State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – Today, a bipartisan group of state lawmakers held a news conference at the Capitol touting legislation they’ve introduced to support Pennsylvania veterans exposed to the dangerous herbicide “Agent Orange” and other toxic chemicals during their service, and make March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day in Pennsylvania . This group of lawmakers includes state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. Both bills were introduced earlier this year. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, of course, includes Vietnam-era veterans who were exposed to -- and at the time, unknowingly harmed by -- Agent Orange. As our understanding of the extent of the damage caused by that chemical exposure has grown and evolved, so have the programs and benefits available to those affected,” Takac said. “Since taking office, one of my areas of focus has been ensuring that veterans and their families are aware of and can more easily access all of the benefits and support available to them,” he said. Read more

 

Takac secures more than $618,000 in grant funding to bolster transportation infrastructure

(Mar 26, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 26 – Two grant awards totaling $618,686 will help an ongoing road improvement project in Snow Shoe Township as well as the construction of a shared-use path in College Township, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. College Township was awarded a $500,000 grant that will be utilized to construct a shared-use path along East College Avenue from Puddintown Road to Hastings Road. In addition, Snow Shoe Township received a $118,688 grant for ongoing rehabilitation to Kato Road. “This much-needed influx in funding is threefold as it aims to improve roadways and shared-use paths to improve safety and access for vehicular, pedestrian and bike traffic along heavily used routes,” Takac said. “Proactive, strategic investments that strengthen Centre County’s infrastructure is a good-government initiative that appeals to everyone. I applaud this funding and look forward to seeing these projects become a reality. The East College Avenue project in particular is something that I was involved in as a member of College Township Council, and I am excited about much-needed improvements along this vital corridor to campus and the downtown area,” he added. Dustin Best, College Township Council chair, weighed in on the half million-dollar award for the township. “College Township is very pleased to be receiving this $500,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant award, which Read more

 

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package

(Mar 14, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 14 – State Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., today announced that he plans to introduce two bills to help address shortages of healthcare workers so that all Pennsylvanians can receive high-quality medical care. These bills would provide for the recruitment and retainment of nursing faculty members and health care preceptors. The first bill would establish the New Nursing Faculty Grant Program to provide grants of up to $10,000 per year for newly employed, full-time nursing faculty members. The second bill would establish the Pennsylvania Health Care Preceptor Deduction to incentivize qualified individuals to serve as preceptors for advanced practice nurses, physicians, physician assistants and registered nurses by providing a $1,000 tax deduction for doing do. “As a nurse practitioner, I know how important it is to keep our healthcare workforce supply strong,” Khan said. “Recruiting nursing faculty is often difficult, and healthcare preceptors are often hard to find. Our bill will help ensure critical support for both nursing faculty and healthcare professional preceptors.” The nursing faculty grant program is modeled after a Maryland program that was highly successful. The second bill would make Pennsylvania the sixth state to take action to incentivize medical professionals to enter preceptorships. Nearly 80,000 applicants across the nation were not Read more

 

Takac applauds more than $825,000 in grant funding to boost affordable housing in State College

(Mar 08, 2024)

HARRISBURG, March 8 – The availability of affordable housing in Centre County will receive a big boost thanks to grant awards totaling $827,476, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. The grants were awarded through the Pennsylvania Home Investment Partnerships Program, which is a federally funded program that provides municipalities with grant and loan assistance to expand and preserve the supply of decent and affordable housing for low- and very low-income Pennsylvanians. “The issue of safe and affordable housing has far-reaching implications and requires a strategic, pragmatic approach with the goal of ensuring that all residents have access to sustainable housing,” Takac said. “However, too many Centre County residents face being priced out of the local housing market or forced to live further away. This funding will support efforts to expand affordable housing options for those who need it.” The full list of recipients through this round of funding is available here. More information about the HOME program is available here. Read more

 

Protecting Consumers from Misleading Contracts, Boggs Twp PTRR Clinic a Success, Establishing Agent Orange Bipartisan Task Force

(Mar 07, 2024)

Protecting Consumers from Misleading Contracts, Boggs Twp PTRR Clinic a Success, Establishing Agent Orange Bipartisan Task Force Read more

 

Testifiers highlight need to protect consumers from misleading contracts

(Feb 26, 2024)

The House Majority Policy Committee met Monday morning to gather testimony on what can be done to better protect Pennsylvanians from entering misleading, confusing contracts. Read more

 

$1.24M in Grants Awarded, Grant Writing Workshop Successful, District Office Open House Recap

(Feb 23, 2024)

