Paul Takac, Democrat, Candidate for PA House, District 82

What is your position on abortion policy? 

I am the pro-choice candidate in this race, proudly endorsed by Planned Parenthood. There are many factors and decisions that may lead to getting an abortion, and ultimately, should be strictly between a person and their healthcare provider, not a person and their legislator. But as a legislator, my duty is to ensure that everyone has the resources necessary to access affordable healthcare. I will work to codify Roe into the Pennsylvania Constitution, commit to bringing a brick-and-mortar Planned Parenthood clinic into my district, and make sure that abortion remains legal, safe, and accessible for Pennsylvanians.

What is your position on voting administration? (ex: mail-in ballots, drop boxes, voter ID, etc.) 

I believe that we must make it as easy as possible for every eligible person to vote and participate fully in our democracy. I support maintaining and protecting the beneficial provisions of Act 77, including vote-by-mail and extended registration deadlines, as well as the use of secure, conveniently-located drop boxes, particularly in lower-propensity voting communities to increase accessibility. In addition, we should remove or minimize structural barriers to voting, and so support same-day registration and full participation in primaries by those registered as Independents or third parties. I also support extended in-person voting and making Election Day a paid holiday. 

What are your positions on economic policy and job creation (ex: inflation reduction, taxes, regulations, etc.)? 

I understand how difficult it is to survive in this current economy. Global inflation and a potential recession have deeply impacted our day-to-day lives, and I hear the frustration and worry in every conversation I have with folks across the district. I grew up in a working-class family, and lost my mother to breast cancer when I was 10. My father then struggled with addiction. Times were tough, and if not for his union-negotiated pension, we would have not been able to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. But due to a great public education – both secondary and higher ed – and a sustainable living wage that helped me work my way through college, I was able to get on my feet, start a family, and build a career. I believe that everyone deserves those same opportunities, and that starts with support for working people.

We need to invest in childcare and eldercare, so that those with families can enter the workforce knowing that their loved ones are being taken care of. We need to provide incentives to those in fields like education and healthcare to stay in or come back to their communities, as well as ensure that their salaries and benefits reflect the level of professionalism at which they operate. And we need to protect the union way of life, and encourage all those who seek to organize to do so without retaliation from their employer.

What is your position on climate change and environmental policy? 

Climate change is one of the most urgent issues facing our world today, and as a local leader, I consider it one of my greatest responsibilities to address. As Chair of the Spring Creek Watershed Commission, I have helped to reinvigorate and spearhead an effort to develop the One Water Plan, a comprehensive, innovative, and collaborative approach to water resource management on behalf of the 12-member municipalities. I have also supported the Centre Region Council of Government’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, which includes a Solar Power Purchasing Agreement across 15 municipalities and organizations. As a state legislator, I would support RGGI and other initiatives to diversify and expand upon our renewable energy resource portfolio. And I will champion the transition to a clean energy economy, which would create millions of jobs for Pennsylvanians as we develop new workforce training in renewable energy.

What is your position on immigration policy? 

I will work to ensure that local law enforcement and government agencies -- including local police departments, school systems, and social service agencies in my district -- limit cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement in order to enhance the safety and security of our community. I support a state DREAM act, which would allow undocumented children brought to the United States as minors to have access to in-state college tuition rates, as well as granting all state residents who pass the driving test a license regardless of immigration status. Finally, I support COVID relief funds or benefits going to residents of my district and Commonwealth regardless of immigration status.

What is your position on LGBTQ rights? (ex: marriage, adoption, sports participation) 

Every American deserves equal rights and protections under the law, and as Pennsylvania is still one of 29 states that does not provide explicit protections for those in the LGBTQ+ community, I support the PA Fairness Act and any other legislation that would promote equity and comprehensive legal protections against discrimination for everyone. I have consistently spoken at and brought to the College Township Council floor resolutions in support of advancing state legal protections in employment, housing, and public accommodations for every member of the LGBTQ+ community. I have also worked with local groups including Campus and Community in Unity and the Anti-Bias Coalition to assist them in effectively interacting with local municipalities and the Centre Region Council of Governments, and have worked with College Township Council to ensure that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion were included in our formal Mission, Vision, and Values statement.

What is your position on criminal justice reform? 

I recognize that the criminal justice system unfairly targets and marginalizes Black and brown communities, and perpetuates systemic injustices that impact families for generations. I am proud to have participated in bringing the Pardon Project to Centre County, which provides formerly incarcerated people with resources to expunge their records and, among other things, re-enter the workforce. I believe that we should not only legalize marijuana, but decriminalize it and expunge the records of all those who were convicted of nonviolent drug offenses. We can fully fund our police while also investing in community-based alternatives for response, such as employing social workers, mental health professionals, and others who can de-escalate situations.

What is your position on gun ownership policy? 

As the son and grandson of police officers, I learned from a young age not only how to use and store weapons responsibly, but also how crucial public safety is to the health and wellbeing of our communities. I am proud to serve as Chair of the Centre Region Council of Government’s Public Safety Committee, and to be endorsed by Moms Demand Action and CeaseFire PA for my support of common sense gun regulations such as comprehensive background checks, red flag laws, and firearm safety training. I support legislation that holds gun owners responsible for safe storage of their weapons, as well as keeps guns out of the hands of criminals and those who pose a danger to themselves or others. I also support funding for mental health and violence prevention programs in schools and local communities.

Is there anything else you'd like to add? 

A high quality system of public education is the greatest investment we can make in our future, and yet Pennsylvania currently ranks near the bottom of all states in terms of funding for both public K-12 and higher education. We must ensure full and fair funding for every school district and student, while also increasing affordability and access to both college and workforce development opportunities. We can do so by utilizing federal and state funding already available, revisiting the Fair Funding Formula, and holding charter schools accountable for siphoning away hard-earned money through vouchers from taxpayers contributing to their public schools.