Takac: Work together to move the state and country in the right direction
As Pride Month in June drew to a close, and as Independence Day came and went, our celebrations and observances were marred by the release of several devastating decisions by the United States Supreme Court.
In the span of just over a week, we saw this extremist court not only expand gun rights and empower religious zealots, but also cripple environmental protections, erode the separation of church and state, and most reprehensible of all, strip away the rights of women and people across the country.
And we know what’s coming next. Marriage equality, limits on partisan meddling by state legislatures, and voting rights are now all on the table to be dismantled. With so much decision-making returned to states and reactionary Republican majority chambers, this destructive spiral will likely go further and faster than many can imagine.
These are scary times. But I believe that if we respond across many fronts, we can and will forge a path forward.
Let’s talk about the government first.
It is easy to feel hopeless and disillusioned right now. We’ve done what has been asked — we’ve shown up every election, voted how we were told, and still see frustrating and hurtful inaction from many of our elected officials.
But we cannot let despair and cynicism win. If we want our democracy to function for the people and by the people, we the people must participate. We must continue to show up and ensure that our voices and our votes are heard. We must encourage others to register and make sure they have a plan to vote. And we must elect those who are ready to fight for equal rights — all of them.
Now, more than ever, we must elect bold Democrats who are unafraid to stand up, to speak out, and to act on what’s right, and ensure that every governing body, from school boards and township councils, to county governments and statewide officials, is invested in actionable change and progress.
That means electing Josh Shapiro as Governor, a proven champion for workers rights, reproductive rights, accessible health care, and election integrity. It also means flipping a U.S. Senate seat blue, and electing John Fetterman, a longtime and dedicated public servant who will advocate for working families, LGBTQ+ rights, and necessary reforms on the national level.
And in our state legislature, we must focus on flipping the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The new 82nd District, here in the heart of Centre County, is one of a handful of seats that can help us take back control of Harrisburg and return power to the people rather than entrenched partisans. I am honored to be your Democratic candidate for this district, and will do everything I can to empower and defend the people in this district and beyond.
But this also goes beyond electoral politics. It is about supporting and protecting our loved ones, neighbors and fellow Americans. There are many ways to affect change outside of politics, such as volunteering with local groups, organizing or attending community events, or donating to organizations. Here are some ways to get involved:
Look to organizations like CentreSafe, Centre LGBTQA Support Network, Out of the Cold Centre County, and State College Food Bank for volunteer opportunities within our community.
Find ways to take action and provide support in the Commonwealth with Planned Parenthood Keystone, Abortion Fund of PA, and the Women’s Law Project.
Donate to national organizations like the National Network of Abortion Funds, which includes groups like Indigenous Women Rising and The Brigid Alliance.
My team and I are compiling more information and resources that we’ll be sharing soon, and encourage you to reach out with any specific questions or thoughts.
Working together, we will move our commonwealth and our country in the direction of equality and justice.
We are here for you. And we will never back down.