Lehigh Times

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a resolution to require an explanation from a cabinet official in Governor Josh Shapiro's administration. The resolution, introduced by Senator Jarrett Coleman (R-16), seeks information related to Allentown’s Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) that was previously requested through a Senate committee subpoena.

"This is about openness and transparency, and making sure government is accountable to the taxpayers and residents it serves," Coleman stated. He emphasized the importance of legislative review over programs established by the legislature, such as the NIZ.

Senate Resolution 334 compels Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne to testify under oath before the Senate. This follows a previous measure, Senate Resolution 110, which called for a performance audit of the Allentown NIZ by the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC). Although this resolution was unanimously approved on December 13, 2023, Browne refused to provide requested tax revenue information for the audit.

Browne has been involved with the Allentown NIZ since its inception. As a former state senator for the 16th District, he introduced legislation in 2009 authorizing its creation. In 2021, he added language to state law preventing public disclosure of financial information regarding the NIZ in response to Right to Know Law requests.

Coleman expressed concern over efforts to prevent legislative scrutiny of the program: "The fact that anyone is willing to go to such lengths to prevent the legislature from seeing this information is concerning."

In July, Coleman's Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee issued a subpoena demanding Browne provide detailed tax data collected through the NIZ by August 16. Browne has not fully complied with this request.

Coleman's resolution demands Browne appear before the Senate within three legislative days. The Senate will be in session on October 9 and again from October 21-23. Should Browne's testimony prove unsatisfactory, he may face contempt charges.

Residents interested in learning more about Senator Coleman can visit his website or follow him on social media platforms.