Updates From Galen Clagett

Comptroller Works with Local Delegate - Frederick News Post - Political Notes - March 5, 2010

Comptroller Peter Franchot had glowing words this week for Delegate Galen Clagett, a Frederick Democrat.

Franchot was testifying for the second year in a row in favor of Clagett's bill to help collect child support payments.

Clagett's idea is simple: The state maintains a list of unclaimed property owed to residents. That could be a dormant bank account, missed paycheck or other property handed over to the state because the rightful owner hadn't claimed it. Clagett wants to match up that list with people who owe child support payments, and hand the money over to the parent to whom the support is owed.

After Clagett introduced his bill last year, Franchot's office was able to match up funds on 1,700 parents, who, in total, owed their families more than $670,000. Now, he would like the bill to be passed so the comptroller's office can get information from the Child Support Enforcement Administration about deadbeat parents every month, or every quarter.

Franchot said it could be done at no cost to the state. His office gets the list only once a year, and it can be outdated.

Franchot said after the hearing that he admires Clagett for his persistence and accomplishments on the issue so far.