10,000!

Annapolis, Md. (January 24, 2012) – Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that his statewide petition drive in support of financial literacy has surpassed his goal of 10,000 signatures. To date, a coalition of grassroots volunteers have gathered 10,014 signatures for his financial literacy education petition. The initiative calls for all Maryland students to take a stand alone course in personal finance before graduating from high school. Currently only five counties in the state require financial literacy education for all students.

“The people of Maryland are calling out for comprehensive personal finance education,” said Comptroller Franchot. “From the mountains of Western Maryland to the shores of Ocean City, parents, teachers, business leaders and young people realize that students must learn the basics of money management before they enter college or the working world,” he added.

The Comptroller kicked off his campaign for financial literacy in September and set a goal of collecting 10,000 signatures to deliver to the Maryland General Assembly during the legislative session. Volunteers collected signatures at community events, at area supermarkets, in classrooms and board rooms, in business meetings and online to reach the 10,000 person goal.

“The Marylanders I spoke with during this campaign share a common belief,” said Comptroller Franchot. “They recognize that our young people are unprepared and ill-equipped to handle our complex financial world. Requiring comprehensive financial education is the only way to ensure our state fares better in the next economic crisis and pulls out of the current recession. We must arm our young people with the tools to succeed.”

Business and community leaders around the state supported the Comptroller’s initiative and helped gather signatures. Tammy Darvish, of DARCARS Automotive Group said, "unless we make financial literacy a priority, we will continue to suffer the devastating consequences from an uninformed society. We owe this to all students, and I am very grateful that our Comptroller understands the dire need for us to take action now."

The Comptroller will continue to collect signatures online at www.marylandtaxes.com until the issue is heard in both chambers of the Maryland General Assembly.

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