Governor Hogan introduces legislation to return schools to post-Labor Day start [VIDEO]

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan on Wednesday announced that he is introducing the Universal School Start Act of 2020 requiring Maryland public schools to start after Labor Day, and ending the confusion of having Maryland’s counties each starting on different dates. This confusion was created by the General Assembly’s actions in 2019, when it overturned Hogan’s executive order requiring that school […]

Anne Arundel County educator named 2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year

BALTIMORE, MD—Teresa Beilstein, a teacher at South Shore Elementary School in Anne Arundel County Public Schools, has been named the 2020 Maryland Teacher of the Year. Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, made the announcement at the 29th Annual Teacher of the Year Gala. The event attracted an audience of more than 1,000, including educators and dignitaries such as […]

Comptroller Franchot announces task force to examine effects of electronic smoking devices

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Citing a growing number of reports about serious illnesses, lung disease, and deaths that are attributable to vaping, Comptroller Peter Franchot on Wednesday announced that he would create a task force to examine the public health and safety implications of electronic smoking devices (ESD). “As Maryland’s chief tobacco regulator, my job is to safeguard public health, protect consumers and […]

Study: Post-Labor Day school start shows significant economic impact

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Starting school after Labor Day has “a clear, positive impact on both state and local government economies” with a total net economic impact of up to $115 million, according to a new analysis from the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University. The report, entitled “The Economic, Employment and Fiscal Impacts Of Added Summer Vacation Days […]

Comptroller Franchot seeking nominations for William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Comptroller Peter Franchot announced on Tuesday his office would once again be accepting nominations for the William Donald Schaefer Helping People Award. The deadline for submitting nominations is Monday, September 30. Established in 2012, the award honors the unparalleled legacy of public service left by former Mayor, Governor and Comptroller Schaefer and is presented in each of […]

Comptroller Franchot urges fiscal restraint with release of FY 2019 closeout report

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Comptroller Peter Franchot on Thursday announced that revenues for Fiscal Year 2019 came in $216.6 million above the Board of Revenue Estimates’ projections, bringing the unassigned balance of the State’s General Fund to $351 million, or less than one percent of the total FY 19 operating budget of $44.6 billion. The final closeout numbers reflect stronger-than-expected revenue […]

Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week begins today

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Comptroller Peter Franchot is reminding Marylanders that Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, August 11, and runs through Saturday, August 17. The Comptroller once again is joining with the Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) to promote a social media contest in which two winners will receive $2,500 and $1,000 scholarships, respectively, to any Maryland university, college or trade […]

Agents seize $10K in contraband cigarettes along I-95 in White Marsh

Comptroller Peter Franchot announced on Thursday that officers from the Field Enforcement Division assisted Maryland State Police in a traffic stop on northbound Interstate 95 in Baltimore County on Tuesday night that netted 1,650 packs of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $10,000. “Day or night, my agents remain vigilant in identifying criminals who try to cheat Maryland citizens and who use Maryland […]