Franchot Blog

Financial Literacy education is working at Montgomery Blair High School. Now, we need to make sure it works in all Maryland classrooms. Adding a financial literacy requirement won't be costly and it'll help train our kids to stay out of debt and balance their budgets. It's a win win. Watch now:

Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot toured Montgomery Blair High School to promote financial literacy education. Blair offers a financial literacy class as part of their entrepreneur program. The Comptroller sat in on one of the classes.

We all learned some hard lessons as a result of the nation's economic crisis, and the enormous loss of jobs, homes, savings and financial security. One thing we've learned as a result of this "Great Recession" is that far too many Americans lack the basic tools necessary to make sound, responsible financial choices.

Comptroller Franchot wants to change that. He is crusading for financial literacy to be a part of high school curriculum. The principles of financial literacy are essential building blocks to a lifetime of economic security, and are every bit as vital to the education process as reading, writing and math. It’s in that spirit that the Comptroller has publicly endorsed financial literacy course as a Maryland high school graduation requirement. He is currently visiting and evaluating school systems that have proactively established such course requirements.

Happy Veterans Day.

Today, we have the opportunity to honor America's fighting men and women for their extraordinary service, and to remember those who have paid the ultimate price in the defense of freedom. The soldiers, airmen, seamen and Marines who serve our country have chosen to put their own lives and well-being at risk, while sacrificing the family time and personal comforts that so many of us take for granted. They are true American heroes who deserve the thanks of a grateful nation.

On this Veterans Day, take a moment to thank the veteran in your life. Send them an e-mail or an e-card. Or, make a donation to the United Service Organizations (USO) to help them better serve our troops.

As an Army veteran who was stationed at Fort Hood, I was heartbroken by the tragedy that occurred there last week. Let us continue to keep the troops at Fort Hood, and those who lost loved ones in the shootings, in our thoughts and prayers. Furthermore, let us honor America's living and fallen heroes by supporting those who are serving today with extraordinary valor. I hope you'll consider honoring a veteran or the active duty military in your life by sending them an e-card today.

Yesterday, Comptroller Peter Franchot's office announced that 6,493 people took advantage of Maryland's tax amnesty program which netted an estimated $9.6 million for the state. According to the Comptroller's office, this year's amnesty wasn't expected to bring in as much as the last amnesty, which brought in $39.5 million in 2001.

As Comptroller, I've seen the extraordinary toll that our national recession has had on Maryland's working families. Too many of our friends and neighbors have lost their jobs during this economic crisis, and are now struggling to make ends meet, save their homes and reclaim their hard-earned financial security.

While we still have some difficult times ahead, I take great pride in knowing better days are ahead for Maryland, and that we will emerge from this recession with a stronger and more vibrant economy. One of the keys to Maryland's recovery is our highly-skilled and well-trained workforce.

A few days ago, I had the privilege of attending the Maryland-DC AFL-CIO convention. After spending time with union workers from every corner of our State, I feel more energized than ever about Maryland's economic future. A skilled and experienced workforce like ours is essential to a business climate that attracts quality employers and good-paying jobs.

As Comptroller, I've stood with Maryland's labor community to ensure that workers are receiving fair wages and benefits. Together, we have cracked down on companies that intentionally misclassify their employees as independent contractors. And I established a Labor Advisory Council to ensure that those who represent Maryland's working families have a place at the table. Like my Business Advisory Council, which brings Maryland's employers to the table on issues that affect their bottom line, this group has provided me with sound and responsible advice on issues of shared interest. By working together, we will make it through these tough times and build a more prosperous state.

To help me continue my efforts on behalf of a healthier Maryland economy and a stronger workforce, please invest in my campaign.

Thanks so much for your time.

The Comptroller's offices will be open until 8 pm tonight, the last day of the tax amnesty. This amnesty won't happen again. So, settle up your debts with the state by 8 pm tonight. More information at MarylandTaxes.com or call 800-638-2937 for more information. This is it.

Yesterday, Comptroller Peter Franchot was on MyFoxDC talking about the need for financial literacy education in our high schools. Watch the interview:

Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that there are just 48 hours left for Maryland's tax amnesty. Delinquent tax offenders should not expect another amnesty to be offered and should settle their debts with the state now. Comptroller Franchot reiterated this sentiment:

Maryland taxpayers should have no expectation that amnesty will be offered again. I urge delinquent taxpayers to come forward and take advantage of this limited opportunity.

This year’s tax amnesty gives delinquent taxpayers a final opportunity to pay their Maryland tax liability with only one half of the interest owed and no civil penalties or fear of criminal prosecution. Previously assessed fraud penalties will not be waived. Taxpayers who fail to take advantage of this amnesty period face fines and possible jail sentences if they have not reported, paid, or under reported their tax liabilities prior to December 31, 2008.

To learn more about the program and to apply, visit MarylandTaxes.com

Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that there are just 48 hours left for Maryland's tax amnesty. Delinquent tax offenders should not expect another amnesty to be offered and should settle their debts with the state now. Comptroller Franchot reiterated this sentiment:

Maryland taxpayers should have no expectation that amnesty will be offered again. I urge delinquent taxpayers to come forward and take advantage of this limited opportunity.

This year’s tax amnesty gives delinquent taxpayers a final opportunity to pay their Maryland tax liability with only one half of the interest owed and no civil penalties or fear of criminal prosecution. Previously assessed fraud penalties will not be waived. Taxpayers who fail to take advantage of this amnesty period face fines and possible jail sentences if they have not reported, paid, or under reported their tax liabilities prior to December 31, 2008.

To learn more about the program and to apply, visit MarylandTaxes.com

During these times of economic crisis, Maryland families are hurting. Just the other day, I came across a middle class Marylander who has been out of work for 10 months. He was a loyal manager of a team of five employees and had worked at the company for eight years. He has nearly 15 years of work experience, a college degree and three kids to look after. He can't get a job.

This story is playing out in households across our state. As Comptroller, I've seen the extraordinary financial hardship that has been caused by our nation's economic crisis. Far too many Maryland families are threatened by the loss of jobs, homes and life savings. Unfortunately, the emotional and mental strain they are now experiencing is likely to get worse as we approach the holidays.

If you, your loved ones or your friends need help, Maryland is here for you. Whether you need help paying for heat, electricity or medication, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, looking for a new job or simply putting food on the table, there's a phone number you can call - 211 - to get help.

Maryland's 211 centers are staffed by professionals who are trained to help callers with a broad range of needs, and who will connect callers with the right community-based resources. This lifeline cuts through the confusion of Maryland's more than 500 toll-free and local numbers to provide timely and accurate information that can, and will, save lives.

Please go online to www.211.org for more information, and please spread the word about this lifeline to your families, friends and neighbors. By working together and helping each other, we will make it through these very difficult times.