Dear Neighbor,

Earlier this week, we commemorated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a local Day of Service. I always appreciate this annual reminder of the importance of investing in civic life, giving back to our community, and honestly reflecting on how we can better live up to our shared ideals of justice and equality. Dr. King reminded us that democracy is precious but not guaranteed—it requires participation, reflection, care for one another, and the courage to fight for what is right. I can think of few more urgent or important messages right now, especially in light of the deeply troubling news from across the country and around the world. Dr. King believed that the long arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, but only if we are willing to do the work.

Every day, I see members of this community answering that call—whether by helping a neighbor in need, donating their time and resources to organizations and events that bring people together, or advocating for civil liberties in the face of government overreach. Progress is only possible when we work together with empathy and purpose toward a common goal grounded in our shared values.

At the same time, we must be honest and clear-eyed about the challenges we now face. Across the country, we are witnessing with growing alarm a series of harmful—and in some cases illegal—decisions and actions at the federal level that threaten the very foundations of the democratic system that Dr. King, along with generations of Americans, fought to protect. When those in power sidestep or disregard the Constitution, undermine long-standing legal norms at home and abroad, and consolidate power for the wealthiest few rather than the people they serve, these concerns extend far beyond ordinary policy disagreements.

Pushing back firmly and lawfully is a shared responsibility of citizenship and a core part of my role as a public servant. I remain committed to doing that work alongside you here at home, and with my colleagues in Harrisburg and beyond—guided by the belief that our community, our rights, and our democracy are always worth fighting for.

A huge thank you to our partners at the State College YMCA, the Centre County Pearls chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, and First National Bank for working together to host an impactful and inspiring Legacy of Love Day of Service on MLK Day. A special shout-out as well to Pizza Hut, Papa John’s, Wegmans, and Sam’s Club, whose generous donations kept us fueled throughout the day.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who volunteered—packing lunches for the YMCA’s anti-hunger Backpack Program, crafting for kids in hospitals and local nonprofits, learning financial literacy skills, and helping build a stronger community. The unity, friendships, and positive impact we create together at events like this are among my favorite parts of this job.

Please share our newsletters and social media with others so they can stay up to date on the events our office hosts and the many opportunities to get involved. Your sharing helps us grow these events and create even more chances to support and serve our neighbors.

And let me know your ideas on other events you’d like to see throughout the 82nd District!

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program opened on January 15 and will accept applications through June 30. This is one of the most popular and impactful state programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

In addition, and especially given the frigid temperatures we are experiencing this week, the Low-Income Heating and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help those struggling with high energy costs. To support residents in accessing these important programs, my team will be hosting a series of local clinics to assist with navigating the application process.

To complete your Property Tax/Rent Rebate application at our office or clinic, please bring all sources of 2025 income information. For property owners, please bring your 2025 property taxes. For renters, please bring a rent certificate signed by your landlord, or we can provide you a blank one to have filled out at your convenience.

To complete your LIHEAP application at our office or clinic, please bring proof of income, and a recent energy or fuel bill.

I am proud to announce another round of grant funding—totaling more than $1,660,000—to support critical infrastructure projects across the 82nd District. These initiatives include making State College more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, repairing and improving key roads in Snow Shoe Township, upgrading sewer and stormwater systems in Liberty Township and State College, and addressing wastewater treatment needs in Moshannon.

Sewer upgrades and road repairs may not be the most glamorous aspects of politics, but these are tangible projects that directly impact our quality of life—and they often go unnoticed until something goes wrong.

I am grateful to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for this funding, and to the local leaders, municipal staff, and community advocates who worked tirelessly to make these projects a reality.

Every year, I am amazed by the PA Farm Show, which celebrates both Pennsylvania’s proud agricultural heritage and the investments shaping its future.

This year’s highlights for me included the impressive 1,000+ pound butter sculpture, “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers,” the special red, white, and blue America250PA milkshakes from the Dairymen’s Association, visiting newborn calves in the official ‘Calving Corner,’ and talking with vendors and visitors about ways to better support agriculture and tourism in Pennsylvania.

I also appreciated the opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing our farmers and rural communities with fellow legislators and decision-makers.

Check out my interview on “Face the State with Joel. D. Smith” (CBS 21) from the floor of the show (Scroll to 8:50 for my segment)!

And watch my annual interview with PA Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding here!

Applications for the Summer 2026 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program are now being accepted, and are due by Monday, March 2.

The Fellowship Program is based in Pennsylvania’s magnificent Capitol Building in Harrisburg. Fellows are placed in House Standing Committees or House Leadership offices, receive compensation for their work (and may also earn college credit), and gain hands-on experience drafting and presenting legislation, collaborating directly with public officials and staff, and touring some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces.

Qualified applicants will be:

• University juniors or senior students, graduate students, or law school students;
• Attend a PA college/university, or be a PA resident at an out-of-state institution; and
• Pursuing any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

If you are a college student or know of a student who would benefit from the Fellowship Program, please invite them to visit www.pahousefellowship.us or submit an application to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. Hope to see you at the Capitol this summer!

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