Dear Neighbor,

Memorial Day is one of my favorite weekends here in Centre County. From carnivals and community celebrations to parades and family get-togethers, this marks the unofficial start of summer.

But most importantly, Memorial Day is a solemn reminder for us to honor those who gave everything in defense of our country and our freedom. The weekend is filled with opportunities to remember those who left the comfort and security of home to safeguard democracy and hold tyranny at bay, and who ultimately paid the highest price for our liberty.

Beginning with the traditional Friday evening service at the memorial of Medal of Honor recipient Foster J. Sayers, and continuing through the Monday evening procession in Boalsburg — the birthplace of Memorial Day — this weekend will be filled with gatherings in cemeteries, churches, and community spaces for us to pay our respects to the fallen.

This year, Memorial Day carries special significance as our nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Since 1776, brave Americans have fought and died so that, in the immortal words of President Abraham Lincoln, this nation “shall have a new birth of freedom… (and) that government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.” Ours is a nation “conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” We are the beneficiaries of their sacrifice, reminded once again that freedom is not, and has never been, free.

I believe this Memorial Day calls us to recapture our common spirit and destiny as Americans. We must look to — and strive to be — leaders who seek to unite rather than divide. And as we look ahead to our country’s future, may we remember the sacrifices that built and sustained it, and strive to live up to the ideals for which so many gave their lives.

Wishing you and your family a meaningful and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Paul

Critical infrastructure is simply that: critical. All too often, we take for granted the costs of ensuring clean water, adequate sewer and stormwater service, and so much more. However, at a time when local municipal budgets — like many household budgets — are under tremendous stress and federal funding is being cut back, many communities simply cannot afford the investments needed to build, repair, and maintain critical infrastructure. That is where state programs like the PA Infrastructure Investment Authority, or PENNVEST, can help.

PENNVEST is a financing authority that provides low-interest loans and financial assistance to help address water, wastewater, stormwater, and non-point source pollution challenges that impact public health, safety, the environment, regulatory compliance, and economic development.

That’s why I’m so excited to share that our regional PENNVEST Project Specialist will be hosting a session here in Centre County on July 9th to help elected officials and authority representatives better understand the ins and outs of PENNVEST. These sessions are intended to provide folks with information on PENNVEST funding programs, how to apply, and what to expect after receiving funding approval for critical infrastructure projects. 

Sign up here to secure your spot today and please forward this information along to others.

We’re hiring! Our District Office team is currently seeking a full-time Constituent Services Advisor (though part-time may be considered as well). If you’re interested in public service and helping our neighbors and local communities, we’d love to hear from you!

Click here for more information, and feel free to call our office with any questions.

As you surely know by now, this Tuesday was Primary Election Day here in Pennsylvania, and I want to thank everyone who participated in the democratic process. It’s important to note that in PA, we have what are called “closed primaries.” That means that only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic Primary, and only registered Republicans can only vote in the Republican Primary.

The result is that millions of registered Independent and non-major party voters throughout our Commonwealth are left out of the process of choosing candidates for the general election. I support opening our primaries and allowing Independent and unaffiliated voters to choose to vote in either party’s primary process.

Our democracy is stronger when more people participate, and we need to do all we can to ensure that every eligible voter can make their voice heard in every election. That is why I am a proud co-sponsor of bipartisan bills to change our current closed primary system and will continue to advocate for them to become law.

Recently, more than 2,500 faculty and professors voted in favor of forming the Penn State Faculty Alliance, affiliated with SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Local 668 - creating one of the largest public sector unions in the history of our Commonwealth.

Unions play a critical role in building an economy that works for everyone – helping to protect workers’ rights, improve working conditions, and ensure fairer wages for all. I am proud to represent our Commonwealth’s land grant university and the exceptional educators and researchers who make Penn State a world class institution.

I’m hopeful that this vote to unionize will help improve the lives of working families and strengthen our communities, and I congratulate the Penn State Faculty Alliance as they embark on this new journey. 

Save the date for the Spring Creek Trout Unlimited annual family fishing picnic on Sunday, June 7th from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at Tussey Mountain Pond. Our district office team will be there with information and fun giveaway items. Hope to see you all there!

Last week, my team and I were excited to join the YMCA’s Military Share Food Distribution to provide food to military members, veterans, and family members. Your generous contributions during our Milesburg Mobile Shredding Event helped feed nearly 300 service members and their families. Thank you!

I also attended the State College Little Lions FFA awards and reception event last week. Their knowledge and advocacy on behalf of farmers and rural communities is unparalleled. I am always so impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of these young people, many of whom plan to continue their studies in agriculture or go to work in PA’s #1 industry.

On Sunday, I was honored to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Gus C., Zach S., and John R. from Troop 245 as they celebrated earning the highest rank in Scouting America. Their Eagle Scout projects rerouted trails and constructed turtle basking platforms in Black Moshannon State Forest and refurbished a shed for Centre Wildlife Care. The innovation, dedication, and community spirit demonstrated through these projects is truly exceptional. Congratulations to all three on this tremendous achievement!

Last week was National Police Week. On Wednesday, I attended the annual Law Enforcement Memorial at the Centre County Courthouse to honor the 113 officers and 29 K-9s across the country who gave their lives in the line of duty this past year, including five from Pennsylvania. As the son and grandson of police officers, my heart goes out to their families, friends, and fellow officers. I know firsthand both the pride in their service and the fear in knowing that they put their lives on the line every day to help keep us safe.

This week – May 17th to 23rd – is National EMS Week. And to kick things off, Downtown Bellefonte hosted a fun and engaging First Responders Competition to recognize those who serve our community as firefighters, fire police, and EMS providers. As the proud father of a paramedic, I know the hard work and dedication that goes into being the first to arrive when people are having one of the worst days of their lives. These men and women, many of whom are volunteers, spend countless hours training – and often even help pay for their own gear. If you are able, I hope you’ll join me in donating to your local fire company or EMS service. They just may save your life one day. 

Photo credit: Downtown Bellefonte

The America250PA Mobile Experiential Unit is a rolling celebration of our nation's 250th birthday and of PA’s proud and preeminent place in the American story. The mobile unit, powered by Penske, is a custom-built experience designed to bring the semiquincentennial celebration directly to you.

They will be at the Boalsburg Memorial Day Festival on Monday from 11 a.m. to 4.p.m. and need volunteers to help make it happen. If you or your organization would like to volunteer, please fill out the form here! 

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.  Please note that our office will be closed today, Friday, May 22nd and Monday, the 25th as my team and I celebrate Memorial Day and take part in events across the district.

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! 

District Office

216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801

(814) 308-0569

Pennsylvania State Capitol

103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-0750