Franchot Blog

Tax season is coming up. Watch Peter's latest YouTube video for a bit of advice:

I have spent the past several months emphasizing the need for a financial literacy education graduation requirement in Maryland's public schools.  Our nation's painful economic crisis has reminded us that far too many of our neighbors lack an understanding of the proper use of credit, the risks of excessive debt, the principles of sound household budgeting and the importance of saving for the future.

I am pleased to report that legislation has been introduced in the General Assembly that would require Maryland high school students to complete a standalone course in financial literacy in order to graduate from high school.  Senate Bill 264 (.pdf) has been sponsored by Senator Anthony Muse and co-sponsored by Senators Kathy Klausmeier and Rich Colburn, while House Bill 335 has been sponsored by Delegate Jay Walker.  I am grateful to these lawmakers for their leadership on this landmark education reform and consumer protection initiative.  

Please thank Delegate Walker and Senators Muse, Klausmeier and Colburn for their support.

On Feb. 10th,  Senate Bill 264 is scheduled for a hearing before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs (EHE) Committee and I will be testifying to show my support.

Over these past several months, I have become truly inspired by the bipartisan, statewide coalition that has grown in support of financial literacy education.  I have visited those school systems that have already established graduation requirements, and have met those students and parents who now have the essential tools of personal financial security as a result. 

Please contact your legislators and encourage them to support Senate Bill 264 and House Bill 335.  

To find your legislators and their contact information, please visit http://mdelect.net/. 

On Jan. 20, along with my colleagues on the Board of Public Works, I voted to approve $187.5 million in new construction funds for school systems throughout the State.  I applaud Governor O'Malley and the legislature for their continued commitment to funding our schools' construction, even in the midst of difficult financial times.

Recently, I've traveled across the State to spend time with local education leaders to discuss the successful efforts underway across Maryland to address critical issues such as: overcrowding, modernization of buildings, and making our school more energy efficient to meet higher standards of "green" building design.

Whether the project is a new facility or renovations to an existing one, it is important that these projects be environmentally sustainable, and that they create job opportunities for women and minority-owned and Maryland-based businesses.

Comptroller Peter Franchot visits Washington High School in Princess Anne.

See more photos from my visits on Facebook.

In these tough times, when money is tight, we must diligently take care of what we already have. Improvements to where our children learn can make a tremendous difference.

Over the next several weeks, I will be touring the State to see how taxpayer money has already been invested and to learn, firsthand, about the unmet needs that still exist.  The tour began on Jan. 21 at Washington High School in Princess Anne, and continued on Jan. 25 at Leith Walk Elementary School in Baltimore City.  I will continue to make similar visits throughout the State.

See more photos from my visits on Facebook.

Tomorrow, the Comptroller will visit Washington High School in Princess Anne.

The 30-year-old high school building in Somerset County is currently undergoing an extensive renovation and the Comptroller will be taking a tour to view the progress. The school is undergoing a four phase multi-million-dollar renovation. The state's Interagency Committee on School Construction recently recommended an additional $6 million in funding for the project to the Board of Public Works, on which Franchot serves.

This visit is a part of Franchot's tour of schools statewide recommended to receive state funding.

As we continue to work through tough economic times, I am more committed than ever to protecting Maryland taxpayers from fraud and abuse. That is why I released the "Maryland Taxpayer's Bill of Rights" (.pdf) last week.

The tax filing process can be confusing, and even intimidating, for so many people. I hope this publication will help you know your rights as you get ready for tax season. You deserve to know your rights, as well as what you can expect from my office when filing a tax return.

This helpful guide also includes tips that you should consider when selecting a tax preparer. A tax preparer should never:

• promise you a refund before looking at your financial information
• guarantee you a larger refund than another preparer
• ask you to sign a blank or incomplete return
• ask you to sign a return in pencil
• claim they have a special relationship with the Comptroller's Office or IRS

Download the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (.pdf)

My office also offers free tax preparation at any of our 11 branch offices across the state. All you need to do is bring a completed federal return and a copy of your W2 information, and professionals within my agency will prepare and electronically file your return for FREE.

Visit www.marylandtaxes.com for more information, as well as a list of branch office locations

Thank you.

Thanks to Marylanders like you, we eclipsed our $10,000 goal, and, we eclipsed our $15,000 goal. In total, we raised $27,785 online in just a few weeks.

It's clear that Marylanders across our state appreciate independent, fiscally responsible leadership. As the General Assembly begins, I will continue to push for reforms that will make our state and our people more fiscally responsible.

One of the top items on my agenda for the upcoming session is to equip our kids with the knowledge they need to be financially aware. I am working hard to require that all high school students pass a financial literacy class prior to graduating high school.

In response to my work in the Comptroller's office, NBC 4 Washington recently reported that "Maryland really seems to be pinching pennies." I'll continue to work to make the Comptroller's office more efficient and I will continue to be a voice for fiscal responsibility on the Board of Public Works.

Thank you once again for your help, your support and your confidence.

Today's Baltimore Sun reports on an important service provided by Comptroller Peter Franchot's office:

The Maryland comptroller will prepare state tax returns for free, regardless of income, at its 11 offices. It also plans to release a consumer guide Thursday on choosing a preparer that will be available online at comp.state.md.us.

For more information, visit contact your local Comptroller's office

Today is the last day to contribute to Peter's campaign before our crucial deadline at 11:59 pm tonight. With your help, we can show Peter's strength across the State. I hope we can count on you.

TONIGHT AT 11:59 PM IS THE DEADLINE! CONTRIBUTE NOW!

We have all the momentum. We blew through our $10,000 deadline last week. And, just yesterday, we eclipsed our $15,000 goal. Can we hit $30,000 before the end of today? With your help, I know we can!

TONIGHT AT 11:59 PM IS THE DEADLINE! CONTRIBUTE NOW!

This is it. There's less than 48 hours until our critical finance deadline tomorrow night at 11:59 pm. Our campaign needs your help now.

We're now in an election year and it's critical that we build early infrastructure across the State. If you've been thinking about helping - now is the time to act and make a big difference in the campaign. Contribute now.

HOURS REMAIN! CONTRIBUTE $10, $25, $50 OR MORE NOW!

With your help, we can send a clear message that our campaign for fiscal responsibility in Maryland has strong support from across the State.

We're closing in on our $15,000 goal and with your help, I know we can beat it! Don't forget - if you contribute $10 or more, you get a free bumper sticker and if you contribute $50 or more you get a free bumper sticker and t-shirt!

HOURS REMAIN! CONTRIBUTE $10, $25, $50 OR MORE NOW!

NBC 4 Washington seems impressed with Comptroller Peter Franchot's persistent commitment to fiscal responsibility. NBC 4:

Maryland seems to really be pinching pennies. Comptroller Peter Franchot has already contacted 300 vendors, like cleaning companies, office product suppliers and maintenance companies to sign up for direct payments rather than paper checks.

“I’m looking for every way possible to save money within my agency,” said Comptroller Franchot. “Every penny counts right now,” said Franchot.

Maryland needs proactive public servants like Comptroller Franchot who work tirelessly to save taxpayer money.