. In our activities, deeds and thoughts, let us all take a minute today to express our gratitude to the brave men and women in uniform.

Franchot to Hold “Online Rally” for Financial Literacy.

To mark the upcoming National Education Week (Nov. 8-14), Comptroller Franchot is holding an ONLINE RALLY on Facebook to garner support and build momentum for his ongoing financial literacy petition efforts. With Thanksgiving the halfway point to the start of the January Legislative session, the goal is to get past 5,000 signatures towards the 10,000 signature goal. Please take a minute to invite your friends and also be sure to LIKE the cause on Facebook!

Bringing the Real Economy to Annapolis.

In his role as Chair of the State Board of Revenue Estimates, Comptroller Franchot held an Economic Advisory Forum to hear from employers representing key industries across every region of the State. They discussed current economic conditions and their expectations for job creation, consumer confidence and the housing market in the coming months. Following the business leaders’ testimony about their “uneasiness” regarding the economy, Comptroller Franchot continued his calls for State leaders to proceed with caution and to instill economic stability so businesses and taxpayers can get back on solid footing [See article].

Going Where the Jobs Are.

In addition to bringing the perspective of employers to Annapolis, Franchot continued his unprecedented outreach to local business groups throughout the State. With recent visits to the Baltimore County and Montgomery County Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Baltimore-Washington Corridor, Pikesville, Gaithersburg-Germantown and Greater Bowie Chambers of Commerce, Comptroller Franchot continues to find ways for the private and public sectors to work collaboratively and constructively to create quality, family-supporting jobs in Maryland.

Protecting and Investing in the Chesapeake Bay.

Comptroller Franchot recently joined the League of Conservation Voters for a house party in Baltimore and earlier this week attended the LCV’s 11th Annual John V. Kabler Awards. There, he praised his friend and former State House colleague, Chris Van Hollen, for his efforts to protect Maryland’s most coveted natural resource, the Chesapeake Bay. At the event, Franchot also noted working together with Kabler, the legendary environmental activist, as a young public interest lawyer and legislator.

Saluting Those Who Serve Maryland.

Comptroller Franchot recently joined Senator Mikulski at a luncheon to recognize her enduring record of public service and was also on hand to help Senator Cardin kick-off his re-election campaign at an event in Baltimore. The Comptroller also took time on November 2 to volunteer at the Maryland Food Bank in memory of his legendary predecessor, the late William Donald Schaefer.

Issue 16 — October 24, 2011

It’s been another active week for Maryland’s Fiscal Watchdog, Peter Franchot and his staff in the Comptroller’s Office. His statewide petition drive, where he hopes to collect 10,000 signatures in support of financial literacy in Maryland's public schools, continues to gather momentum. As of press time, more than 3,500 signatures have been collected. If you believe that a standalone course in financial literacy would provide our children with the tools to be successful and financially secure as adults, please sign the petition today.

Fighting for AC Relief for Baltimore County Students.

Joined by concerned parents and students from Middleborough Elementary School in Essex, Comptroller Franchot used his seat on the Board of Public Works to fight for the 94 schools in Baltimore County that currently lack air conditioning. Noting that students, teachers and staff have actually become sick as a result of these unhealthy conditions, and that neighboring Anne Arundel County has successfully installed window units in schools at an affordable price, Comptroller Franchot asked that half of Baltimore County's one-time, $7 million pot of school construction money be dedicated to air conditioning. While the Comptroller's motion was defeated, he promised to revisit this issue in January, when Baltimore County officials will present their school construction priorities for the upcoming year to the Board of Public Works. (see article)

Cracking Down on Cigarette Smugglers.

As Maryland’s chief tobacco enforcer and in partnership with regional law enforcement agencies, the Comptroller and his field agents arrested four smugglers and confiscated over 17,000 packs of contraband cigarettes worth over $100,000 in four separate cases in less than a week. Since taking office, the Comptroller and his Field Enforcement Division have ramped up efforts to vigilantly pursue those who transport tobacco illegally across state lines. (see article)

Taking the Pulse of Maryland's Economy.

