Dear Neighbor,

As the calendar turned to 2026, I found myself – like many of you – reflecting on goals and resolutions for the year ahead. Not the kind that involves doing more push-ups (my shoulders have filed an objection!), but those that keep me grounded, fulfilled, and focused on the important work that you elected me to do. Those resolutions span home, community, and Harrisburg, and a common theme quickly emerged: continuing to show up and be fully engaged.

At home, that means being there for my family and treasuring every minute I get to spend with Regan and our kids -- especially as they get older, pursue their own dreams, and take on their own responsibilities.

In our community, it means listening first, being visible and accessible across all sixteen (!) municipalities in the district and continuing to work alongside my team to host clinics, drives, and community events. Each year, we’ve expanded our reach to connect with more neighbors, and we have even bigger plans for 2026—so stay tuned!

Finally, in Harrisburg, I am committed to making the most of what will surely be an extremely challenging – but also exciting and impactful – year ahead. In addition to my ongoing work on six House standing committees, I want to make the most of two meaningful new roles: serving as Chair of the Rural Revitalization Commission and as a member of the State Board of Higher Education, including its Policy Committee. I am deeply honored by these opportunities and grateful for the chance to serve and to represent the people and communities of our great commonwealth.

The bottom line is that Pennsylvanians deserve more than petty, partisan gridlock that fails to deliver real results. We deserve leadership that makes our lives better and our communities stronger, safer, and healthier. We deserve a government that functions without drama. I remain committed to advancing key priorities like full and fair funding for public education; increasing access and affordability of healthcare; protecting working families; supporting PA businesses and creating economic opportunities for all. I’ll be the first to remind my colleagues that our work is to govern responsibly and ensure Pennsylvania is a great and affordable place to live.

While Pennsylvania does not set federal or international policy, I also want you to know that I am firmly committed to upholding our democracy and protecting our fundamental constitutional rights and responsibilities. That commitment matters especially when those principles are tested—when executive power goes unchecked, when military action occurs without proper authorization, or when funding is withheld from states for political reasons.

We deserve leaders who work for all of us – not just some of us. And leaders who play by the rules all of the time, not just when they feel like it. If you agree, I urge you to join me in calling our Congressional representatives to demand that they uphold their oath of office and hold our president accountable for any illegal, unauthorized, and punitive actions.

I hope you can join me and my team in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at a special community event hosted in partnership with the State College YMCA, Centre County Pearls of PA, and First National Bank.

This free, family-friendly event will include complimentary food, service opportunities like packing for the YMCA’s Backpack Program, arts, crafts, and even a financial literacy class sponsored by First National Bank.

Check out the details below!

Date: January 19th, 2026
Time: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Location: State College YMCA - Community Room & Small Gym

677 W. Whitehall Rd., State College, PA, 16801

I’m proud to announce that the end of 2025 brought one final grant award to our area. College Township received a $503,700 PennDOT award for its Green-Light-Go grant application to improve safety, mobility, and traffic flow at the very busy intersection at University Drive and Curtin Road.

This upgrade will improve conditions for drivers, pedestrians, and folks attending events at Beaver Stadium, the Bryce Jordan Center, and the Pegula Ice Arena. I’m proud to have supported this application which will increase safety and efficiency in this high-traffic area.

Tomorrow marks the official start of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural event in America! There is something for everyone: farmers, families, and foodies alike. Admission is free, and hundreds of vendors, thousands of exhibitors, and countless farm friends come together to showcase the best of PA agriculture.

My personal highlights always include the special Farm Show-featured milkshake from the PA Dairymen’s Association. This year’s milkshake celebrates America’s 250th birthday with an “America250PA” flight of Red (strawberry), White (vanilla), and Blue (raspberry)!

In addition to enjoying the food and exhibits, this year I also get to visit Sprinkles, a calf that my Democratic House colleagues and I adopted. She will be making her Farm Show debut on January 12th and 13th in the Northeast Hall, next to the fun and exciting Calving Corner exhibit.

I’m also looking forward to once again sitting down with PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding to talk about the important issues facing agriculture and rural communities in Centre County and beyond. From reducing acid mine runoff in our waterways to using manure and other ag products to generate clean biofuels - and from supporting innovation and conservation to ensuring that everyone has access to safe, healthy, and affordable food - there is tremendous work underway and even more to be done.

I hope you will consider joining me in Harrisburg for the PA Farm Show! It truly is a unique and wonderful opportunity to learn more about our commonwealth and the folks who feed us, clothe us, and provide countless products and services we often take for granted.

Share your goals and resolutions with me! Or, if you have an idea for an event my team can support or coordinate on, please reach out -- we’d love to work together!

As always, 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 on Monday, January 19, in observance of MLK Day. Messages received that day will be returned as soon as possible.

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