Brooke Lierman, the 34th Comptroller of Maryland, sat down for an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald on January 9, 2025, at her office in Annapolis. During the conversation, she shared her vision for the state, which includes modernizing the accounting and tax systems. She also discussed the Maryland Immigration and Economy Report, the pivotal role of immigrants in contributing to the state’s success, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller’s leadership, and her strategy for addressing policies from the incoming Trump administration, among other key topics.

You are the first female Comptroller of Maryland, and the first woman elected to an independent state government office in the state’s history. Could you share your thoughts on this historic milestone?

I think representative government only works if it is truly representative of the people who elect our leaders. I was honored to be elected by the people of Maryland to be the 34th Comptroller. I didn’t run to make history. I ran to make a difference, and that is what I am focused on each and every day. At the same time, when I see girls and young women around the state, I want to encourage them to break any glass ceilings that stand in their way as well.

As Comptroller, you oversee more than 1,000 employees tasked with collecting taxes, issuing refunds, and utilizing a cutting-edge fraud detection system to prevent tax fraud. Could you discuss your accomplishments so far and any key initiatives currently underway?

When I decided to run for Comptroller, I knew I wanted to be an advocate for the people of Maryland and for our small businesses. So, we adopted a new vision statement for the office to work in partnership to create a state that is more equitable, more resilient and more prosperous, so that every Marylander can reach their full potential and to achieve that vision.  We adopted three core priorities that guide all of our work. One, to make government work better. Two, to ensure that the resources and the expertise of our agency reach the people and communities of Maryland. And three, to ensure that we are building a strong and equitable economy over the long term. All of the work that we do fits into one of those priority areas. The Office of the Comptroller in Maryland recognized the need for modernization as its tax and state accounting systems, built on outdated COBOL programming and mainframes, were among the oldest in the nation. We know that if we were going to meet the needs of Marylanders, we need to modernize these to make the government work better. We are also transitioning to a new cloud-based tax processing system. Business taxes have already been moved in 2024, with personal taxes set to follow next year, improving transparency and efficiency. Additionally, a revamped website is set to launch in March. The office has also created positions like the New Americans Director to engage with immigrant communities and a Small Business Director to support small entrepreneurs. These efforts are part of a broader goal to create a more transparent and accessible agency for all Maryland residents.

Yesterday, the Comptroller’s Office and the Board of Public Works approved $1.23 Billion for projects across Maryland. Can you elaborate?

I serve on the Board of Public Works, a unique three-person body consisting of the Governor, the Treasurer, and the Comptroller. It is the only board of its kind in the nation. Our primary responsibility is to approve or deny almost all capital expenditures and contracts exceeding $200,000 that the State enters into. At our first Board of Public Works meeting in 2025, we approved a variety of payments, including grants for affordable housing developments, funding for locally operated transit systems in various counties, and support for the Child Care Scholarship Program, which is managed by the Maryland State Department of Education.

The Maryland Comptroller’s Office released the Immigration and the Economy report in April 2024. Can you highlight key findings from the report, in particular with respect to immigrants from India and South Asia?

In January 2024, we published Maryland’s first-ever State of the Economy Report, followed by an Immigration and the Economy Report that highlighted the critical role international immigration plays in Maryland’s economy. International migration has been crucial in offsetting significant declines in domestic migration and natural population growth in the state. As of 2022, immigrants accounted for 16.7 per cent of Maryland’s population and 21 per cent of its workforce. Over the past five years, Maryland lost over 100,000 residents due to domestic outmigration, with international immigration being the key factor in population growth. El Salvador leads as the top country of origin for immigrants, and India ranks second, representing 6.3 per cent of Maryland’s population. The majority of these immigrants settle in Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Howard Counties. Immigrants play a vital role in Maryland’s workforce, making up 23 per cent of professionals in STEM fields and 23 per cent of registered nurses. Their contributions are essential to Maryland’s communities, families, and economy. We’re very lucky to be able to attract so many international immigrants, especially from South Asia.

What is your perspective on the contributions of Indian Americans and immigrants from other South Asian nations to Maryland’s economic and cultural growth?

I love living in Maryland because we have such an incredible population of Indian Americans and other South Asian immigrants in Maryland. Whether it’s the amazing small businesses they run, the diverse range of cuisines and restaurants to explore, or the cultural heritage festivals that introduce us to new traditions, Maryland offers a rich tapestry of experiences. The religious institutions also play a key role, and I’ve had the privilege of visiting several temples, including BAPS, to celebrate and learn about their heritage and faith. I also want to note that the South Asian immigrants are incredibly philanthropic and dedicated to their communities and others. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temples and Indian American groups across the state demonstrated exceptional outreach, supporting not only their own communities but also the broader public. They organized food and clothing drives, and assisted healthcare workers, exemplifying the deep sense of dedication and service they have. It is a blessing that South Asian immigrants have chosen Maryland as their new home.

Aruna Miller has made history as the first Indian American and South Asian immigrant to serve as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland. Could you share your thoughts on her leadership and its significance?

I had the pleasure and honor of working with Lieutenant Governor Miller in the House of Delegates. We were both delegates, and we had the chance to work together on the Appropriations Committee. While I was there, I saw how dedicated she was to her district and her community. She was also a strong team player in the General Assembly. I supported her when she ran for Congress and really excited about the leadership that she is bringing to the Moore-Miller administration. She’s done a phenomenal job at elevating the importance of the South Asian and Indian American community in Maryland. I think her stature helps other people understand the importance of the immigrant community in Maryland. I’m honored to call her a friend.

How do you anticipate the policies of the incoming Trump administration impacting Maryland’s economy and its communities?

We are keeping a watchful eye on the Trump administration’s policies that could have a deleterious effect on our workforce, on the federal employees in our state, and on our immigrant communities. We stand ready to support our communities in any way we can, while also ensuring that our federal leaders have the necessary information to push back against ideas from the incoming President. Our federal jobs are not only vital to Maryland, but to the nation as a whole. We look forward to partnering with Governor Moore and remain vigilant in our efforts to support all Marylanders.

Finally, do you have a message would you like to share with Maryland’s immigrant communities?

I am so grateful that so many immigrants have chosen Maryland as their home. Their presence is a tremendous blessing for our state. When they settle here, they become actively involved in their communities, launching successful businesses, addressing local needs, and offering assistance whenever necessary. They are also establishing great nonprofits and religious organizations, investing both their time and skills in our state. I am committed to supporting them. I ran to be an advocate for all Marylanders, and that includes our immigrant communities. I stand with South Asian immigrants, and my door is always open to them.

(This interview has been edited for length, brevity and clarity.)

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