$1.24M in Grants Awarded, Grant Writing Workshop Successful, District Office Open House Recap Read more

 

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service

(Feb 21, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 – Today, state lawmakers introduced legislation that would create a task force on Agent Orange -- a blend of herbicides used during the Vietnam War. Agent Orange was banned when evidence of the harmful and sometimes deadly results of exposure to it began to emerge. Those who were exposed to Agent Orange are at risk of developing cancers, neurological and psychological conditions, and other long-term effects to the skin and heart. Exposure to Agent Orange can also cause reproductive health problems and birth defects in the children of veterans, including spina bifida, hip dysplasia, and congenital heart disease. The task force would comprise several members of military organizations and members of the PA House and PA Senate to investigate and form recommendations on how best to communicate with veterans affected by Agent Orange concerning the treatment options available to them. This bipartisan legislation was introduced by state Reps. Paul Takac, D-Centre; Mike Cabell, R-Luzerne; Brian Munroe, D-Bucks; Dane Watro, R-Schuylkill/Luzerne; Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; Zachary Mako, R-Northampton/Lehigh; Chris Pielli, D-Chester; and Abby Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. “We owe all those who have served our country, especially those who have been harmed as a result of their service, not only our profound respect and gratitude but an enduring commitment to serve and support them and their families. That, Read more

 

Takac: $325,000 awarded to Central PA Workforce Development Board

(Feb 15, 2024)

“Effective workforce training is critical to ensuring businesses have a qualified and diverse pool of applicants, but many businesses in our region face challenges when it comes to recruiting and training the workers they need to operate and expand their business,” Takac said. “With this new funding, our regional workforce development board will have additional resources to help area employers to identify and overcome those challenges.” Read more

 

Takac: Nearly $140,000 in new funding coming to District 82 fire and EMS companies

(Feb 15, 2024)

“With tight budgets and limited resources, fire and EMS companies face a constant challenge keeping first responders properly equipped and trained,” Takac said. “Securing this new funding will help ensure that these frontline heroes have the equipment and training they deserve and that departments have the funding they need for facility repairs, recruitment and retention and other expenses.” Read more

 

Takac: Penn State awarded more than $140,000 to support biodiversity research

(Feb 15, 2024)

“Penn State’s Agricultural Sciences department has been a leader in research to strengthen biodiversity of plants and wildlife, and that work is key to ensuring that our native species are able to adapt, withstand climate change and remain hearty in the face of threats like disease and invasive species," Takac said. "This new funding will help advance research to ensure that our native species continue to thrive into the future.” Read more

 

Takac touts more than $130,000 grant awards to support Centre County technical schools

(Feb 08, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – Two Centre County school districts were awarded grants totaling $130,323, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. The announcement is part of the $4 million statewide investment for schools and technical centers to purchase new equipment for use in training students for in-demand occupations. The grants announced today include: $84,217 for Keystone Central Career and Technical School $46,106 for State College Area School District “Time and again, I’ve heard from businesses and investors that a serious workforce shortage is holding our Commonwealth back.,” Takac said. “The well-trained, highly skilled workers needed to help drive Pennsylvania’s current and future prosperity must be trained on and experienced using the latest technology. “We are fortunate to have two outstanding career and technical education programs housed here in our local school districts. Therefore, I’m excited to announce these grants to help them to better prepare students for the good-paying, high demand jobs we need.” Pennsylvania has more than 80 career and technical centers that offer a combination of classes approved by the Department of Education. Thousands of students earn industry credentials for local jobs in high demand. More information about this funding is available here. Read more

 

Rep. Paul Takac statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 state budget

(Feb 07, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, released the following statement today in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 proposed state budget: “Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 state budget is an exciting and forward-looking first step in crafting a budget that tackles many of the most urgent and important issues facing our commonwealth,” Takac said. “As the governor emphasized, budgets reflect our values, vision, and commitments. This proposal, which reflects many of the key priorities of House Democrats, delivers for every Pennsylvanian. “The proposed budget includes historic and long overdue investments in education at all levels. It includes over $1.5 billion in new funding for K-12 school districts, along with hundreds of millions in projected savings to local taxpayers by reforming overpayments to cyber charters. These increases, modeled on the recent report from the Basic Education Funding Commission, begin to close the adequacy gap and fulfill our constitutional and moral responsibility to ensure that every child, regardless of their ZIP code, has a real chance to succeed.? “The governor also proposes development of a blueprint for reform and reinvestment in higher education. After decades of stagnant funding, today Pennsylvania ranks almost dead last in the entire nation in terms of college affordability (48 th ), with the result that far too many students either Read more

