Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot

CONTACT: Joseph Shapiro (443) 871-2244, cell

Comptroller Franchot Joins Your Money Bus Tour
-Mayor, Treasurer and Comptroller Speak About Need for Increased Financial Literacy--

(November 4, 2009)
WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp Mayor Sheila Dixon Michael Joyce, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors

WHAT: Comptroller Franchot will join other state and local officials in welcoming the “Your Money Bus Tour” to the Baltimore region. The nationwide campaign aims to educate consumers on the need to reduce personal debt while increasing savings. Free financial advice is available for participants. Baltimore is the second stop in the tour which will include twenty-five stops and finish in Washington, DC next October.

WHEN & WHERE: Thursday, November 5, 2009 9 a.m. City Hall Rotunda 100 N. Holliday Street Baltimore, MD

CONTACT: Christine Feldmann, 443-336-0215(Comptroller’s Office) Krista Allnut, 240-446-5814 (NAPFA Consumer Education Foundation)

“We continue to work closely with other law and regulation enforcement agencies to maintain a level playing field and protect Maryland citizens,” said Comptroller Franchot.

Comptroller Agents Participate in Interagency MD Port Inspection Operation
Agents checked trucks and containers for tax and illegal fuel violations

Baltimore, Md. (October 30, 2009) – Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot joined the United States Coast Guard, along with fellow federal, state and local agencies, in a joint inspection operation at the Maryland Port Administration's Seagirt and Dundalk Marine Terminals earlier this week. During the two-day operation, participants promoted awareness and verified compliance with federal and state inter-modal container, truck, air, rail and hazardous material safety regulations.

“We continue to work closely with other law and regulation enforcement agencies to maintain a level playing field and protect Maryland citizens,” said Comptroller Franchot.

Comptroller agents inspected trucks for fuel tax compliance. In total, agents conducted 111 dyed fuel checks and 72 International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) checks during the operation. None of the inspected trucks were found to be in violation and no citations were given.

The operation included inspections of containers and trucks entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore. Such inspections are frequently conducted by individual agencies focusing on a specific part of the overall safety picture. However, this multi-agency strike force operation is one in a series of similar initiatives conducted in ports throughout the United States since 1998. Such efforts ensure that all safety regulations are being complied with and reduces the inspection time delay for shippers.

Trucks were randomly selected as they entered and left the marine terminals with shipments from both, domestic and international locations. Inspections included verifying proper truck and container documentation, structural integrity of shipping containers, licensing, customs, fuel tax compliance and hazardous material markings, packaging and segregation.

Other agencies taking part in the operation included: the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, Maryland Transportation Authority Police, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland State Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, Federal Railroad Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Comptroller Presents $60,000 Check to Brothers who Discovered Money at State Fair - It Pays to Check Unclaimed Property Database

WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot
Louis Coliano
Anthony Coliano

WHAT: Comptroller Peter Franchot will present Louis and Anthony Coliano with check for more than $60,000. Louis Coliano discovered the large amount of money while checking the Unclaimed Property database at the State Fair. The discovery is the single largest amount paid out from fairs and festivals all year.

WHEN and WHERE: Friday, October 9, 2009
11:00 a.m.
State Center
Comptroller’s Library, Room 311
301 West Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Comptroller Offers “Tax Do Over” to Marylanders Who Owe Back Taxes

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 31,2009) – Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot today announced that a two-month tax amnesty beginning September 1, gives delinquent taxpayers one last opportunity to come clean by paying their tax liability and one half of the interest owed without fear of criminal prosecution. Previously assessed fraud penalties will not be waived.

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.

Maryland Tax Amnesty begins September 1, 2009, and ends October 30, 2009. 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

“We’re giving delinquent taxpayers a rare opportunity,” Comptroller Peter Franchot said. “Taxpayers who choose not to participate should be aware that they face severe criminal and civil penalties.”
Under this amnesty 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 and Oregon 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.

Statement of Comptroller Peter Franchot on the passing of Eunice Shriver

Annapolis, MD (August 11, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot released the following statement after learning of the death of Eunice Shriver:

I’ve had the great fortune of calling Eunice Shriver my friend for more than 20 years. During that time, I’ve seen her stand up for those the world ignored and restore dignity to the maligned. Her compassion and advocacy for the needs of the mentally disabled is unparalleled.

The world lost one of its greatest citizens today. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. I urge all Marylanders to carry on her tradition of service to others.

