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Join me for a Community Discussion on the Future of SCI Rockview and Quehanna
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The closures of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp would significantly impact our community, local economy, and the lives of hundreds of families, friends, and neighbors. These decisions will shape the future of our region, and your input is vital.
To ensure that your voice is heard in this process, I am hosting five listening sessions throughout the district. These sessions are an opportunity for you to share your perspective, which I will directly convey to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and Governor Shapiro’s team, so that they can better understand the full scope and impact of this decision.
All forums will be from 5:00 to 6:30 PM
March 21 - Milesburg Community Center
March 27 - Howard United Methodist Church
March 31 - Benner Township Municipal Building
April 2 - Schlow Public Library
April 7 - Snow Shoe Township Building
If you’re unable to attend in person, I still want to hear from you. Please reach out by emailing RepTakac@pahouse.net or calling my office at 814-308-0569. You can also share your thoughts by visiting https://pahouse.com/takac/Contact.
And rest assured, if you have already contacted us, we have recorded the feedback.
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Budget, Committee, and Policy Hearings
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The past few weeks, I have been in Harrisburg attending budget hearings for Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 agenda and attending committee meetings on a wide range of topics, such as AI in education, achievable housing, wage theft, lead poisoning, and the childcare crisis in Pennsylvania. These hearings are an excellent opportunity for legislators to ask detailed questions about new and existing programs and highlight issues relevant to our constituents and the Commonwealth. For example, my colleague Rep. Emily Kinkead and I are using this time to advocate for a bill to create a landslide and sinkhole insurance program to assist those facing these sudden and often devastating natural disasters.
I also attended the House and Senate hearings for the Department of Corrections, focusing on the recommended closure of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp. It is clear that there are still a number of unanswered questions about the decision-making and the proposal, and I will continue to raise them as this process unfolds in the months ahead.
Click to see my comments on the Department of Corrections hearing HERE.
And see my comments on the proposed landslide and sinkhole insurance legislation HERE.
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Working Together to Revitalize Rural Pennsylvania
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I have shared before my excitement about being appointed to the PA Rural Population Revitalization Commission, which is working to address the many challenges facing our rural communities, including population decline and a lack of economic development and investment.
The Commission recently held its first public hearing on the topic of “Local Capacity.” We heard from local leaders about the barriers to accessing grant funding, managing projects, and administrative requirements. Many testified about the need to reduce matching fund requirements and streamline application processes to ensure that rural communities can compete for state and federal funding. These changes could make a significant difference in supporting key infrastructure and development projects in our region. Stay tuned as we continue to work to ensure that every Pennsylvanian—no matter where they live—can thrive.
Meeting details and recording are available at https://www.rural.pa.gov/commission/public-hearing/growing-local-capacity-in-rural-pennsylvania.
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Driving Centre County Forward
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I'm excited to share that we successfully secured $468,694 in grant funding to enhance transportation infrastructure in our district.
These vital investments will boost safety and help drive economic growth right here in Centre County. Delivering real results that benefit our local community continues to be my top priority!
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In more good news, over $120,000 in grant funding made its way to fire companies and EMS agencies across our district through the Fire Company & EMS Grant Program!
This crucial funding provides resources to purchase new equipment, maintain facilities, and enhance training—ensuring our first responders have the tools they need to keep our communities safe and secure.
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Campus and Community Events
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In between trips to Harrisburg, I also had an opportunity to attend several events on campus and across the county!
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Thank You, Penn State for An Amazing Talk with Takac Event!
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I had an incredible time speaking with Penn State students at our Talk with Takac event! I’m always energized by engaging with young people about the issues that matter most to them.
A huge thank you to everyone who showed up, shared their thoughts and asked thoughtful questions—your passion will continue to drive meaningful change. I can’t wait for the next opportunity to connect, but in the meantime, stay active, stay engaged, and keep making your voices heard!
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Every year, I look forward to visiting THON and this year was no exception! I love the positive energy from dancers, supporters, and the Four Diamonds families. Thank you for hosting me!
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I also had the honor of serving as a judge for an Elevator Pitch Competition and attending the celebration dinner for this year’s inductees into Phi Alpha Pi, the Political Science Honor Society. Thanks for having me!
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Serving Up Smiles at the Howard Area Lions’ Sweetheart Dinner
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What a fantastic time again this year at the Howard Area Lions’ Sweetheart Dinner! It is always so much fun to help serve at this Valentine’s Day holiday tradition.
Nearly 200 folks showed up to share a delicious meal and savor some truly amazing pies. Here’s to great food, fun company, and an incredible community spirit of the Lions and Boy Scout Troop 353!
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Community Conversations: Youth Mental Health
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One of the most urgent and pressing issues in our community is the mental health crisis, especially among our youngest and most vulnerable. It is a scourge that touches virtually every family, in communities across our commonwealth and our country. That is why I was so grateful to be asked by the organizers of the outstanding “Community Conversations” series to join a panel of local experts, from SCASD and Penn State to the Jana Marie Foundation and private practitioners, to discuss this critically important issue. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many resources and such caring, dedicated people in our community. A recording of the event can be found HERE.
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Statement on Developments in Washington, D.C.
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Like many of you, I continue to be extremely concerned by the unprecedented actions of the Trump administration. I am particularly alarmed by the reckless, and chaotic cuts by Elon Musk and DOGE that affect the health, safety, and wellbeing of every Pennsylvanian. They have and will negatively impact our schools, healthcare, and businesses, as well as veterans, farmers, and seniors. And finally, I am alarmed by the apparent abandonment of our commitment to protecting freedom, justice, and liberty around the world. Please know that I am closely following these emerging threats and negative impacts to Pennsylvania residents and communities.
I encourage you to join me in voicing your concerns directly to our federal representatives. For your convenience, here is their contact information:
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Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson
3555 Benner Pike,
Suite 101
Bellefonte, PA 16823
Phone: (814) 353-0215
D.C. Office: (202) 225-5121
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Sen. Dave McCormick
329 Innovation Boulevard, Suite 226
State College, PA, 16803
Phone: (814) 357-0314
D.C. Office: (202) 224-6324
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Sen. John Fetterman
320 Market Street,
Suite 475E
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Phone: (717) 782-3951
D.C. Office: (202) 224-4254
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At the state level, and in sharp contrast to the divisive and destructive policies happening in D.C., my work in Harrisburg and here in Centre County is laser focused on what really matters: making your life better. That means working to deliver real results, such as bringing down costs; making healthcare and prescriptions more accessible and affordable; reducing property taxes; protecting individual rights and freedoms; securing your personal data; and ensuring clean air and water while investing in a prosperous and clean energy economy.
And as always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
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Scholarship Opportunities
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-0750
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District Office
216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801
(814) 308-0569
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