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.