Maryland Comptroller Pete Franchot Talks To Bernie McCain About Tax Day

Maryland Comptroller Pete Franchot joins Bernie McCain today at 4pm eastern to talk about the importance of filing your income tax today. Peter Franchot was elected Maryland’s 33rd Comptroller on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2006. Prior to his election to statewide office, Peter served 20 years in the Maryland General Assembly, representing the residents of Montgomery County. During his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Franchot was a member of the Appropriations Committee and served as Chairman of the Transportation & the Environment Subcommittee. Throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate for education, health care, transportation and environmental protection initiatives.

As Comptroller, Peter Franchot has been an independent voice and fiscal watchdog for the taxpayers of Maryland. As a member of the powerful Board of Public Works and Vice-Chair of the State Retirement and Pension System of Maryland, Franchot has worked tirelessly to keep Maryland competitive in the knowledge-based economy, create a climate of economic equality and opportunity, and protect Maryland’s parks, waterways and open spaces. Franchot has also worked closely with business leaders throughout the State on issues that affect Maryland’s economy and fiscal strength. In recognition of his work on behalf of Maryland taxpayers, the Association of Government Accountants awarded Comptroller Franchot their highest honor, the William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership award.

Since becoming the State’s chief fiscal officer, Franchot has worked to level the playing field for Maryland taxpayers, cracking down on cigarette smugglers and illegal alcohol and motor fuel sales. He has closed tax loopholes, launched the first-in-the-nation program to ensure that federal contractors are paying their fair share in State taxes, and has sought statewide compliance with Maryland’s minority business enterprise participation goals. Franchot has also been a strong advocate for the State’s burgeoning life sciences industries and a leader in the fight to invest State resources in cost effective, environmentally-friendly “green” technologies.

Comptroller Franchot attended Amherst College (B.A., 1973) and Northeastern School of Law (J.D., 1978). He served in the United States Army, from 1968 to 1970. Peter is married to Anne Maher, a lawyer, and they have two children, Abigail, 27, and Nick, 24. Peter and Anne live in Takoma Park, Maryland.