George Wenschhof
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| Josh Pederson, Ryan Trout and Peter Franchot |
On a cold
January day, Maryland comptroller Peter Franchot (D) was visiting Frederick,
Maryland to promote tax assistance programs.
Yesterday, at the
Bernard Brown Community Center, he thanked representatives from many local
community organizations including Josh Pederson CEO of the United Way of Frederick County, Ryan Trout with the Housing
Authority of The City of Frederick, and the Frederick County Financial Literacy
Coalition for the work they do in providing financial services and education to
residents of Frederick County.
At this
tax time kickoff event, he spoke about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
(VITA) program and The Earned Income Tax Credit. These are programs that help low to moderate
income families prepare their tax returns and make sure eligible families
receive tax credits up to $5,891.
Franchot
pointed out that in Frederick County alone, statistics showed “there were more
than 10,000 county residents living below the poverty line and another 16,000
considered to be working poor”.
He spoke
enthusiastically about how these programs help eligible families who are in
need of some extra money, get the tax credits they deserve.
Franchot
added “It’s not just the right thing to do morally – it’s the right thing to do
economically, because it ultimately puts money back into our local economy”.
Last year,
VITA sites in Frederick County helped prepare 300 returns securing more than
$400,000 and also helped eligible residents receive Earned Income Tax Credits
totaling $100,000.
Across the
state of Maryland in 2013, over 18,000 residents were served who received over
$30.5 Million in federal and state refunds.
In addition, eligible families received Earned Income Tax Credits of
$13.6 Million. Another $2.7 Million was
saved in tax preparation fees.
Franchot
said he also supports efforts to promote financial literacy to young people in
Maryland and has advocated for mandatory personal finance education for every
high school student in Maryland.
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| Peter Franchot and Jim Racheff |
Jim
Racheff, chair of The United Way of Frederick County told me "It was
wonderful for the Comptroller to take time from his busy schedule to stand with
United Way, the Housing Authority and all our partners to bring awareness to
the VITA volunteer tax preparation assistance and earned income tax credit
programs.”
Racheff
added “Helping the more than 26,000 of our neighbors that find themselves
struggling in this economy start on a path to financial stability is one of the
most pressing issues in Frederick County. The Comptroller has been a strong
advocate for financial literacy and we appreciate his continued support and
leadership in this area."
Following
his remarks, Comptroller Franchot told me “he's focused on making sure
government works and that it's working for the people we're here to serve.”
After this event, Franchot visited a local business; Lebherz Oil and Vinegar
Emporium, stopped by North Frederick Elementary School which is slated to
receive $6.6 Million for construction in FY’15 and checked in at his local
office.
Peter
Franchot, who has repeatedly told me “he loves his job” has filed for
reelection and at this point has no opposition in the Democratic Party.
William
Campbell is the only Republican who has filed for Comptroller.
The
deadline for candidates to file in the 2014 election is February 25.
Stay
tuned.
