Championing Pennsylvania's Agricultural Future

Rep. Paul Takac February 13, 2025 | 4:12 PM

Statement on PA DOC's Recommendation to Close SCI Rockview & Quehanna Boot Camp

I am deeply surprised and concerned by the proposal from the PA Department of Corrections to close the State Correctional Institute Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp. Together, these facilities employ nearly 900 of our neighbors across Centre and Clearfield counties with good paying, union-supported jobs. If implemented, such closures could have significant negative impacts on not only the employees and their families, but our communities and our local and regional economy.

I am in close contact with the Governor’s team, other elected officials, and community and business leaders across our area. As this process plays out in the coming months – including economic impact studies, public hearings, and more – my focus will be on ensuring complete transparency and strict adherence to established regulations. I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to ensure that the voices of all those affected are heard loud and clear, and that they are given the attention and support they deserve.

My full statement can be found here.

Agricultural Innovation Grant Program Off to a Strong Start

I'm excited to share that Pennsylvania is leading the nation with the first-ever Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, a groundbreaking initiative I proudly championed in this year's budget. In just the first year, this program is already transforming PA Agriculture. I was delighted to join Secretary Russell Redding and representatives of the PA Farm Bureau in Mt. Joy to announce the first group of awardees, which include over 80 cutting-edge projects spanning everything from robotics and AI to renewable energy. To view a comprehensive list of all these projects by county, click here.

And in last week's budget address, Governor Josh Shapiro recognized the tremendous impact and immense potential of this program and has proposed increasing this grant fund to $25m - a 150% increase - in the upcoming state budget.

With this level of support, we can help even more farmers and businesses implement innovative technologies and best practices, ensuring Pennsylvania remains at the forefront of agricultural excellence.

Together, we're planting the seeds for a more prosperous and sustainable future for our Commonwealth.

Reaction to Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal

Last Tuesday marked Governor Shapiro's third budget address, a momentous occasion for our state as we continue to build a brighter future for all Pennsylvanians. I fully support the main priorities and objectives outlined in Governor Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal, which reflects our shared vision for a stronger, more prosperous Pennsylvania. The Governor's plan would make historic investments in education, workforce development, and economic growth, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The proposed $51.4 billion budget includes significant funding increases for K-12 education to continue closing PA's unconstitutional funding gaps and ensuring that every child has a meaningful opportunity to succeed. Additionally, the budget emphasizes workforce development and economic initiatives to make Pennsylvania more competitive and attractive for businesses.

I am particularly excited about the focus on affordable higher education, skilled trades, and sustainable agricultural initiatives, which will open doors of opportunity for countless Pennsylvanians. The budget also addresses critical issues such as healthcare, childcare, housing, and public safety, ensuring that our communities remain safe and healthy.

Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania House Democrats’ commitment to cutting costs, reducing taxes, and eliminating red tape is commendable. This budget strikes the right balance between making necessary investments and maintaining a strong fiscal foundation. I look forward to working with the Governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly to ensure that this budget becomes a reality, benefiting every Pennsylvanian.

Focused on What Matters: Fighting for Pennsylvania Amid Federal Turmoil

Like many of you, I am deeply concerned about the daily deluge of news coming out of Washington these past few weeks. Attempts to freeze and cut critical federal funding for everything from health care, research, and human services, to threatened mass firings of federal workers and the elimination of key departments, have caused significant disruptions and a great deal of anxiety and worry. Like you, I care about people being able to afford to put food on the table, pay their bills, get help when they need it, and be protected from threats to their health care, security, and our schools. None of what is happening in Washington has anything to do with that.

That’s why my colleagues and I in the PA House of Representatives – where we, along with Governor Shapiro, are driving the agenda - are laser focused on the issues that will actually make your life better. We are fighting for every kid in every school; protecting access to affordable and high-quality health care; making strategic investments to create new, good paying jobs; and working to cut costs for everything from energy to prescription drugs and child care so that we can all afford to take care of our families.

I am working on legislation and championing budget priorities that will help PA farmers and rural communities, support health care and child care workers, create an “all of the above” energy economy, and invest in Main Street, not just Wall Street – all while being a tireless advocate in Harrisburg for the people and communities of Centre County.

The news from Washington can be discouraging, but here in PA, I will continue to work with willing colleagues from both sides of the aisle to focus on what truly matters. While the road ahead will no doubt be rocky, I believe that our best days lie ahead of us, not behind.

$1.8 Million Secured for to Improve Care for Mothers and Babies

I am thrilled to announce $1.8 million in funding to enhance maternal health services in central and south-central Pennsylvania. Penn State and the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania Inc. will each receive $300,000 annually through June 2027 to support regional health care coalitions for maternal health research and programs.

These funds will ensure more mothers and babies have access to critical care, reduce mortality rates, improve health outcomes, and address health care disparities. By collaborating with Penn State and community organizations, we aim to strengthen our health care system and improve the overall health of our communities, particularly in underserved rural areas.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to achieve these goals and ensure a brighter future for all Pennsylvania families.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Seminars Begin Next Week

Need Assistance with Your 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate application? ????

Our office is here to help! Below please find the schedule for our upcoming seminar clinics in the district, where we'll walk you through the application process step by step.

Remaining Clinic Schedule:

State College:

Date: Monday, Feb. 17
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: District Office, 216 W. Hamilton Ave., State College

Milesburg:

Date: Friday, Feb. 21
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Milesburg United Methodist Church, 301 Turnpike St., Milesburg

To apply, please bring:

? 2024 income statements
? Total property tax paid (homeowners)
? PA Rent Certificate (renters)

Visit us or contact us to learn more! ?? (814) 308-0569 ?? 216 W. Hamilton Ave., State College, PA

Look for money in your mailbox with Pennsylvania Money Match!

The PA Money Match law, passed unanimously last year, allows The Pennsylvania Treasury to automatically return unclaimed property valued at $500 or less to a single owner. Eligible property owners will receive a letter to confirm their address and a check about 45 days later.

The first round this year could return over $2 million to 8,500 Pennsylvanians.

In total, the PA Treasury aims to return over $4.5 billion in unclaimed property, including dormant accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, and insurance payments.

You can search the PA Treasury's website regularly for your unclaimed property. The average claim is $1,600, and properties over $500 or with multiple owners won't be returned automatically.

Visit PA Treasury's website to search anytime, or just contact my legislative office for help.