Comptroller Franchot has continued to travel throughout the State in order to gain a "real-time," firsthand perspective on the condition of Maryland's economy. Today, the Comptroller will visit Howard County General Hospital for a tour and meeting with the hospital's leadership, then participate in a roundtable discussion with the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce. In recent days, Peter has also visited Shady Grove Middle School in Gaithersburg, where he reiterated the importance of a standalone course in financial literacy, and served as keynote speaker at a luncheon meeting of the Elkton Chamber of Commerce. He has also delivered the keynote address at the Maryland Firefighters Convention in Ocean City, joined business and elected leaders to celebrate the expansion of the Joie de Vivre art gallery in Cambridge, and attended the Baltimore County Freedom Fund Banquet.

Promoting One Maryland, Connected and Empowered.

Comptroller Franchot gave the keynote address last week at Maryland Broadband Coalition’s Annual Meeting. A longtime advocate of connecting every corner of Maryland with high-speed internet access, Franchot noted, “We cannot compete for the high-skilled jobs of the 21st century without a robust infrastructure predicated on broadband access for all Marylanders.” He emphasized the group’s efforts towards creating “One Maryland that works together in partnership – with the private and public sector – to provide our children with a better state than the one we found.”

Issue 15 — October 12, 2011

Another active week has passed for Maryland’s Fiscal Watchdog, Comptroller Peter Franchot. As always, we wanted to keep you updated on what he’s been up to over the past week.

Financial Literacy Petition Drive Exceeds Expectations.

Just two weeks after Comptroller Franchot launched a statewide petition drive in support of a standalone financial literacy course in Maryland's public schools, we are more than a quarter of the way towards our goal of 10,000 signatures.  As of press time, 2,839 concerned Marylanders had signed the petition, and more events are being held throughout the state this month to generate grassroots support. Please join this effort and encourage your friends to SIGN THE PETITION at www.franchot.com.

Investing in Our Children’s Future.

In order to gain a firsthand perspective on the investments he has made in public school construction as a member of the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot recently visited the Dorchester County School of Technology, Northwestern Elementary School in Wicomico County and Waverly Elementary School in Baltimore City, as well as Stoneleigh Elementary School and Milford Mill Academy in Baltimore County. On October 5th, the Comptroller joined Governor O'Malley and Treasurer Kopp in voting for $9 million in additional school construction investments in Montgomery County, $5 million for Anne Arundel County, and $4 million for Howard County.

Partnering with Maryland’s Employers.

Continuing his efforts to reach out and partner with the private sector, Comptroller Franchot held a meeting of his statewide Business Advisory Council last week for a candid discussion of Maryland's economy and business climate. He also recently gave the keynote address at the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association Convention in Ocean City, where he discussed the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors to best serve the needs of both consumers and small businesses.

Focusing on the Maryland Economy.

Recently, Comptroller Franchot joined economists at Stevenson University to discuss the impact of the federal debt negotiations and the Congressional Super Committee on the State’s economy and revenue outlook.  On October 10, he visited Frederick to support President Obama’s proposed Jobs Bill and discuss the positive effect it would have on jobs and investment here in Maryland.

Issue 14 — September 28, 2011

This is a special financial literacy edition of the Weekly Watchdog. Yesterday, Comptroller Franchot, noting the importance of sound financial education to our long-term economic well-being, kicked off a petition drive to garner 10,000 signatures to push the General Assembly to pass a bill this year.

Getting Started Right at Blair High.

Joined by students at Blair High School’s Entrepreneurship Academy, Comptroller Franchot kicked off the petition drive in front an enthusiastic group of ambitious high schoolers who had already collected nearly 500 signatures.

Convening the Stakeholders.

Joined by business and community leaders, teachers and concerned parents, Comptroller Franchot convened the broad financial literacy coalition to mobilize the petition drive and strategize on how we’re going to make a standalone financial literacy course a high school graduation requirement in Maryland.

Racing out of the Gate.

