O’Malley release

Governor Martin O’Malley, Board of Public Works Hold Third Annual “Hope-a-Thon” for School Construction Funding

$1.2 billion invested in school construction over three years

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 20, 2010) –Governor Martin O’Malley, joined by Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot, today met with Superintendents from school systems across the state at the annual “Hope-a-thon” for the allocation of the remaining $62.5 million in public school construction funding. Governor O’Malley has proposed $250 million in school construction funding for FY 2011. Over the last three years, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has awarded more than $1.2 billon to local jurisdictions for school construction and renovation projects.

The “hope-a-thon,” formerly known as the “beg-a-thon” was implemented by the Board of Public Works to allow school superintendents to have a more meaningful conversation with the Board of Public Works on their jurisdiction’s key school priorities.

“For a second year in a row, Education Week has ranked Maryland’s public schools #1 in the nation, and it is because of the important investments we have made in our public schools over the last three years,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Even during these difficult economic times, we’ve continued to fully fund efforts to build new, state-of-the-art classrooms, integrate curriculum across all grade levels, and hire and retain the nation’s best educators. We must continue to protect these critical education investments for our children’s future and the future of our workforce.”

Today, superintendents from 18 local school systems in Maryland appeared before the Board of Public Works to discuss school construction projects in their local jurisdictions. Currently, $62.5 million of the total $250 million in state aid for public school construction funding remains unallocated. The recommendations are made by the State’s Interagency Committee on School Construction.

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has made record investments over the last three years totaling over $1.26 billion in public school construction and renovation. The Governor’s FY 2011 proposed budget includes record levels of funding for K-12 Education, totaling $5.7 billion, making it the largest component of the State’s General Fund budget. The O’Malley-Brown Administration has also included $92.4 million in teacher and librarian pensions, bringing the total to $866.7 million over the last three years. In addition, the O’Malley-Brown Administration has included an additional $99.1 million to close the achievement gap between economically disadvantaged students and their peers, and has included $8.4 million for the State’s first public residential boarding school, the SEED School in Baltimore City.

Last week, Maryland’s public school system was ranked number one in the nation, for a second year in a row according to Education Week. Each year, Education Week issues an education report card.

Mikulski release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 23-Nov-2009	CONTACT: Press Office 202-228-1122
Senator Mikulski, Governor O’Malley, Comptroller Franchot Announce New Efforts to Put $800,000 in the Federal Checkbook for Maryland 2-1-1 WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, Governor Martin O’Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Larry E. Walton, President and Chief Professional Officer of the United Way of Central Maryland, today announced new federal funding efforts to support the work of Maryland 2-1-1, a 24-hour health and human services information and referral service hotline for Marylanders. Currently operating in its pilot phase, with funding support from Governor O’Malley’s 2009 budget, and contributions from the United Way and other private and nonprofit agencies, Maryland 2-1-1 provides expert assistance for a range of health and human service problems. Open 24/7 and operating in more than 150 languages, 2-1-1 cuts through the maze of Maryland’s estimated 500 toll-free and other “help” numbers for health and human services. Marylanders who’ve lost a job, a home, or who need to know where to get services for their aging father or who to turn to for mental health counseling can rely on 2-1-1 for information and referrals. Senator Mikulski has requested $800,000 in the fiscal year 2010 Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill to help Maryland 2-1-1 transition from a pilot program to a permanent one. Her funding request has been approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee and is awaiting consideration by the full Senate. Senator Mikulski is also an original cosponsor of federal legislation, the Calling for 2-1-1 Act, to provide matching grants to states to help them fund and expand existing 2-1-1 services. The lack of a dedicated and reliable federal funding stream currently prevents many states from expanding their 2-1-1 services. “Maryland 2-1-1 is part of a national movement in need of a dedicated national funding source. Families today may be facing tough times: a recent lay-off, an aging father. They need to know where to turn for quick referrals, services and support. Maryland 2-1-1 is on their side,” Senator Mikulski said. “But while we’re waiting for Congress to act on 2-1-1 legislation, we didn’t want to wait to meet a compelling human need. I’m proud to team up with Governor O’Malley and our private and nonprofit partners to keep Maryland 2-1-1 working for Marylanders, and to keep hope and help alive this holiday season.” “In these difficult times, too many of our families are struggling to make ends meet. On this week of Thanksgiving, we want families to know that the Maryland 2-1-1 Center connects our families and most vulnerable citizens with state resources and initiatives like job assistance, heating and energy assistance, health care, and foreclosure prevention services. It’s a one-stop shop which cuts back on bureaucracy so families can get the help they need in a timely, efficient matter,” said Governor O’Malley. “I want to thank Senator Mikulski for her leadership in fighting to deliver funding for 2-1-1 to our State. Our message to Maryland families is simple: help is just a phone call away.” “As chief fiscal officer of Maryland, I know firsthand of the economic hardship our state’s public and private sectors have been suffering and I salute Senator Mikulski, Governor O’Malley, United Way and Constellation Energy for their support of this program which has benefitted millions of Maryland families since 2006,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot. “2-1-1 Maryland makes it easy to find help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week simply by dialing an easy-to-remember number, “ said Pat Hanberry, CEO of the Mental Health Association of Frederick County, one of the four 2-1-1 Maryland call centers. “This pilot has been a great example of partnership between federal, state and local governments with corporate and nonprofit support to assist Marylanders at a time when they need help most. “ Maryland 2-1-1 provides easy to remember, no hassle access to comprehensive, up-to-date information at any time. Calls to 2-1-1 are free and completely confidential. Between April 1 and September 30 of this year, 2-1-1 call specialists have answered 114,151 requests for help, service and support. Examples of how Maryland 2-1-1 has helped Marylanders include: • Louise Hughes originally called 2-1-1 for assistance with tax preparation. She could no longer afford to pay for help filing and was looking for a resource. After speaking with one of the 2-1-1 call specialists about the economy and difficult times, she was told that she was eligible for assistance with utility bills and health care. She received help with both. • A 32-year-old man was recently laid off from his job. His wife’s income was not enough to support them and their young children. The 2-1-1 call specialist was able to direct the caller to his local employment resource center where he could search for job opportunities and get assistance updating his resume. • A 32-year-old mother of three was trying to make ends meet but got a notice that her electricity was about to be cut off, and her family had no money for groceries that week. A 2-1-1 call specialist helped direct the caller to local agencies that would assist her with energy cut-off notices, and a food pantry where she could go to make sure her children didn’t go hungry.
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Franchot release

