A massive Pennsylvania corporate tax break worth an estimated $280 million annually operates with little accountability and lacks even the most basic data to determine if it's actually working as planned, Spotlight PA reports. 

That lack of data isn't an unintended consequence but rather the result of an explicit effort by lawmakers to limit the information that is collected about the tax credit program, which funds private and parochial school scholarships. 

The information gaps are extensive. For example: it's unclear whether the scholarships actually allow students to switch from public to private schools, how kids fare academically, how much tuition is covered, and what the household incomes of recipients are.

Of 19 states with similar programs, Pennsylvania's credits are some of the largest but have the least measured outcomes, a fiscal watchdog reports.

THE CONTEXT: Supporters say the program is a lifeline for scores of low-income students trapped in failing public schools.

But without more information, the Independent Fiscal Office — known for its sober analyses of economic and budgetary issues — says a "meaningful and thorough" evaluation of the program is impossible.

It's unclear if that will sway Republican leaders in the state legislature, where GOP lawmakers in the majority have grown the tax credits while resisting attempts to improve transparency.

A spokesperson said Gov. Tom Wolf agrees that more information should be collected and expects Democrats will introduce related legislation after his next and final budget address, which is currently slated for Feb. 8.

SWING STOP: President Joe Biden will be in Pittsburgh on Friday to tout his supply chain troubleshooting efforts and broader domestic agenda, the AP reports. With his poll numbers sagging and the midterms months away, Biden's office says he's looking to get out more.

FIRM LANDING: Contested Commonwealth Court appointee Drew Crompton, who lost his bid to keep the seat in November, is now a partner at Harrisburg law firm McNees Wallace & Nurick, writing on Twitter that he'll be practicing law, crisis management, and likely government relations.

NEXT CHAPTER: Months after stepping away from the influential blog he cofounded, Pittsburgh author Damon Young is joining The Washington Post Magazine as a contributing columnist. He'll be appearing in its pages weekly and has thoughts on the publicity photo they used to announce his hire.

TIL: Go hug a squonk. The mythical creature is reputed to live in the hemlock forests of Pennsylvania, where it spends most of its time weeping over its unconventional appearance, much like my teenage self. Another parallel: It may dissolve into a puddle of tears when cornered.

NOBLE RODENT: Looking to "finally rectify a long-standing oversight," state Sen. John Kane (D., Chester/Delaware) is planning legislation that would make the groundhog Pennsylvania's official state rodent. And, yes, his memo seeking legislative support has a Groundhog Day tie-in.