I want to thank everyone who joined us last Friday for the first of five listening tour events focused on the proposed closures of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp. Your voices are vital as we navigate this challenging issue together. 

During the forum, residents shared heartfelt perspectives and concerns about the impact these closures could have on their families and friends, as well as on our community. Many residents spoke powerfully about the mental health and safety issues that could arise for inmates, correctional officers, and their families if these facilities close.  

I am committed to ensuring your concerns are heard at the highest levels. I have and will continue to personally communicate your feedback to the Department of Corrections and Governor Josh Shapiro and to advocate strongly for the needs of our community. In short, I will fight like hell for the best possible outcome for everyone involved. 

To continue this important dialogue, I invite you to attend the upcoming listening sessions: 

• Thursday (TODAY), March 27: Howard United Methodist Church, 144 Main St., Howard from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

• Monday, March 31: Benner Township Municipal Building, 1224 Buffalo Run Road, Bellefonte from 5 to 6:30 p.m 

• Wednesday, April 2: Schlow Public Library, 211 S. Allen St., State College from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

• Monday, April 7: Snow Shoe Township Building, 268 Old Side Road, Clarence from 5 to 6:30 p.m. 

In accordance and compliance with the requirements of Act 133 of 2018, the PA Department of Corrections (DOC) has scheduled two official public hearings regarding the proposed closures of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp, one in Clearfield County and the other here in Centre County.

These hearings are an opportunity for residents, employees, and stakeholders to share their concerns, insights, and suggestions directly to DOC decision-makers to help them understand the broader impact.  

The hearing for Quehanna Boot Camp will take place on April 10 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Karthaus Community Alliance Church.  

The hearing for SCI Rockview is scheduled for April 15 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bald Eagle Area High School/Middle School Auditorium. 

These hearings are more than formalities—they are vital forums for ensuring transparency, accountability, and community involvement in a decision-making process that will have far-reaching consequences. Every participant’s input has the potential to influence the outcome, making these hearings a critical step in advocating for fair and thoughtful resolutions. We encourage you to attend and to be sure to spread the word. 

The past two session weeks in Harrisburg have certainly been action-packed. My Democratic colleagues in the PA House and Senate continue to focus on the issues that matter and champion legislation for working people, families, and our community.  

Last week, I had the honor of joining passionate advocates and fellow legislators to continue the fight for Equal Pay for Equal Work. Did you know that, on average, women are paid just 83 cents for every dollar paid to men for doing the exact same job! And the statistics are even worse for Black and Latina women.

Our rally was a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the injustice of gender-based wage disparities and the terrible economic toll that it can have on women and families across our commonwealth in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. We must continue forging a future where equal pay is not just an aspiration, but a reality.  

Earlier this week, I also attended a somber press conference to advocate for additional funding for the Mental Health Crisis Lifeline (988) and other programs to expand awareness and capacity of such life-saving solutions. My colleagues and I were joined by the parents of Christian Hall, a young man who was tragically shot and killed by police after calling 911 for help during a mental health crisis.

Following so closely on the 6th anniversary of the death of Osaze Osagie here in State College, it was a sober reminder of the terrible human costs of not taking action to prevent such tragedies in the future. That is why I remain so committed to advocating for mental healthcare and ensuring that resources like 988 are available to all. We must build a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – and where no one suffers alone. 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is under assault by the Trump Administration, Congressional Republicans, and Elon Musk. They have made clear their intention to eliminate key provisions and protections of the healthcare law that so many of us rely on for ourselves and our loved ones.

That is why I am extremely proud to report that PA House Democrats are leading the way to protect and preserve key elements of the ACA here in Pennsylvania, giving residents that security no matter what happens at the federal level. This week, we passed four health care bills—House Bills 404, 535, 618, and 755—designed to safeguard Pennsylvanians’ access to affordable, essential health care. 

These bills are more than legislative victories; they represent a firm commitment to protect the health and well-being of children and families across our commonwealth. Each measure works hand-in-hand to ensure that no Pennsylvanian loses critical health protections, no matter what may happen at the federal level: 

• HB 404: This bill would ensure that parents can continue to cover their adult children on their health insurance plans until age 26. Before the ACA, many young people lost coverage at age 18. With this provision enshrined in state law, PA would safeguard this protection should federal guarantees ever disappear. 