Comptroller Franchot Announces Filing Extension for Businesses Impacted by Dundalk Flood

Business Owners will have an Extra 30 Days to Pay Taxes

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 30, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot today extended the October 15, 2009, filing due date for Maryland taxpayers with business or financial records in the Dundalk area. Eligible taxpayers now have until November 15 to pay withholding tax and until November 20 to pay sales and use tax for those returns that were due the 15th and 20th of October.

“I empathize with anyone impacted by this disaster,” said Comptroller Franchot. “This extension will assure that any business in the area and business owners are not penalized by an incident that was beyond their control.”

Eligible businesses filing by the extended November due dates will not be subject to interest, late payment or failure to deposit penalties that would otherwise apply. Taxpayers should clearly write “Dundalk Flood” in bold, blue ink at the top of their tax forms.

Taxpayers may file online by going to our Web site www.marylandtaxes.com.

Contact: Lisa Lester (410) 260-7210 (office), 410-858-7868 (cell)

Franchot release

Comptroller Reminds Taxpayers:Tax “Do Over” Deadline, One Month Away

Maryland Tax Amnesty Period Ends October 30

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (September 30, 2009) – Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot reminded taxpayers today that the deadline for the state’s tax amnesty is approaching and ends October 30. Tax amnesty gives delinquent taxpayers one final opportunity to pay their Maryland tax liability with only one half of the interest owed and no fear of criminal prosecution.

“I remind delinquent taxpayers that they only have one month left to take advantage of this rare opportunity and clean the slate with the state,” Comptroller Peter Franchot said.

Since amnesty began on September 1, 2009, the Comptroller’s office has received more than 4,500 calls and has had more than 1,200 people take advantage of the program, either setting up payment plans or paying the liability in full. Thus far, nearly $2.2 million has been received in back tax and interest.

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. Previously assessed fraud penalties will not be waived.

Taxpayers who qualify for the program include those who have failed to file a return or pay eligible tax liabilities due on or before December 31, 2008, or have underreported taxes due on or before that date. Taxpayers under criminal investigation by the Attorney General’s Office, a state prosecutor, or a state’s attorney are not eligible for amnesty from criminal prosecution.

