Things You Can Do Today
Join Peter's Team
Franchot Blog
A Third Way
This morning I joined my regional counterparts, DC CFO Dr. Nat Gandhi and Virginia Finance Secretary Ric Brown for a regional policy forum sponsored by the Greater Washington Board of Trade. The forum convened area policymakers and business leaders to discuss collaborative and constructive ways to address our regional challenges and build our economy.
Our region is blessed with extraordinary economic benefits; however, we are not immune to the effects of this global recession and our businesses and citizens are undoubtedly feeling its effects.
The U.S. economy shed 125,000 jobs in June and the reported 9.5 percent unemployment rate is deceptively low because it doesn’t factor in the 1.2 million Americans who stopped searching, nor does it include those who are underemployed or living far below their customary standard of living. Pending home sales in the U.S. fell 30 percent in the month of May, despite low interest rates and a glut of bargain housing prices.
So where does this leave us?
1) There’s no such thing as a jobless recovery. 70% of our economy is based on consumer spending. Jobs are at the very heart of the American economy, and Maryland is no exception.
2) There’s no such thing as a government-sponsored economic recovery. While government stimuli can help prevent a total collapse, a real recovery occurs only when businesses are able to hire, investors and entrepreneurs are empowered to take risks, and consumers feel it’s safe to spend again…without the inducement of artificial government incentives.
Many on the right are pushing for draconian cuts to services we rely on like public safety, mental health and education. Many on the left are promoting new revenues through tax increases. Neither of these proposals will solve the problem.
What we need is a Third Way, a leaner and more innovative government where we operate more efficiently and get better services at a lower expense. This is how successful businesses are weathering the recession and it is what our citizens and their consumers have come to expect.
In the Comptroller’s Office, we are using state-of-the-art technology that’s improving our services and saving the State millions. We have made it easier and more user-friendly to pay taxes on time, reuniting taxpayers with refunds within 72 hours. We are collecting from tax cheats who put law-abiding citizens and businesses at a disadvantage.
On the Board of Public Works, I have been an independent fiscal watchdog, objecting to the waste of taxpayer dollars on: waterlogged Eastern Shore swampland, bailouts of failed resorts and museums, and slot machines costing $120,000 each.
By becoming more efficient and improving our services, looking out for the taxpayers’ best interest and opposing waste and abuse, we can achieve a Third Way that citizens of our great state expect and deserve.
- Add new comment
That's a Lot of Cookies!
Comptroller Franchot Presents the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Unclaimed Money Discovered by his Office
WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot
The Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake
WHAT: Comptroller Franchot will present a check for nearly $700.00 to the Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake, a non-profit organization designed to help girls build character and skills for success in the real world.
The money was discovered by an employee of the Comptroller's office who alerted the Girl Scouts.
WHEN: Monday, June 28, 2010
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council Headquarters
911 Snow Hill Road
Salisbury, MD 21804
CONTACT: Joseph Shapiro (443) 871-2244 (cell)
Franchot Endorsed by the Sierra Club
The Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club, the well-respected international conservation group, has announced its intention to endorse Peter for re-election. They join the League of Conservation Voters as environmental groups who have recognized Peter's strong record of environmental stewardship and protecting our precious open spaces. Stay tuned for more on this endorsement in the coming days!
Franchot Endorsed by Baltimore Co. Firefighters, CWA, AFL-CIO, League of Conservation Voters, and MSEA
In recent weeks our campaign has received five key endorsements from organizations championing teachers, the environment, and hard-working Marylanders of all stripes:
- Baltimore County Professional Firefighters Association, Local 1311
- Communication Workers of America, District 2
- Maryland and DC AFL-CIO
- Maryland League of Conservation Voters
- Maryland State Education Association
In making their endorsement, Communication Workers of America District 2 Vice President Ron Collins called Peter "the right person to help financially lead the State of Maryland through these challenging times. He has consistently stood up for working families by ensuring that everyone pays their fair share of taxes, and that law-abiding Maryland taxpayers are treated with dignity and respect."
