GOP weighs subpoena for secret waiver list

One of the most controversial aspects of Gov. Tom Wolf's response to the coronavirus may be headed toward a protracted court battle.

Republicans this afternoon will consider whether to subpoena records related to the state's controversial business waivers. Democrats are countering that the move is unnecessary because the state's auditor general announced today he will audit the waiver process and determine if it was fair and equitable.

The waivers have been a major point of anger and frustration among business owners because of perceived inconsistencies and the fact that the state has not been transparent about the specific criteria used in issuing them. The administration has ignored numerous requests from the media for the records, saying it will release them eventually, but refusing to provide a timeline. 

Meanwhile, officials are preparing to unveil the state’s goals for coronavirus testing and contact tracing, which they have so far shied away from specifying. Pennsylvania's testing and tracing capacity are significantly below what experts believe will be needed to begin safely reopening the state.

An in case you missed it, make sure to take a minute to read our special investigation into how the state's contact tracing nurses endured years of budget cuts and political fights before becoming one of the most essential front-line defenses against the pandemic. If you value in-depth accountability journalism like this report, please consider making a donation now.

— Sarah Anne Hughes, Spotlight PA