Franchot Certifies Maryland’s Greenest Office Building

Rockville, MD (August 11, 2009) – Emphasizing his commitment to promoting green building technology in Maryland, Comptroller Peter Franchot today congratulated the Tower Companies and Lerner Enterprises as he certified their 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard project as one of the first commercial LEED Platinum office buildings in the State of Maryland. As such, the project qualifies for the Maryland Green Building Tax Credit and will earns credits of over $1.6 million. The Comptroller was joined at the event by Montgomery County Council President Phil Andrews, Council Member Nancy Floreen, Rockville Mayor Susan Hoffman,The Tower Companies partner, Jeffrey S. Abramson and Lerner Enterprises principal and CEO, Theodore N. Lerner.

“As Comptroller, I know both the economic and environmental benefits of green construction and have worked on the Board of Public Works to make it a priority to see green techniques integrated into state construction projects,” said Comptroller Franchot. “I applaud and congratulate The Tower Companies and Lerner Enterprises for being green building pioneers and for leading the way on this issue. Their combined green vision is evidenced by their exceptionally beautiful, LEED Platinum and Vedic building, which helps make Maryland healthier and attracts more business. This project is a tremendous accomplishment and a role model for both the private and public sectors.”

Over the past few years, Maryland has become a national leader in promoting green technology and providing incentives for green projects. At the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot has worked with Governor Martin O’Malley and Treasurer Nancy Kopp to push for more green building in state construction projects.

“If the Federal government takes the lead like Maryland has, and they create more tax incentives for the largest consumers of energy, the commercial building industry, they would stimulate a green industrial revolution throughout America, that would create jobs, save energy and save the environment. We congratulate the State of Maryland for their foresight,” states Tower partner, Jeffrey S. Abramson.

The Maryland Green Building Tax Credit was created in 2001 with the goal of encouraging more environmentally friendly and energy efficient construction across the state. Administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), the Green Building Tax Credit provides a credit against a taxpayer’s personal or corporate income tax. The credit varies from 6-8 percent of total allowable construction costs for a building that meets specified green building standards. The current standard is LEED based; however, a building does not have to be LEED certified in order to qualify. As new standards become available, MEA will incorporate those standards, along with future editions of LEED, into the tax credit program.

In this case, MEA gave the developers the Green Tax Credit because they fulfilled their obligation for the Initial Credit Certificate filed in 2004, completed the building in 2008, and qualified them to receive the Final Certificate in summer 2009. The Final Credit Certificate issued is based on actual allowable costs, which include the base building and tenants. Lerner Enterprises occupies their LEED Gold corporate headquarters on the 7th and 8th floor, while The Tower Companies occupies their LEED Platinum corporate headquarters on the 9th floor. The partnership is eligible to claim a tax credit of $1,690,308 in 2008 and they have up to ten years from the first year the credit is collected to finish claiming the credits.

Some of the LEED Platinum features in the building include:

* Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR and reduced total building energy consumption by 28%;
* Green-E certified Renewable Energy Certificates were purchased for 100% wind power for the building’s total annual electric energy usage;
* A four-stage air filtration system circulates at least 30% more
outside air than required by code, turns over every 51 minutes,
controls odors and removes over 90% of airborne contaminants before
it reaches tenants;
* Outdoor airflow devices and CO2 monitors increase fresh air when
necessary;
* Reduced building water consumption by 41%, drought resistant plantings reduce the required water for irrigation by 60%, and condensate water provides 100% of the building’s irrigation needs;
* Stormwater runoff is captured and treated (naturally filtered) on-site in the stormwater pond;
* 90% of occupants have outside views;
* Night-sky light pollution and light trespass from the site is
minimized;
* Electromagnetic field (EMF) shielding around all major electrical
rooms;
* 22% of the total building materials contain recycled content and 22% of the building materials were extracted and manufactured within a 500-mile radius; and
* Over 85% of the construction waste was recycled.

About The Tower Companies

The Tower Companies of Rockville, Maryland, a family owned real estate firm founded by Albert Abramson in 1947, is the largest Green Builder in our nation’s capital. Tower is EPA-certified carbon neutral, has developed six LEED certified buildings; 7 projects are under renovation for LEED EB and currently has 3 EPA Energy Star rated buildings. Over 25% of their staff are LEED Accredited Professionals. It is a leader in the promotion of Fortune-Creating(sm)/Vedic architecture.

The Tower Companies is a member of EPA’s Climate Leaders, Energy Star and Green Power Partnership programs. Their award-winning portfolio includes 4.5 million square feet of office buildings, office parks, 1,400 apartments, regional malls, residential communities, lifestyle centers, and hotels within the DC area. Of this total, one million square feet are Green or sustainable projects, and another 2.5 million square feet are in the planning stages. Recent awards include 2009 National Association of Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) Best Green Building of the Year for 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard, 2009 DC Mayor’s Environmental Excellence Awards, 2009 Circle of Excellence Smart CEO Awards, and 2009 Peerless Rockville Preservation Awards. For more information, visit www.towercompanies.com.

