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In this Update:

• Allentown NIZ Authority Violated State Law for More Than a Decade
• More Than $5 Million in Grants to Benefit the 16^th District
• Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
• PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
• More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
• How to Be Safe This Hunting Season
• Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Allentown NIZ Authority Violated State Law for More Than a Decade

This week, I questioned under oath Pennsylvania Department of Revenue Secretary Pat Browne. His testimony revealed that the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority (ANIZDA) violated state law for more than a decade.

The zone is shrouded in secrecy and has diverted more than $700 million from child care, education, transportation and senior services. The audits were a critical component of oversight that never happened, and the new information reinforces and makes more urgent the need for further examination.

A resolution I drafted and the Senate adopted on Dec. 13, 2023, called on the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of ANIZDA. Browne did not comply with requests for information from the committee, so the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, which I chair, voted to subpoena Browne and compel him to provide the information. Browne stonewalled again, so I introduced a resolution to compel him to testify under oath before the Senate. That action led to this week’s interrogation. Continued review of the testimony will dictate what happens next. Learn more.

More Than $5 Million in Grants to Benefit the 16^th District

State grants totaling more than $5 million have been awarded to the 16^th District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). The projects will improve public safety, create additional recreational opportunities and renovate community spaces.

The first portion of grants were awarded through the CFA’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos.

Bucks County:

• Bedminster Township received $77,215 to purchase police and safety equipment.
• Dublin Borough received $83,983 to purchase and outfit a new police vehicle.
• Pennridge Regional Police received $82,361 for a vehicle and equipment upgrade project in West Rockhill Township. It also received $82,361 to construct a new secure interview room and to purchase a new video surveillance system.
• Perkasie Borough received $652,886 to rehabilitate the baseball field, install ADA van accessible parking spaces and construct an assembly path for the ADA parking spaces to the baseball field at Kulp Park. It also received $107,415 to purchase body-worn and in-car cameras for use by its police department.
• Sellersville Borough received $790,725 to renovate the Sellersville Museum by removing the slate roof, gutters and flashing and installing a new roof. The project will also rehabilitate the bell tower.
• Springfield Township received $27,793 to purchase five speed radar boards to reduce injury and fatal traffic accidents resulting from excessive speed.

Lehigh County:

• Coopersburg Municipal Authority received $144,548 to purchase a backhoe.
• Heidelberg Township received $540,737 to replace the bridge spanning Jordan Creek along Buckery Road.
• Slatington Borough received $27,911 to purchase body cameras, tasers and accessories for its officers. It also received $49,905 to purchase and install 25 traffic light intersection cameras.
• South Whitehall Township received $150,000 for a road safety audit on Hamilton Boulevard, which is a high crash corridor. The audit will examine safety concerns and make recommendations for specific countermeasures.

The final three grants were awarded through the CFA’s Public School Facilities Improvement Grant (PSFIG) Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects.

PSFIG grants benefitting the 16^th District include:

• Lehigh Career and Technical Institute received $400,000 for a roof replacement and HVAC upgrade projects at the facility in North Whitehall Township. The project will replace the chiller in the school’s HVAC system as well as restore the roof, including the replacement of 59 skylights. Replacing the chiller will improve the air quality throughout the school and eliminate harmful refrigerants used in the current system.
• Northern Lehigh School District received $904,350 for an asbestos abatement project at Northern Lehigh High School. The grant will remove 49,000 square feet of asbestos tile and replace with epoxy resin floors, repairing any cracks to prevent tripping hazards.
• Parkland School District received $900,000 for an HVAC project at Cetronia Elementary School. The project will replace the current HVAC system with a new, more efficient HVAC design that includes dehumidification capabilities. The replacement of the HVAC system will improve the building’s air quality, system efficiencies, and building security by upgrading to an automated system. PSFIG funds will be used for the purchase and installation of equipment and engineering costs.

All projects were funded through the CFA, which is an independent agency of the Department of Community and Economic Development that administers many of Pennsylvania’s economic development and community improvement programs.

Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1

More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more.

The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1.

When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property.

PA Student Aid Guide Available Now

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families.

There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more.

Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses.

More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee

Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee.

Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here.

The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more.

How to Be Safe This Hunting Season

Hunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble.

Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do.

Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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