Takac reiterates commitment to transparency and community benefit in any decisions regarding the future of SCI Rockview
Rep. Paul Takac October 1, 2025
STATE COLLEGE, Oct. 1 -- State Rep. Paul Takac today issued the following statement regarding the future of SCI Rockview following the recent final decision to close the facility:
“SCI Rockview is in the heart of my district. And I’ve said it before, and I will keep saying it: the decision to close it was absolutely the wrong call. The decision by out-of-touch bureaucrats in Harrisburg ignored overwhelming evidence that Rockview is one of the top-performing institutions in the state and that it should remain open. Not only will this closure cause significant hardship in our community, it is a disservice to central Pennsylvania and to our commonwealth as a whole.
“My primary focus now is doing everything I can to help and support the affected employees and their families, to ensure that no one loses their job, seniority or other benefits as a result of this misguided decision from the Department of Corrections.
“I am also concerned for the inmates who have called SCI Rockview home, over 100 of whom wrote to my office pleading for this closure to be stopped. I will continue working to make sure that they’re treated fairly as they too are forced to relocate over the coming months.
“In addition, I will be watching closely to make damn sure that the wind-down of operations is handled responsibly, without ever burdening local taxpayers, and that the promised savings – the primary reason given for this closure – are actually delivered.
“And last but most certainly not least, I am committed to doing everything in my power to guarantee that all deliberations, negotiations, and decisions regarding any potential transfer or sale of the 5,700 acres surrounding Rockview are completely open and transparent. I will continue to oppose any backroom deals or insider arrangements.
“Moreover, any decision to divest or sell must result in a long-term benefit to the people and communities of Centre County. Rockview is in the heart of my district. That land and those assets belong to us, the people of Pennsylvania, held in trust. Any future changes must take that into account.
“That is why I have been -- and will continue to be -- fully engaged with all stakeholders and everyone with an interest in the future of Rockview, and I welcome the ideas, concerns and perspectives of all.
“While I am bitterly disappointed in the decision to close SCI Rockview, I am more determined than ever to continue to fight for our community and ensure that this phase of this process is fair, thorough, and fully transparent.
“As always, I encourage constituents to call me at 814-308-0569 or email me at reptakac@pahouse.net for questions, concerns or help on this or any issue.”