Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa Responds to Updates in Pat Browne Lawsuit

HARRISBURG, PA - October 15, 2024 − Today, the Commonwealth Court denied two of the three lawsuits filed by the PA Senate Democrats in defense of Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. Since the Senate Republicans passed SR 334, forcing Pat Browne to disclose sensitive taxpayer data or else be detained by the Sergeant at Arms, Senate Democrats filed suit to affirm Secretary Browne's decision to follow the law and withhold identifying information about private citizens.

In response, Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa issues the following statement:

"I am disappointed by these results, but maintain our resolve that Secretary Browne is following the law as it is written," said Senator Costa. "The Senate of Pennsylvania has taken the extraordinary step of passing a resolution attempting to hold the Secretary in contempt. The facts of this moment are notably distinguishable from those of the case referenced in the court's decisions. If or when the Senate tries to hold the Revenue Secretary in contempt, we will assuredly renew our efforts to have this subpoena thrown out on the merits."

View Senator Costa's remarks on the floor regarding SR 334 here.