Just one day after launching the petition drive, we are already well over 2,000 signatures. Help us keep the momentum towards a sound economic future for our children by signing the petition and passing it along to your supportive friends.

Issue 13 — September 23, 2011

Another week has come and gone and so has Peter Franchot as he’s traversed the State of Maryland, fighting for Marylanders and protecting their hard-earned tax dollars.

Franchot Addresses School Air Conditioning.

While the dangerously high heat may be temporarily behind us, the public safety and health concerns remain with the lack of air conditioning in many Baltimore County and Baltimore City schools. Earlier this week, Comptroller Franchot joined parents, teachers and students at Middleborough Elementary in Essex to discuss the harsh realities of trying to perform – as students, teachers and staff – in environments that reach triple-digit temperatures [See Article].

Demonstrating Fiscal Leadership.

In his role as Chairman of the Board of Revenue Estimates, Comptroller Franchot released the State’s revenue projections for Fiscal Year 2013. While he was pleased to be able to write-up the 2012 estimates by $195 million, Franchot urged his fellow state leaders to exercise caution as the numbers reflect a stalled economic recovery [See article].

Cracking Down on Cigarette Smugglers.

Yesterday, Comptroller Franchot – as Maryland’s chief enforcement officer of state tobacco laws – announced the indictments of nine individuals for tobacco smuggling violations along with Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Angela Alsobrooks. The allegations involve the smuggling of 14,875 packs of cigarettes worth $88,952.20, which represent a tax loss to the State of $29,750 and demonstrate the Comptroller’s Field Enforcement Division and local law enforcement working collaboratively to protect our citizens and the State [See article].

Saluting His Nationally Recognized Team.

Earlier this morning, Comptroller Franchot was proud to present staff members within his agency for their service of five to forty years of dedicated service to the taxpayers of Maryland. Franchot recognized members of the Comptroller’s team – who have spanned the administrations of Louis Goldstein and William Donald Schaefer – for their partnership in serving Maryland’s taxpayers that has earned the agency numerous national awards for efficient, effective and personable service.

Issue 12 — September 13, 2011

As the kids settle into a new school year, Peter Franchot is charging into fall, safeguarding our hard-earned money and protecting Maryland families.

Franchot Urges General Assembly to Save, not Spend Fund Balance.

When his office released the final closeout numbers for Fiscal Year 2011 – reflecting a $400 million positive fund balance – Comptroller Franchot urged the Governor and Legislative Leaders to save the surplus in the State’s Rainy Day Fund. Noting the turbulent economy and the fact that corporate income and sales and use tax revenues fell short of estimates by more than $92 million, Franchot cautioned his colleagues to “maintain a cautious fiscal course that emphasizes savings and efficiencies rather than new spending”. [See Wash Times article]

Fighting for Marriage Equality.

Comptroller Franchot joined Governor Martin O’Malley and other state leaders last week to sponsor and help raise support for Equality Maryland. Noting the moral, legal and economic imperatives, Franchot was proud to continue his longstanding support and build momentum to enact marriage equality and ensure the inalienable civil rights for all Maryland families.

Getting Marylanders their Money Back.

As part of his ongoing effort to reunite Marylanders with their unclaimed property at fairs and public events throughout the State, the Comptroller and his staff reunited $350,000 in unclaimed funds to nearly 500 residents at the Maryland State Fair.

Comptroller & Sheriffs: Partners Against Crime.

Comptroller Franchot joined Queen Anne’s County Sheriff Gery Hoffman and Kent County Sheriff John Price recently to tour their facilities and meet with their staffs. The Comptroller recognized both of the Sheriffs for their innovative approaches to law enforcement and recognized their strong partnership to effectively uphold the State’s laws and protect Maryland families.

Watching How the Money’s Spent.

In the interest of ensuring sound investment of taxpayer dollars, Comptroller Franchot recently visited Sudlersville Middle School in Queen Anne’s County to assess the progress of the school’s construction set to be completed in February. Franchot also recently joined Towson University Interim President Marcia Welsh and other state and local dignitaries for the Grand Opening of the University's new College of Liberal Arts Building.