 

Takac applauds $510,000 grant award to Centre County Conservation District

(Feb 06, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – A key regional agency committed to protecting and enhancing Centre County’s natural resources was awarded a grant totaling $510,000, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. The grant was awarded by the Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission through the Conservation Excellence Grant Program. The award to the Centre County Conservation District will be earmarked toward two projects within Centre County designed to mitigate runoff of nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment that impact the Chesapeake Bay. The Smith Farm, near Julian, will build a waste storage facility, reducing nutrient runoff into Bald Eagle Creek. The Weaver Farm, near Port Matilda, will implement measures to control barnyard runoff, enhancing water quality in the Halfmoon Creek Watershed. “Protecting the health of our environment and ensuring continued access to clean air and water for all Pennsylvanians will always remain of the upmost importance to me,” Takac said. “This award showcases the importance of collaboration between local, state, and private entities for the benefit of Centre County and the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed.” This grant will deliver funds to implement two agricultural best management practice projects within the Bald Eagle Creek watershed and the Halfmoon Creek Watershed. The Halfmoon Creek watershed partnership has been in place for over 15 years. The partnership has worked to Read more

 

$1 million+ in Grants Awarded, Rural Healthcare Roundtable, Climate Talk at Foxdale Village

(Jan 31, 2024)

$1 million+ in Grants Awarded, Rural Healthcare Roundtable, Climate Talk at Foxdale Village Read more

 

Takac: Nearly $450,000 awarded to bolster traffic safety

(Jan 30, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – Multiple projects geared toward enhancing traffic safety in both College and Harris townships received two grant awards totaling $444,669, state Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, announced today. The grants are funded by the Automated Red Light Enforcement program. $298,349 was awarded to Harris Township to designate, design and install a bike/pedestrian crossing point on Boal Avenue and the intersection of the Pennsylvania Military Museum entrance and Old Boalsburg Road. $146,320 was awarded to College Township for signal upgrades on the Route 26 corridor, including advanced radar units, new signal heads with reflective back plates, and new pavement markings and alignment at the Route 26 and U.S. 322 ramps. “Pedestrian and traffic safety is one of the most basic, and critical, responsibilities of state and local governments,” Takac said. “Therefore, I am delighted that these significant ARLE grants will be directed toward projects along two of the most important and well-traveled thoroughfares in our region. “The Route 26 and 322 interchange sees some of the highest volume of traffic in our region and the enhanced visibility and signage funded by this grant will be a huge benefit for both local residents as well as those visiting State College and Penn State. “Likewise, the grounds of the Pennsylvania Military Museum and the Boal Mansion, Boal City Brewing, and Read more

 

Rep. Paul Takac statement on Gov. Shapiro’s economic plan

(Jan 30, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, released the following statement today in response to Gov. Shapiro’s proposed economic development plan: “I applaud Governor Shapiro and his team for proposing a comprehensive economic development plan to help propel Pennsylvania forward into a future of innovation, growth, and prosperity. I look forward to working with the administration, my colleagues in the General Assembly, and both public and private stakeholders to ensure that everyone and every community benefits from this vision and commitment to the future of our Commonwealth. “My previous experience in business and technology has taught me very clearly that timing is everything, and that strategic investments can and will pay dividends for a very, very long time. Now is the time to invest in Pennsylvania and to not only meet the challenges we face, but to seize the opportunity at hand and to lead the nation and the world.” Read more

 

More than $877,000 awarded to Penn State for investments in agricultural industry

(Jan 26, 2024)

STATE COLLEGE, Jan. 26 – To support and grow Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry, the Department of Agriculture awarded $877,290 to the Pennsylvania State University, announced Reps. Paul Takac and Scott Conklin, both D-Centre. The funding includes: $500,000 for Penn State’s Agriculture and Environment Center . $127,424 for research on planting hairy vetch and industrial hemp to remediate abandoned coal mine land, sequester carbon, and serve as a potential market commodity for environmentally sustainable technology practices. $100,000 for Penn State’s Center for Agricultural and Shale Law . $75,000 for research to identify marginal lands across the commonwealth suitable for solar energy production and determine implementable management practices for solar farms to benefit soil, water, and vegetation. $74,866 to research the effects of acetylsalicylic acid during the dry off period of Holstein dairy cows, approximately 60 days prior to calving. “I’m excited to announce these new significant grant awards, which showcase Penn State’s key expertise and leadership at the intersection of agriculture, energy and the environment,” Takac said. They include funding for the important work of both the Center for Agricultural and Shale Law and the Agriculture and Environment Center in tracking the latest legislation and regulations, as well as addressing water Read more

