Weekly Watchdog, 11.11.11

Issue 17 — November 11, 2011

Today is Veterans’ Day, when we set aside time to recognize the sacrifice that so many service men and women have made and continue to make – along with their families – to protect our freedom and ensure our security. In our activities, deeds and thoughts, let us all take a minute today to express our gratitude to the brave men and women in uniform.

Franchot to Hold “Online Rally” for Financial Literacy.

To mark the upcoming National Education Week (Nov. 8-14), Comptroller Franchot is holding an ONLINE RALLY on Facebook to garner support and build momentum for his ongoing financial literacy petition efforts. With Thanksgiving the halfway point to the start of the January Legislative session, the goal is to get past 5,000 signatures towards the 10,000 signature goal. Please take a minute to invite your friends and also be sure to LIKE the cause on Facebook!

Bringing the Real Economy to Annapolis.

In his role as Chair of the State Board of Revenue Estimates, Comptroller Franchot held an Economic Advisory Forum to hear from employers representing key industries across every region of the State. They discussed current economic conditions and their expectations for job creation, consumer confidence and the housing market in the coming months. Following the business leaders’ testimony about their “uneasiness” regarding the economy, Comptroller Franchot continued his calls for State leaders to proceed with caution and to instill economic stability so businesses and taxpayers can get back on solid footing [See article].

Going Where the Jobs Are.

In addition to bringing the perspective of employers to Annapolis, Franchot continued his unprecedented outreach to local business groups throughout the State. With recent visits to the Baltimore County and Montgomery County Chambers of Commerce, as well as the Baltimore-Washington Corridor, Pikesville, Gaithersburg-Germantown and Greater Bowie Chambers of Commerce, Comptroller Franchot continues to find ways for the private and public sectors to work collaboratively and constructively to create quality, family-supporting jobs in Maryland.

Protecting and Investing in the Chesapeake Bay.

Comptroller Franchot recently joined the League of Conservation Voters for a house party in Baltimore and earlier this week attended the LCV’s 11th Annual John V. Kabler Awards. There, he praised his friend and former State House colleague, Chris Van Hollen, for his efforts to protect Maryland’s most coveted natural resource, the Chesapeake Bay. At the event, Franchot also noted working together with Kabler, the legendary environmental activist, as a young public interest lawyer and legislator.

Saluting Those Who Serve Maryland.

Comptroller Franchot recently joined Senator Mikulski at a luncheon to recognize her enduring record of public service and was also on hand to help Senator Cardin kick-off his re-election campaign at an event in Baltimore. The Comptroller also took time on November 2 to volunteer at the Maryland Food Bank in memory of his legendary predecessor, the late William Donald Schaefer.