Weekly Watchdog, 10.12.11

Issue 15 — October 12, 2011

Another active week has passed for Maryland’s Fiscal Watchdog, Comptroller Peter Franchot. As always, we wanted to keep you updated on what he’s been up to over the past week.

Financial Literacy Petition Drive Exceeds Expectations.

Just two weeks after Comptroller Franchot launched a statewide petition drive in support of a standalone financial literacy course in Maryland's public schools, we are more than a quarter of the way towards our goal of 10,000 signatures.  As of press time, 2,839 concerned Marylanders had signed the petition, and more events are being held throughout the state this month to generate grassroots support. Please join this effort and encourage your friends to SIGN THE PETITION at www.franchot.com.

Investing in Our Children’s Future.

In order to gain a firsthand perspective on the investments he has made in public school construction as a member of the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot recently visited the Dorchester County School of Technology, Northwestern Elementary School in Wicomico County and Waverly Elementary School in Baltimore City, as well as Stoneleigh Elementary School and Milford Mill Academy in Baltimore County. On October 5th, the Comptroller joined Governor O'Malley and Treasurer Kopp in voting for $9 million in additional school construction investments in Montgomery County, $5 million for Anne Arundel County, and $4 million for Howard County.

Partnering with Maryland’s Employers.

Continuing his efforts to reach out and partner with the private sector, Comptroller Franchot held a meeting of his statewide Business Advisory Council last week for a candid discussion of Maryland's economy and business climate. He also recently gave the keynote address at the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association Convention in Ocean City, where he discussed the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors to best serve the needs of both consumers and small businesses.

Focusing on the Maryland Economy.

Recently, Comptroller Franchot joined economists at Stevenson University to discuss the impact of the federal debt negotiations and the Congressional Super Committee on the State’s economy and revenue outlook.  On October 10, he visited Frederick to support President Obama’s proposed Jobs Bill and discuss the positive effect it would have on jobs and investment here in Maryland.