About Lerner Enterprises

Lerner Enterprises of Rockville, Maryland, founded by Theodore N. Lerner in 1952, is Washington, DC's largest private real estate developer and is involved in all phases of office, retail, hotel and residential real estate including planning, development, construction, leasing and property management. Lerner has also been a leader in creating LEED certified environments building the first Gold Certified Office Building in the District of Columbia as well as Tower Oaks. Lerner has developed, and currently manages more than 15 million square feet of office buildings, retail centers and residential communities.

Lerner's office portfolio has several well-known developments including: The Corporate Office Centre at Tysons II, McLean, VA; The Corporate Office Park at Dulles Town Center, Dulles, VA; 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard, Rockville, MD; White Flint North, North Bethesda, MD; Washington Square at 1050 Connecticut Avenue, NW and the LEED Gold certified 20 M Street, SE. For more information, visit www.lerner.com

Comptroller Franchot, Baltimore City Officials To Tour Herring Run and Discuss Future Plans

WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot

Diane Hutchins, Director of Government Relations, Office of the Mayor

Wanda Durden, Director, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

Gennady Schwartz, Chief of Engineering Services, Baltimore City Recreation and Parks

WHAT: Comptroller Franchot will join Baltimore City officials to survey Herring Run for future plans and developments to the popular public park. In January, the Board of Public Works voted to approve $1.2 million in state open space funding for Baltimore City. Of this allotment, $100,000 went to design a master plan for the renovation of the athletic field complex at Herring Run Park, which includes several groups of soccer and baseball fields. While, the current field layouts are not arranged to promote efficient use of space, the new design will reduce field overlap, promote off season re-growth of turf, lessen the need for mowing of field perimeter areas and decrease flood damage to infields associated with the park floodplain.

The Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks has long-range plans for the park, which may require future state funding requests for millions of dollars.

WHEN: TODAY, July 27, 2009

2 p.m.

WHERE: Herring Run Park

Tour will begin on the corner of Harford Road and Chesterfield Avenue

***On the side of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church***

3615 Harford Road

Baltimore, MD 21218

Busted Again: Comptroller’s Agents Arrest Serial Cigarette Smuggler

Annapolis, Md. (July 13, 2009) – Field enforcement agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated more than 6,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested a Salisbury man Saturday afternoon along U.S. 13 North in Somerset County. The incident marks the defendant’s fourth arrest in Maryland concerning contraband cigarettes, including his last arrest in March which has not yet gone to trial.

“My agents work relentlessly to ensure that Maryland’s tax laws are upheld and will continue to battle the proliferation of this illegal activity which deliberately defies the laws that protect law-abiding businesses and consumers, ” said Comptroller Franchot.

Comptroller’s agents stopped a 2009 Mercury Marquis around 5 p.m. and discovered 6,332 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at nearly $32,000. Officials seized the illegal cigarettes and arrested the driver, Ming Keang Louie, 60, of Salisbury, Md. Agents charged Louie with transporting contraband cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes. 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 $1,000 fine and/or imprisonment, not exceeding one year.

Comptroller agents arrested the man three times prior to this weekend’s incident. Earlier this year, Louie was arrested and charged after being found with 5,234 packs of illegal cigarettes in his possession when stopped on U.S. 13 North near Perry Road. Prior to that arrest, he was stopped on U.S. 13 North at Brantley Road with 4,870 packs of illegal cigarettes in 2008. Louie was first arrested and charged in 2006 after he was found with 2,440 packs of contraband cigarettes on Route 12 in Worcester County. Each time, he was charged with transporting and possession of contraband cigarettes.

“This fourth arrest of Mr. Louie, before he has even stood trial for his third offense, speaks to the pervasiveness of cigarette smuggling and underscores the need for the Comptroller’s agents to remain vigilant and aggressive in combating this criminal activity,” said Jeff Kelly, Director of the Field Enforcement Division for the Comptroller of Maryland.

Louie has been released by the Somerset County Court Commissioner after posting a $5,000 bond. 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, Comptroller agents have already arrested five individuals for tobacco violations and seized 6,406 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at $36,644. During fiscal year 2009, 114 individuals were arrested for tobacco violations and 172,793 packs of cigarettes valued at $853,667 were seized.

