Dear Neighbor,

After a bitterly cold winter, it’s finally starting to feel like spring is in the air here in Centre County. Snow is melting, and streams are rising. But before looking too far ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect on this February as we mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of Black History Month.

One hundred years ago, when this observance began, our nation was still deeply divided and segregated. Yet Black history has always been an inextricable thread woven throughout American history. This month offers an opportunity to shine a spotlight once again on the courageous and innovative — and far too often overlooked — men and women who have shaped our nation through inventions and artistic achievements, leadership in economics and democracy, and the ongoing pursuit of justice for all.

Only by understanding and learning from the full scope of our past — including its most difficult chapters — can we truly appreciate both the progress our nation has made and the work that remains in building a more equitable society.

I hope you’ve had the chance to enjoy some of the beautiful installations and events celebrating Black History Month in our community. If you’re still looking for a family-friendly event, I invite you to join me and my team at the Under Angel’s Wings Family Center Celebration on February 28, from 3–6 p.m., at the State College Borough Building, 243 South Allen St.

I’m thrilled with the fantastic turnout at our first three Property Tax/Rent Rebate and LIHEAP clinics! If you haven’t had the chance to attend one yet, there are still two more opportunities: Thursday, Feb. 25, at our Howard satellite office, and Wednesday, March 4, at our District Office in State College. If you can’t make either of these dates, stop by the office any time before the April 10 deadline for LIHEAP or the June 30 deadline for PTRR, and we’ll help you file your forms.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is one of the most popular and impactful state initiatives supporting homeowners and renters. To qualify, you must be 65 or older; a widow or widower 50 or older; or someone over 18 with a disability. Your household income must also be $48,110 or less annually, counting half of any Social Security income. Give our office a call, and we’ll help you determine if you qualify!

To complete your application, please bring documentation for all sources of 2025 income. Property owners should bring their 2025 property tax information. Renters should bring a rent certificate signed by their landlord, or we can provide a blank form for you to have completed at your convenience.

If you’d like to apply for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) at the same time, please also bring a recent fuel and/or energy bill. Eligibility is determined by your household’s total annual income and size.

See below for more details!

I am proud to share that, once again, the 82nd District has secured additional state funding! College Township has been awarded more than $200,000 in grant funding to improve intersection safety along the College Avenue (Route 26) corridor.

These targeted improvements will enhance signal coordination and visibility, reduce the risk of crashes, and make travel safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists throughout our community.

I am also pleased to announce that the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau was awarded $130,000 to support hosting the 2026 State Games of America. This is a national Olympic-style amateur competition that will be held this summer at Penn State University.

It is such a unique opportunity, and I am so impressed with groups like HVAB who work so tirelessly to help shine the spotlight on our region. To find out more about the 2026 State Games - whether to compete, volunteer, or plan your summer viewing - check out this site!

Yesterday, I was honored to participate in a panel at Juniata College’s Rural Health Summit, where we discussed the challenges of healthcare access for our rural neighbors. Our conversation highlighted the broader conditions that shape health and well-being—a concept emphasized by Dr. George Garrow—recognizing that true health requires more than just access to affordable medical care. It also requires stable housing, nutritious food, strong community and social connections, and economic opportunity.

The work highlighted at this summit closely aligns with the efforts my colleagues and I are spearheading through the Rural Population Revitalization Commission, on which I am proud to serve as Chair. With this shared momentum, I am confident that, by working together, we can make meaningful strides toward long-term improvements in healthcare and quality of life for rural communities across the commonwealth.

The last few weeks have been full of fun and engaging events around the district. Last week, I had the honor of serving as a judge alongside the legendary Joe Humphreys at Charney’s Chopped Fly Tying Competition—I even got to learn a bit about how he ties and selects his own flies before heading out to the streams. As the weather warms, I can’t wait to get back out on the water!

Earlier in the week, administrators at the Delta School invited me and Rep. Scott Conklin to join staff and students for a lively forum on proposed legislation to ban cell phones in Pennsylvania schools. It’s a complex and nuanced issue, affecting not only education but also health, safety, and social and cognitive development.

While many of these young people may or may not be directly affected by such a ban, they feel strongly about the importance of clear policy, and I appreciated the opportunity to listen and answer their questions. Students’ voices matter, and conversations like these help us craft thoughtful, responsible, and effective policy.

Last night, I attended a community town hall at Foxdale Village focused on the current state of environmental legislation in Pennsylvania. This forum has been an annual highlight since I took office, and this year we were proud to expand it and open the doors to welcome more members of the community.

Foxdale residents continually challenge me to reaffirm my commitment to sustainable policies and to be mindful of the world we will leave to our children and grandchildren.

One of my favorite parts of this job is getting out into the community and hearing directly from you. Please let me know about upcoming events or forums, and if I can, I’ll be there—or if I’m working in Harrisburg, my wonderful team is always happy to attend.

We’d love to join you, learn about your priorities and concerns, and help celebrate the community and the events that make Centre County so special.

Before closing, I just wanted to note an item shared with me by a friend who serves in the Minnesota State Senate. This week, the MN Legislature returned for the first time since the assassination of Former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. It was a solemn and mournful day, especially in light of the recent trauma experienced in Minneapolis.

Political violence is never acceptable. Period. But we must also remain vigilant against those who seek to divide our communities for their own gain. We must come together as one and recognize that there is far more that unites us than divides us. While we may disagree at times, we must never tolerate the belief in an “Us” versus “Them.” It is—and must always be—We the People.

Read more here:

As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. 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.  

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