A resolution aimed at ensuring transparency and maintaining the balance of power between legislative branches was adopted by the Pennsylvania Senate. This development was announced by Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman.
Senate Resolution 334 emerged in response to a refusal by Patrick M. Browne, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, to comply with a subpoena from the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee issued on July 10, 2024. The subpoena sought information regarding the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ), which has been pending for over a year and a half.
With the adoption of this resolution, Secretary Browne is now required to appear before the Senate for questioning within three legislative days. Meanwhile, Governor Shapiro’s administration has filed a lawsuit against the Senate in an attempt to prevent inquiries into the NIZ.
Kim Ward commented on this legal action: “The Shapiro Administration’s move to block the Senate from obtaining information related to the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ) is not only premature but legal overkill and raises the question, ‘What is Gov. Shapiro and his Secretary of Revenue hiding?’ It is clear based on the hasty nature in which the lawsuit was filed that Gov. Shapiro and members of his administration could be using loopholes to avoid transparency.”
Ward further criticized withholding information about how NIZ operates financially: “Despite official requests for information by legislative officials, including the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, the Shapiro Administration has withheld information regarding how NIZ operates and generates money. Since its inception, more than $700 million has been diverted from the General Fund.”
Joe Pittman explained: “The purpose of this Resolution is to have the Revenue Secretary come and explain why he cannot comply with the Senate subpoena that was issued earlier this year.” He emphasized their efforts as part of a systematic process: “We have asked for information by every other means and our efforts have continually been thwarted.”
The Pennsylvania Constitution mandates that legislative authority includes reviewing programs established in statute to determine necessary changes or eliminations.
