Franchot urges private-sector growth in Md.

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot says Maryland has become too dependent on the federal government and must focus more on strengthening its private sector as the state faces a possible credit downgrade over the national budget dispute. “We have become uniquely tied at the hip or joined at the hip to the federal government,” Franchot said at a Board of Public Works meeting Wednesday.

He said the budget negotiations should serve as a “wake-up call” for Maryland lawmakers “to rededicate ourselves to a business climate that inspires, promotes and rewards private-sector investment in Maryland.”