Comptroller Franchot Launches New Web Site

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (July 13, 2009) – Comptroller Peter Franchot today unveiled his agency’s new Web site at www.marylandtaxes.com. The improved site showcases a number of new features including a fiscal transparency section called “Maryland Money,” which highlights where taxpayer dollars are spent.

“In these economic times, it is important that taxpayers know where their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent and what they are getting in return for their investment in important programs,” Comptroller Franchot said.

The new section breaks down where tax dollars come from, how the state spends the funds and what taxpayers get for their money. One key feature includes a calculator where Marylanders can enter the amount of tax they paid in a given year and find out how that money is typically allocated for government programs.

“Our Maryland Money initiative opens up the state’s books to all Marylanders,” said Comptroller Franchot. “ Few other states are as transparent in government spending,” he added.

The site redesign resulted after consulting with key taxpayer and tax professional groups and receiving input through user surveys. Other states were also researched for innovative features.

The improved site also features an enhanced search engine, a newly designed media section and better access to key forms and tax information. A video greeting from the Comptroller is also available. Further improvements to the Web site will be made over the next six months.

Franchot to Host Economic On-Line Chat

WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot

Marylanders

WHAT: With the latest state revenue figures due to be released early next week, Comptroller Peter Franchot is inviting Marylanders to join him for an on-line chat to discuss the overall condition of the state’s economy. As Chairman of the State’s Board of Revenue Estimates, the Comptroller is in constant contact with business leaders, industry representatives and consumer advocates in every region of Maryland. The Comptroller will candidly discuss the effects that the national recession has had on Maryland’s economic and fiscal outlook, as well as the financial security of families across the state.

Marylanders are invited to log on to the Comptroller’s Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com , and click on the chat icon. A transcript of the chat will be available for viewing after the event.

WHEN: Thursday, July 16, 2009 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: www.marylandtaxes.com- click on the chat link

Comptroller Franchot to Unveil Latest YouTube Video at Charlestown Retirement Community

WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot, Charlestown residents

WHAT: Comptroller Franchot will unveil his agency’s latest YouTube video promoting the state’s unclaimed property program. A parody of the GEICO money ads, the video features notable figures including the Annapolis Town Crier and Senator John Astle.

In addition to debuting the video, the Comptroller and his staff will help Charlestown residents search the agency’s 800,000 person database of lost money worth nearly $800 million.

WHEN: Thursday, July 9 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Charlestown Retirement Community

Auditorium (Building 3 Edgewood)

715 Maiden Choice Lane

Catonsville, MD 21228

Comptroller Franchot Receives Prestigious Honor in Financial Reporting
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 7, 2009) – A North-American government finance organization recently awarded Comptroller Peter Franchot with the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The
Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA), honored Comptroller Franchot for Maryland's fiscal year 2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR). Received for the last 30 years, the award is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

"I have always been a strong advocate for transparent government and as the state chief fiscal officer, I strive to keep our agency running in
the most efficient and effective way possible," said Comptroller Franchot.

The CAFR is judged by an impartial panel to meet high standards of the
program including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users to read the CAFR.

For more information on award program, visit the GFOA Web site at
http://www.gfoa.org.

Comptroller Franchot, Employees to Participate in ‘Super Saturday’
WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot
Agency employees

WHAT: Tomorrow, Comptroller Franchot will join agency employees as they participate in “Super Saturday,” where they will sort and open the nearly 1 million paper returns that were received in the final days leading up to this past Wednesday’s filing deadline.

WHEN: Saturday, April 18, 2009, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Lobby of Revenue Administration Division
Building
(Located next to Louis Goldstein Treasury Building, 80 Calvert St., Annapolis)

Comptroller Franchot to Speak during Minority Contractors Association Awards Luncheon
WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot
Arnold Jolivet, Executive Director, Maryland Minority Contractors Association

WHAT: Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot will speak to the Maryland
chapter of the American Minority Contractors and Business Association during the 2009 Spring Awards Luncheon.

A member of the Board of Public Works, Comptroller Franchot is a strong advocate for raising expectations for state contracting and expanding opportunities for Minority Business Enterprise companies throughout Maryland. Last year, he was awarded the “Most Distinguished Leader of the Year for Minority Business Enterprise” by the Maryland-Washington Minority Contractors’ Association, Inc.

