Dear Neighbor,
For many of us, June marks the start of summer. The school year is winding down, families are starting vacations, and many of us are looking forward to long days by one of Centre County’s beautiful pools, lakes, or (personally) streams. For me and my fellow legislators, June also means the start of budget season — and more time advocating and negotiating for budget investments and legislation to benefit our region.
Since you first sent me to Harrisburg in 2023, Democrats have held a single-seat majority in the Pennsylvania House while Republicans have controlled the Senate. Because both parties have a seat at the negotiating table and must agree on a final budget before it can become law, negotiations can take a bit longer — and it is true that since the start of divided government in 2023, no budget has passed on time. While that can be frustrating, these negotiations reflect real differences in priorities. Please know that House Democrats are fighting for you and for programs that benefit every Pennsylvanian, not just the wealthy or well-connected.
This year, my Democratic colleagues and I are again holding firm to priorities that reflect our values: investing in public transit (including in rural communities and CATA here in Centre County), strengthening public education, healthcare, and economic development, and making life more affordable for working people. At the same time, we have to be responsible and mindful that these investments are funded by taxpayers. That’s why it is important to explore new sources of revenue, including taxing and regulating skill games and adult-use cannabis, closing tax loopholes, and ensuring that billionaires and large corporations pay their fair share. I assure you that we’ve been hard at work, and I’m cautiously optimistic that we will have a budget soon. Stay tuned for more updates as the month unfolds!
And while I am spending a lot of time in Harrisburg, I will also be back for several exciting events here at home. From the annual State College Pride Parade and Festival next weekend to the Ironman 70.3 North American Championship next Sunday and the Curtin Village Ownership celebration — plenty is happening right here in Centre County. It’s a reminder of how sports can bring people together, and of Centre County’s growing reputation as a prime destination for sports, tourism, and community events. And don’t forget the World Cup kicking off this week at venues across North America, including Philadelphia!
I hope you’ll have the chance to get out and cheer on the athletes and visitors coming from across our commonwealth, country, and beyond to experience everything our region has to offer.
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GRANT AWARD FOR DOWNTOWN STATE COLLEGE
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I’m proud to announce $80,000 in grant funding for the State College Downtown Improvement District to implement a facade improvement program! This funding will help support exterior upgrades — such as signage, painting, and design enhancements — to stabilize and rejuvenate aging commercial properties while preserving the architectural character of downtown State College. Investing in our local businesses and downtown corridors helps strengthen the entire community.
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June marks the start of Pride Month in State College and across the country, a celebration that is one of the most joyful and meaningful of the year. At a time when many members of the LGBT+ community are facing serious challenges and uncertainty at the national level, this is an urgent and important opportunity to show support for all our neighbors, stand in solidarity, and celebrate the strength of our community here at home.
On Saturday my team and I will again join the annual parade through State College and the festival and events throughout the weekend. Be sure to get out, get involved, and support our LGBT+ community. We will see you there!
Here’s a quick look back at last year’s Pride celebration.
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Now Collecting Donations for Back-to-School Drive!
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For the third year in a row, my office is collecting donations for a Fall Back-to-School Drive, in collaboration with the State College YMCA and the Centre County Pearls. We’ll be accepting donations of new school supplies all summer long and then distributing them to students and families at our annual August cook-out at the Y in State College. Check out the flyer below for the most in-demand supplies!
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Family Fishing Picnic with Trout Unlimited
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Mark your calendar for this Sunday, June 7th from 1–5 PM at Tussey Mountain Pond for the Spring Creek Trout Unlimited annual family fishing picnic. Our district office team will be there with information and fun giveaway items. Hope to see you all there!
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Information Session about Pennvest
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I’m excited to share that our regional Pennvest Project Specialist will be hosting a session in Centre County on July 9th. This will be a great opportunity for elected officials and authority representatives to learn more about Pennvest, including available funding programs, how to apply, and what to expect after receiving funds for critical infrastructure projects.
Pennvest is a financing authority that provides low-interest loans and financial assistance for water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution projects. These investments support communities in addressing infrastructure needs that impact public health, safety, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and economic development.
If you’re interested, please sign up here to reserve your spot—and feel free to share this with others who may find it helpful!
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Last weekend, despite the rain and chill, I was deeply honored to participate in several Memorial Day weekend events and services across the district. From the service at Fairview Church in Curtin Hollow, to the Foster Sayers Memorial Day event (held this year at Beech Creek’s Wesleyan Church), to events in Boalsburg (the birthplace of Memorial Day)—including the Walk to Remember, my remarks at Boal Mansion, and the cemetery walk on Monday—and the annual fire company carnival and parade, it was a deeply meaningful weekend. It is important to remember that our freedom and liberty is not now, and has never been, free. May the memories of those who gave their lives for our liberty be a blessing to all those left behind, and may their sacrifice be a constant reminder of our responsibility to strive for a more perfect union for all.
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Last weekend also saw the official chartering of Alpha Epsilon Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated® (aka, the Centre County Pearls). During the uplifting and inspiring celebratory luncheon at the Penn Stater, I had the privilege to speak and highlight the wonderful work they have and continue to do in our community, and to present them with a Proclamation on behalf of the Centre County Commissioners. Our office has already partnered with the Centre County Pearls on the MLK Jr. Day of Service and our back-to-school drive. I’m so proud and excited about working with them to deliver impactful events to benefit to our community.
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Last Wednesday I joined folks from Clearwater Conservancy at the Foxdale for a public discussion about the future of Rockview land. Since this Administration and Department of Corrections made the final decision to close SCI Rockview, it has been my priority to hear from folks across the area about what we, the community, want in its eventual place. From farmland preservation and conservation to workforce housing, many great ideas have already been put forward. Rest assured that as decisions are made about the future of these lands and assets, I will continue to insist that they are not left solely to bureaucrats in Harrisburg but instead reflect the best interests of the Centre County community.
And finally, last Friday afternoon, my District Office Director Sonia attended the opening of High Point Skate Park! This new sport park has been a decade-in-the-making and was made possible through strong partnerships and private, local, and state investments. High Point Skate Park now gives skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts a state-of-the-art place to ride, practice their skills, and connect with others in the community. Thank you to everyone whose hard work, collaboration, and commitment made this day possible!
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Best Wishes to my Team Member Judy!
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Judy has been instrumental as my scheduler and team member for the past year. She has made sure I show up to the right place at the right time and has put up with me a lot as I frequently attempt to double and even triple book myself! She’s organized and always knows the best place for donuts and fresh baked goods throughout Central Pennsylvania! Best of luck on your next chapter Judy! You’ve brought so much to our team.
If you are looking to get in touch with us to schedule a meeting or invite us to an event happening in District, please reach out to RepTakac@pahouse.net.
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As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to email us at RepTakac@pahouse.net or call our office at 814-308-0569.
And please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky to find out more about what we’re up to and our upcoming events in the community!
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District Office
216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801
(814) 308-0569
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-0750
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