• HB 535: No one should ever face financial ruin because their health insurance arbitrarily limits coverage. This legislation prohibits insurers from placing annual or lifetime dollar limits on essential health benefits.  

• HB 618: A cornerstone of the ACA is the protection against discrimination for individuals with pre-existing conditions. By adopting this provision into state law, it would guarantee that no Pennsylvanian will ever be excluded from health coverage due to their medical history. 

• HB 755: From immunizations to screenings for chronic illnesses, HB 755 would ensure that over 100 preventive health services will remain accessible without cost-sharing—even if federal protections are taken away. 

All four bills passed by a comfortable margin, with all 101 Democrats voting yes, joined by roughly two dozen of our Republican colleagues. The bills now move on to the PA Senate where we anticipate continued bipartisan support IF they are called up for a vote. And when that happens, Governor Shapiro has vowed to sign them into law. I therefore ask you to reach out to your PA State Senator and urge him or her to support bringing this bill package up for a vote. 

I am immensely proud to be part of this effort and deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me to advocate for policies like these that put people first. Please feel free to reach out to my office with questions or share your stories about how these measures would make a difference in your lives.

Click here for my statement after the press conference announcing the passage of these bills. 

Achievable housing is one of the most urgent and pressing issues we face, not only here in Centre County but across the commonwealth and the country. This not only impacts individuals and families but our business community too, and it has been identified as a key factor hindering economic development. Meeting this challenge will take coordinated action from both the private and public sector, and government at all levels.  

That is why I joined my House colleagues earlier this week for the launch of the PA Housing Caucus. Our goal is to develop and promote legislation and programs that will preserve and protect our existing housing stock; create opportunities and remove barriers to building new and more affordable housing; and finally, to fund first-time homebuyer programs to allow more residents to achieve the dream of owning a home. 

Click here for a video highlighting the goals of the Housing Caucus. 

In between meetings, events, and legislative sessions, one of things I enjoy most is welcoming folks from Centre County to our beautiful Capitol.

These past two weeks I have had the pleasure of hosting and visiting with several individuals and groups, including County Commissioner Amber Concepcion as well as Penn State undergraduate researchers, students studying international agriculture, and local high school students attending the Future Farmers of America annual State Legislative Leadership Conference.

If you or your group would like to visit me in Harrisburg, please reach out to my District Office team at 814-308-0569 or reptakac@pahouse.net to make arrangements. 

Last week was also quite busy here at home with events, workshops, and meetings.

Here’s a look at some of what I’ve been up to: 

• Chamber for Business and Industry of Centre County (CBICC) Voice of Business annual legislative breakfast 
• PSU Digester Day workshop – Learning about the latest in renewable energy generation
• PA Outdoor Recreation workshop at Tussey Mountain
• Annual Iftar Dinner celebrating Ramadan with the Islamic Society of Central PA and the One Hand Foundation 
• Penn State Retirees Town Hall at Foxdale Village 
• State Board of Higher Education Hearing at Nittany Lion Inn 
• Radio Interview with Scott Geesey on 98.7 The Fox. Click here to listen! 
• Press conference and tour of solar and geothermal systems at University Mennonite Church 
•  “Dark Skies” Talk – Speaking with Penn State students about light pollution policy 
• Orviston Water Association meeting 

Don’t forget to claim your PA Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit when filing your state tax return!

If eligible, this credit can range between $600 and $2,100, depending on your income level and the number of your dependents. See here for more details: Child and Dependent Care Credit | Department of Revenue | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

There’s still time to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), but don’t wait—the application deadline is April 18! LIHEAP provides vital cash grants to help cover heating bills and crisis grants for emergencies like broken heating equipment or fuel shortages. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Grants Range: $200 to $1,000, based on household size, income, and fuel type. 

• Eligibility: Renters and homeowners can apply—you don’t need to have overdue bills or receive public assistance to qualify. 

• How to Apply: Visit COMPASS or contact your local County Assistance Office. For help, call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095. 

Don’t let this opportunity slip away! Apply now to ensure a warm and safe home for your family. Please share this information with anyone who may benefit. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-0750

District Office

216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801

(814) 308-0569