Senate Testimony Reveals Allentown NIZ Authority has Violated State Law for Over a Decade

HARRISBURG – After a rare event where Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) today questioned under oath Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne, the legislator is considering his next steps after learning the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA) failed to complete audits of the NIZ during the past decade.

“I am disgusted to have learned today in testimony from Secretary Browne that ANIZDA has been violating state law for more than a decade,” Coleman said. “In a zone that is shrouded in so much secrecy and has diverted more than $700 million from things like child care, education, transportation or senior services, these audits were a critical component of oversight that never happened. This new information reinforces and makes more urgent the need for further examination.”

Today’s testimony from Browne came after the secretary refused to provide essential information pursuant to a comprehensive audit of the Allentown NIZ that was authorized by a resolution Coleman introduced and the Senate adopted on Dec. 13, 2023. Coleman’s Senate Resolution 110 called on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of the Allentown NIZ.

When Browne failed to provide general information about tax revenue collected through the Allentown NIZ, the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee – which Coleman chairs – voted to subpoena Browne and compel him to provide the information. Browne again stonewalled and Coleman introduced Senate Resolution 334 to compel Secretary Browne to testify under oath before the Senate, which led to today’s discovery about ANIZDA.

“As we continue to review today’s testimony, we will determine which next steps or referrals need to be made,” Coleman said.

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

  

CONTACT: Leo Knepper

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