Lehigh Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has unanimously approved a measure introduced by Senator Jarrett Coleman to evaluate the effectiveness of a state tax program targeting economic development investments in Allentown. The measure, called Senate Resolution 110, calls for a performance audit of the Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) and Allentown NIZ Development Authority programs administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.

Senator Coleman emphasized the need for transparency and accountability when evaluating government programs, stating, "Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve to know if the half-billion dollars of their tax money has been wisely used through this program."

The NIZ program, established in 2009, uses state and local taxes collected within the zone to fund economic development projects in Allentown. Over the past decade, more than $500 million has been invested in the NIZ. However, there is currently no way of knowing if the program has effectively generated economic activity.

The resolution introduced by Senator Coleman aims to address this issue by conducting a thorough review of the program to determine if it is operating as intended. It will assess whether the NIZ has fulfilled its promises of attracting new economic development projects and businesses or if it has resulted in businesses relocating without a net gain to the local economy.

Senator Coleman explained, "After receiving $500 million in subsidies, this performance audit should determine if the program has been effective and if it's providing a benefit to the commonwealth's residents."

Residents who want to learn more about Senator Coleman and his work can visit his website at www.SenatorColeman.com, follow him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenatorJarrettColeman, and sign up for email newsletters at www.SenatorColeman.com/eNewsletters.

This evaluation of the Allentown tax incentive program is an important step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in government programs. By conducting a performance audit, Pennsylvania taxpayers will have a clearer understanding of how their tax money has been utilized.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatorcoleman.com/2023/12/13/senate-approves-coleman-resolution-to-evaluate-allentown-tax-incentive-program/