Franchot Blog

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.

All across Maryland, Comptroller Peter Franchot is supporting key public works projects even in the midst of this international economic recession. These public works projects improve our quality of life, make Maryland more attractive to investment, and, most importantly, create jobs.

The Daily Times has the story on the convention center:

Board of Public Works members, Gov. Martin O'Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp unanimously approved the sale of up to $4.8 million in bonds for a 20,000-square-foot expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. They also approved plans to refinance the $7.85 million in outstanding balance from the convention center's 1995 expansion.

Ocean City and the state will split the $8.2 million cost of adding a glass-enclosed ballroom to the bay side of the building. Further expansion plans have called for a 1,200-seat performing arts theater to be built on the second floor, but this funding won't cover that project, estimated to cost $1.6 million. Town officials may seek funding for that project next year, said Project Executive Gary McGuigan of the Maryland Stadium Authority.

Architectural planning will begin immediately and is expected to take six months, while construction is expected to start in November and take 18 months, according to Mayor Rick Meehan. The Stadium Authority approved the plans in February

And, the Cumberland Times-News has the story on the Frostburg sewer upgrades:

The city of Frostburg will receive a $777,655 state grant, in addition to $320,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to improve the existing combined storm water and sewer infrastructure.

The project will install new sewers, replace and rehabilitate sewer lines, and upgrade existing pumping stations. Once complete, the improvements will reduce pollution into the Potomac River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay.

The Maryland Board of Public Works approved $13.3 million in grants Wednesday to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater collection and improving drinking water supplies. The board is comprised of Gov. Martin O’Malley, Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot.

On the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot is serving as a voice for fiscal responsibility and voting to fund projects that will improve our quality of life, project the environment and create jobs.

We did it! Five days before our January 12th deadline we eclipsed our $10,000 goal. We have the momentum and let's see how far we can go! Because of your generous support, I've put a new challenge on the front page of my website, franchot.com - raise $15,000 by the critical January 12th deadline. We have the momentum and with your help, I know we can do it!

KEEP OUR MOMENTUM GOING! CONTRIBUTE $10, $25, $50 OR MORE TODAY!

January 12th is a very important day for our campaign. January 12th is the last day to contribute before the General Assembly convenes and our financial report is due.

Early money is critical to our campaign. It helps us build the infrastructure we need to win in the fall. I hope you'll help us keep our momentum going by making a contribution today.

KEEP OUR MOMENTUM GOING! CONTRIBUTE $10, $25, $50 OR MORE TODAY!

With tax season once again upon us, Comptroller Peter Franchot is encouraging all Marylanders to e-file their state taxes. The Frederick News-Post reports:

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said electronic filing will save the state millions of dollars in processing costs, ensure greater accuracy and privacy. Consumers will also get their refunds more quickly.

E-file is a win for the state as it saves us millions in processing costs. And, e-file is a win for taxpayers who get their refunds more quickly. To learn more about e-file, visit www.marylandtaxes.com