The League of Conservation Voters called Peter a candidate who "walks the walk…actively champion[ing] the fight for Maryland's air, land, water, and people."
Peter has been honored to receive these endorsements and kind words, and we are thrilled to know we have such strong organizations in our corner as we continue to fight for strong, independent fiscal leadership in Annapolis and responsible stewardship of Marylanders' tax dollars.
You can endorse Peter today! Become a Facebook fan and leave a note saying why you are supporting Peter in 2010!
Franchot Meets With Catonsville Chamber
Comptroller Travels Throughout Maryland on an Economic Listening Tour
WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot
WHAT: As a part of his statewide economic listening tour, Comptroller Peter Franchot will stop in Catonsville to speak to the area’s Chamber of Commerce in an effort to hear directly from business leaders and citizens about economic conditions throughout Maryland. He plans to meet with various groups in all 24 state jurisdictions throughout the month.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 18, 2010, 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce
924 Frederick Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
CONTACT: Caron Brace, 410-212-9414 (cell)
Holding the Line on Taxes
This morning, I spoke to the Harford County Chamber of Commerce about Maryland's economy and business climate. I had a great talk with this bipartisan audience of both large and small employers, and benefited from the pragmatic perspective that they brought to our state's ongoing fiscal challenges.
While I heard optimism about Maryland's long-term economic strength, despite the devastating effects of our recession on employers, I also heard a clear message that the State must not raise taxes while our economy remains in a fragile position. Having heard the same message from business leaders and working families throughout the State, I couldn't agree more.
It is in that spirit that I joined Governor O'Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp - my colleagues on the Board of Public Works - in voting at yesterday's meeting to keep state property taxes at their current rate. As elected officials, we must hold the line on taxes, particularly when working families continue to struggle in a tough economy. I also believe that unless we resist the temptation to raise taxes when faced with difficult budget times, we will never achieve the true spending reform that is needed throughout State government, and which will ensure that we have the resources to meet our shared priorities.
Franchot Announces Baltimore County Steering Committee
“Peter Franchot has demonstrated that he is one of the nation’s most innovative and effective Comptrollers,” said Senator Zirkin. “He has remained true to his promise to be an independent voice and strong advocate for the Maryland taxpayer. Under his leadership, the Comptroller’s Office has become a national model for taxpayer service and compliance. I am proud to be part of his reelection team and I know Baltimore County will come out strong for Peter Franchot.”
Over his first term, Comptroller Franchot has earned state and national recognition for his commitment to make the state tax filing process more user-friendly, as well as his aggressive efforts to identify and collect delinquent tax revenues that are owed to the State of Maryland. Under his leadership, a record number of Maryland taxpayers have paid their taxes electronically and opted for direct deposit, which saves the State millions in processing costs while enabling families throughout Maryland to receive their state refunds in 2-3 business days.
Meanwhile, Comptroller Franchot's efforts to crack down on tax avoidance schemes such as the Captive REIT deduction and Delaware Holding Companies have recaptured hundreds of millions of dollars for the State of Maryland in the midst of difficult fiscal times.
“I am extremely proud to have these distinguished public servants support me during this reelection campaign,” said Comptroller Franchot. “They represent the diversity and the excellence of Baltimore County. I promised the residents of Baltimore County that I would stand up for them as an independent voice, and I believe I have lived up to that promise. With their support, I will continue to ensure that the tax laws of Maryland are enforced aggressively and that everyone pays their fair share. I will also remain a vigilant fiscal watchdog, making sure that Maryland maintains a prudent fiscal course and opposing wasteful and inappropriate spending.”
Senator Zirkin was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2006 after serving two terms in the House of Delegates. He represents the 11th Legislative District which includes communities such as Owings Mills and Pikesville. He serves on the Budget and Taxation Committee and its Public Safety, Transportation & Environment Subcommittee.