 

Takac, Conklin announce $60,000 to combat food insecurity at Penn State

(Jan 11, 2024)

STATE COLLEGE, Jan. 11 – To combat food insecurity, state Reps. Paul Takac, and Scott Conklin, both D-Centre, announced that the PA Department of Education awarded $60,000 to the Pennsylvania State University. The funding will make fresh produce more accessible, as well as expand the University Park Basic Needs Hub and food pantries at all Penn State campuses across the commonwealth. Takac said, “Hunger affects every community, including among students here at Penn State’s University Park campus. Fortunately, there are several student groups and organizations working with university administrators to address this problem and ensure that every student has reliable access to healthy, nutritious food. This PA Hunger Free Campus grant will help address food insecurity on campus, including expanding access to food options, creating awareness, and developing innovative and flexible solutions to meet the unique needs of college students.” “Penn State is dedicated to ensuring food access for all students,” said Leanne Lenz, associate director of Student Care and Advocacy. “The PA Hunger Free Campus grant allows us to advance our food security and other basic needs initiatives in a way that increases accessibility and contributes to the overall wellbeing and success of Penn State students.” “As the cost of tuition and meals continues to increase Read more

 

Takac, Conklin announce more than $3 million in funding for EVs, infrastructure

(Jan 10, 2024)

STATE COLLEGE, Jan. 10 – Reps. Paul Takac, and Scott Conklin, both D-Centre, announced more than $3 million to provide for electric vehicles and infrastructure at the Pennsylvania State University. The Department of Environmental Protection awarded $3,305,011 from the Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program to replace five Class 6 and Class 7 box trucks with battery electric vehicles, install four DC fast EV chargers, and one Level 2 EV charging plug at three locations across Penn State’s campus. “I am excited to announce this multi-million grant award to help support Penn State’s efforts to transition to electric vehicles in order to reduce their impact on the environment, while also saving money,” Takac said. “Sustainability and environmental responsibility are critical to the future of our Commonwealth and our world. As Pennsylvania’s land grant institution, Penn State’s commitment and leadership on this issue are critically important.” “By providing infrastructure for EVs, we make EVs more accessible for rural Pennsylvanians, but also to those who travel through central Pennsylvania so they may charge their vehicles,” Conklin said. “Rural areas cover 97% of the country’s land and with the lack of EV charging stations in rural Pennsylvania, it poses a barrier for rural Pennsylvanians and Read more

 

State lawmakers aim to honor and support Pennsylvania veterans
1 day ago

Takac secures more than $618,000 in grant funding to bolster transportation infrastructure
Mar 26, 2024

Khan to roll out healthcare workforce legislative package
Mar 14, 2024

Takac applauds more than $825,000 in grant funding to boost affordable housing in State College
Mar 08, 2024

Protecting Consumers from Misleading Contracts, Boggs Twp PTRR Clinic a Success, Establishing Agent Orange Bipartisan Task Force
Mar 07, 2024

Testifiers highlight need to protect consumers from misleading contracts
Feb 26, 2024

$1.24M in Grants Awarded, Grant Writing Workshop Successful, District Office Open House Recap
Feb 23, 2024

State lawmakers offer support for Pennsylvania’s Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange during their service
Feb 21, 2024

Takac: $325,000 awarded to Central PA Workforce Development Board
Feb 15, 2024

Takac: Nearly $140,000 in new funding coming to District 82 fire and EMS companies
Feb 15, 2024

Takac: Penn State awarded more than $140,000 to support biodiversity research
Feb 15, 2024

Takac touts more than $130,000 grant awards to support Centre County technical schools
Feb 08, 2024

Rep. Paul Takac statement on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 state budget
Feb 07, 2024

Takac applauds $510,000 grant award to Centre County Conservation District
Feb 06, 2024

$1 million+ in Grants Awarded, Rural Healthcare Roundtable, Climate Talk at Foxdale Village
Jan 31, 2024

Takac: Nearly $450,000 awarded to bolster traffic safety
Jan 30, 2024

Rep. Paul Takac statement on Gov. Shapiro’s economic plan
Jan 30, 2024

More than $877,000 awarded to Penn State for investments in agricultural industry
Jan 26, 2024

Takac, Conklin announce $60,000 to combat food insecurity at Penn State
Jan 11, 2024

Takac, Conklin announce more than $3 million in funding for EVs, infrastructure
Jan 10, 2024