WHEN: TODAY, April 16, 2009, 12:00 Noon

WHERE: Forum Caterers
4210 Primrose Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215

Comptroller Franchot to Unveil New Top 50 Tax Scofflaws through “Caught in the Web" Program
WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot

WHAT: Today, Comptroller Peter Franchot will unveil the newest
offenders listed in the agency’s “Caught in the Web” program, which names the top 25 businesses and 25 individuals owing a total of nearly $6 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. The “Caught in the Web” program exposes the names of these scofflaws on the Comptroller of Maryland Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com, for six months, until payment has been received, or until a payment plan set up.

Since the program's inception in 2000, the agency has collected over
$23 million from 510 delinquent taxpayers, $8 million from 292 individual accounts and $15 million from 218 business accounts. The taxes collected include personal income, sales and use, admissions and amusement, withholding and corporate income taxes.

During the event, the Comptroller will highlight the “real-life”
impact that the collection of delinquent taxes can have on the quality of life in local communities, including how the state could possibly fund reconstruction and renovations at Baltimore City Public schools.

WHEN: TODAY, April 14, 2009, 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Comptroller's Library
State Office Building
301 W. Preston Street
Room 311
Baltimore, MD 21201

Comptroller Franchot: “Eliminate Business Tax Liabilities with a Mouse Click”
-Bill Pay for Business Newest Customer Service Innovations Unveiled by Agency -

Annapolis, MD (March 30, 2009) - Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced today that businesses can now eliminate tax liabilities through the click of a mouse by using Bill Pay for Business, the newest online innovation designed to streamline the tax payment process.

“Our highest priority at the Comptroller’s Office is to provide efficient and timely service to Maryland taxpayers,” said Comptroller Franchot. “I urge any business that is eligible to take advantage of this newest online feature. It is fast, easy and secure.”

In October 2007, the agency unveiled Bill Pay for Individuals to satisfy personal tax liabilities. Since then, more than 12,000 individuals have paid nearly $11,018,000 in liabilities. This newest application will allow businesses to pay outstanding taxes including:
sales and use, withholding, pass-through Entity, corporation, stet corporation, limited liability company, fiduciary, tire recycling fee
and the bay restoration fee.

Bill Pay for individuals and businesses is available 24 hours a day and
7 days a week at www.marylandtaxes.com. Taxpayers can access these applications by clicking the Bill Pay logo located on the upper left hand corner of the Comptroller's home page.

Comptroller Agents Seize Contraband Cigs on I-95

Annapolis, Md. (March 30, 2009) – Agents for Comptroller Peter Franchot confiscated nearly 2,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested one man Saturday morning along Interstate 95 north in Baltimore County.

“The illegal smuggling of cigarettes will not be tolerated in Maryland,” said Comptroller Franchot. “The state is trying to tackle an enormous deficit and we are doing all that we can to enforce Maryland’s tax laws and collect every dollar the state is due. We will continue to crackdown on this illegal activity.”
Comptroller’s agents stopped a 1995 Ford Windstar with New Jersey license plates and seized 1,900 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at nearly $11,000 on the morning of March 28, 2009. Officials arrested the vehicle's driver, Ryszard Nawracaj, 49, of Monroe Township, NJ. He was arrested and charged by Comptroller agents 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.

As of Saturday, Nawracaj was being detained at the Baltimore County Detention Center pending a court hearing before a county court commissioner. 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 2009 on July 1, 2008, Comptroller agents have arrested 90 individuals for tobacco violations and seized 138,368 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at $664,581.

Comptroller, Treasurer to Unveil New College Savings Initiative
--Will Conduct On-Site Demonstration With Employee to Encourage State Workers to Enroll--

WHO: Comptroller Peter Franchot
Treasurer Nancy Kopp
Joan Marshall, Executive Director, College Savings Plans of Maryland
Patrick Moran, Executive Director, Maryland AFSCME
Representative from T. Rowe Price

WHAT: Tomorrow, Comptroller Peter Franchot will join Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Joan Marshall of the College Savings Plans of Maryland (CSPM) to unveil a new online option for state employees to save for their children’s college education in these tough economic times by having contributions automatically deducted from their paycheck. At the event, officials will be joined by a Comptroller employee who will demonstrate how to use this feature by signing up her own children for the Maryland College Investment Plan, one of the two plans offered by the CSPM.

Both plans offer tax benefits including tax-free earnings when used toward eligible college costs, plus an annual Maryland state income deduction of up to $2500 per account or beneficiary. The plans can be used toward nearly any accredited college nationwide, public or private two-year or four-year. For as little as $25 a month in the investment plan or one-semester of college in the prepaid college trust program, participants can help make college affordable. The Comptroller is a member of the CSPM board, and the Treasurer serves as its Chair.


WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Louis L. Goldstein Treasury Building
Assembly Room
80 Calvert St.
Annapolis, MD 21404