Senator Klausmeier was elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2002 after serving two terms in the House of Delegates. She represents the 8th Legislative District which includes Baltimore County communities such as Perry Hall and Parkville. She serves as a member of the Finance Committee and chairs the Senate Rules Committee.
Delegate Jones has served in the House of Delegates since 1997. She represents the 10th Legislative District, which includes communities such as Randallstown and Woodlawn. She is the current Speaker Pro Tem of the Maryland House of Delegates, the first African-American woman to hold that prestigious position. In addition to being Speaker Pro Tem, she is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as Chairman of the Capital Budget Subcommittee.
Delegate Malone was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1994 and represents Legislative District 12A, which includes Baltimore County communities such as Catonsville and Arbutus. He currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Environmental Matters Committee, and chairs its Motor Vehicles and Transportation Subcommittee.
Register of Wills Connolly was first elected to serve as Baltimore County’s Register of Wills in 1998. Prior to her election, she served as a Chief Judge of the Baltimore County Orphans’ Court. Connolly is well respected throughout the county and among her peers, who elected her to serve as Vice-President of the Maryland Register of Wills Association.
For a full list of the Baltimore County Steering Committee, please visit www.franchot.com/committees.
Thank You to the General Assembly
I wanted to take the time today to send you all a quick message and to thank the General Assembly for all of their support and hard work this legislative session. By working together with a sense of bipartisanship, we achieved real results on behalf of business and job development, consumer protection and tax fairness. Before adjourning earlier this week, the General Assembly adopted my top 2010 legislative priority - Senate Bill 858, which will enable Maryland's growing wine industry to increase their sales, create new jobs and become more vibrant tourist destinations. The General Assembly also passed House Bill 88, a bill I sponsored that will allow the Office of the Comptroller to exercise stronger regulation of tobacco products, crack down aggressively on tax avoidance and safeguard against illegal sales. Also approved this year was House Bill 1206, which I personally supported, that will help educate and protect Maryland consumers from predatory Refund Anticipation Loans. Finally, I was honored to have supported House Bill 963, which was sponsored by Del. Galen Clagett and adopted by the General Assembly this year. This overdue legislation will provide my Office with another tool to help collect delinquent child support payments on behalf of children and families throughout Maryland. I'd like to thank the General Assembly for their support during this important legislative session, and for providing my office with the resources we need to remain a national model in the areas of innovative taxpayer service, compliance and enforcement. At a time when the state of Maryland is facing extraordinary fiscal and economic challenges, we need to reward those taxpayers that are dutifully paying their taxes on time, and identify and collect from those who are not. Overall, this was a successful session that saw many important issues addressed. I look forward to continuing to work with Governor O'Malley and the General Assembly to address the fiscal and economic challenges that lie ahead, and to keep our great State moving forward.
Help us celebrate the opening of our new office
You're Invited!
Comptroller Peter Franchot's
New Campaign Office Opening
Wednesday, April 28
6:00 - 8:00pm
8380 Colesville Road
Suite 600
Silver Spring, MD 20907
For more information and to RSVP, please call 301-357-9505 or email events@franchot.com
We hope you can all join us to help us celebrate the opening of our new office!
Going Online to Help Maryland Taxpayers
With the April 15 tax filing deadline fast approaching, I will be hosting an online chat to answer many of your most urgent and frequently-asked tax questions. This online chat will be held on Thursday, April 1 from 1-2 p.m. You can participate in the conversation, and submit a question, by logging onto www.marylandtaxes.com and clicking on the 'chat' icon. Tax filing season can be a stressful time for many Maryland taxpayers. It is my hope that, by hosting this online chat and making my Office's tax professionals available to assist you, we can help make this process easier and more user-friendly than ever. I will also use this forum to continue to warn Maryland taxpayers of the dangers posed by fraudulent tax preparers and costly, illegitimate refund anticipation loans this tax season. Please join me tomorrow: April 1, 2010 Thank you and I look forward to answering your questions tomorrow.
1:00pm - 2:00pm
www.marylandtaxes.com (click on the 'chat' icon to join the online chat)