The following taxes are eligible for amnesty:

Personal Income Tax
Employer Withholding Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Sales and Use Tax
Admissions and Amusement Tax
Under this program, approved participants will have half the unpaid interest waived on their outstanding liability along with all unpaid civil penalties. Taxpayers can either pay the entire amount in full immediately or set up a payment plan that must be settled by December 31, 2010. Full payments can be made by Amnesty BillPay, credit card, check or money order. Taxpayers taking advantage of the payment plan option must include a 10 percent down payment and expect future payments to be direct debited from their bank account.

Taxpayers who participated in the last tax amnesty are not eligible for this year’s program for the same tax type. Businesses with more than 500 employees in the United States or that are members of a corporate group with more than 500 employees in the United States are also not eligible. Additionally, businesses eligible for the July 1, 2004 through November 1, 2004 settlement period as provided in Chapter 557 of the Acts 2004, can not be granted amnesty.

Previous tax amnesty periods were held in Maryland in 1987 and 2001. During the last amnesty program, the Comptroller’s office collected $39.4 million. Legislative analyst project this year’s program will bring in $5-10 million for the state’s general fund. Currently, Delaware, Louisiana, Maine, Oregon and Virginia are also holding amnesty campaigns.

“Maryland taxpayers should have no expectation that amnesty will be offered again,” Comptroller Franchot said. “Delinquent taxpayers should come forward and take advantage of this limited opportunity,” he added.

To obtain a tax amnesty application and other tax forms, visit www.marylandtaxes.com or call 410-260-7980 from central Maryland, or 1-800-MD-TAXES from elsewhere. The agency’s Web site also features an interactive tax amnesty interest calculator to help determine the amount of tax owed. Taxpayers with an outstanding liability can also use the notice number on bills up to six months old to determine their amnesty liability through the agency’s Amnesty BillPay application.

In person help is available at the agency’s 11 local offices. A list of offices can be found on the Comptroller’s Web site. On October 30, the program’s final day, the Comptroller’s field offices in Hagerstown, Salisbury Wheaton, Baltimore and Annapolis will be open until 8 p.m. and extended phone coverage will be available.

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Contact: Lisa Lester (410) 260-7210 (office), 410-858-7868 (cell)
Christine Feldmann (410) 260-6346 (office), (443)-336-0215 (cell)

Franchot release

Worcester Co. Police Tip Leads Comptroller Agents to Seize More Than 3,500 Illegal Cigs on US-13

Annapolis, Md. (September 30, 2009) – After receiving a tip from a Worcester County Sherriff’s Office corporal, agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated more than 3,500 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man yesterday along US-13 in Pocomoke City. Corporal Nate Passwaters of the Worcester County Sherriff’s Office observed the driver of the vehicle purchase a large amount of cigarettes from a Virginia store and notified the Comptroller’s field enforcement agents about possible illegal activity.

Corporal Passwaters stopped a man driving a 2007 Mercedes-Benz with New York license plates on US-13 in Pocomoke City. Comptroller’s agents arrived on the scene and seized 3,510 packs of illegal cigarettes, valued at more than $20,000. Officials arrested the driver of the vehicle, Zaur Rakhamimov, a resident of Brooklyn, NY. He has been charged with transporting contraband cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes in the state of Maryland. The transporting charge is a felony, which carries a $50 per carton fine and/or two years imprisonment; and the possession offense is a misdemeanor, carrying a $1000 fine and/or imprisonment, not exceeding one year.

“The economy has had an effect on everyone; however, it does not give anyone an excuse to blatantly disregard tax laws,” said Comptroller Franchot. “This illegal activity will not be tolerated and my agents will continue to work closely with our partners in law enforcement to enforce Maryland’s tobacco laws which protect law-abiding businesses and keep our communities free from contraband.”

Rakhamimov was remanded to the Worcester County Detention Center awaiting a judicial review before a District Court judge today. His bail was set at $20,000. The contraband cigarettes and the vehicle were seized as evidence and are subject to state and federal forfeiture laws.

Since the start of fiscal year 2010 on July 1, 2009, Comptroller agents have already arrested 39 individuals for tobacco violations and seized 17,097 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at nearly $100,000. During fiscal year 2009, 114 individuals were arrested and 172,793 packs of cigarettes valued at more than $850,000 were seized.

Contact: Caron Brace, (410) 260-7438 (office), (410) 212-9414 (cell)