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Dear Neighbor,
I’ll keep it brief today – and if you know me well, you’ll know just how hard that is! There is a freshness in the air as Centre County wakes up to spring. It gives me a feeling of hope and energy after a bitterly cold winter, and months of federal chaos and confusion. At the same time, I know many families are still feeling the strain of rising costs—from groceries to housing and of course gas and energy prices—and the ongoing chaos and instability caused in Washington sure isn't making things any easier.
We have a different approach here in the 82nd District, and nothing is better for shaking off the winter blues than coming together to talk with friends and neighbors. That's why I’m starting the season with a series of events that my team and I – along with some of our partner organizations - will be putting on across the district in the coming weeks.
Be sure to mark your calendar for any or all of these events and services, so I can hear directly from you. And please forward this newsletter to your friends and neighbors who may need some of these resources and information! Working together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community that looks after one another.
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Coffee and Conversation in Howard
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On the morning of April 2nd, I’ll be hosting an informal get together at The Kitchen Witch in Howard. Fantastic baked goods and coffee will be provided – just come with your top issues and questions, and I’m certain we’ll have some great conversations.
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Unionville Borough Pop-Up Office
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My team will also be hosting a mobile pop-up office at the Unionville Borough building on April 7th to bring all our great district office resources directly to you.
I am so grateful to our partners in Unionville, and across the district, who allow us the space and opportunity to meet folks where it’s most convenient for them! Stop by for help filling out Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications; ordering handicap parking placards; anything with PennDOT, Unclaimed Property searches; or just to say Hi!
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Calling all Penn State University Park students! Join me for another Talk with Takac event Wednesday, April 8 in the Freeman Auditorium at the HUB-Robeson Center.
We hold these events a few times a year, and it’s a great chance to learn more about what is happening in Harrisburg and to share your ideas and concerns about the issues that you care about most in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard!
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Did you know that the Pennsylvania Treasury is holding more than $25 million worth of unclaimed property from residents in Centre County alone? That’s YOUR money – from old rebates, inheritances, uncashed checks, closed bank accounts – you name it!
You can look up if you or a loved one is on that list here, or join my team and a member of the PA Treasury Department at Centre Care on Thursday, April 9th, and we’ll help you search for and even file for your unclaimed property!
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She Rules: A Professional Women’s Panel
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Our fantastic intern Miranda has returned to my office for her final semester at Penn State. Her capstone project this semester is putting together a panel of brilliant women who are leaders in traditionally ‘male-dominated’ fields.
We’ll hear about what they’ve learned and their advice for the next generation of women leaders. We’ll be meeting in Schlow Library’s Community Room on April 15th and collecting donations for Centre Safe. More details, including the most in-demand donations, are in the flyer below!
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On April 21st, my office is partnering with Centre Country Recycling and Refuse Authority to bring our annual mobile shredding event to Milesburg! This is the week after taxes are due, and you will likely have a lot of paperwork with sensitive personal information around. Properly shredding and disposing of paperwork is one key to keeping your information safe from identity theft.
We’re also accepting shelf-stable food donations as a part of the YMCA’s Military Share food drive, to help provide food and support to those who have served our country. Check out the flyer below for more details and please spread the word!
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Centre Gives Success Series to Howard Fire Hall!
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My team and I wanted to highlight this great opportunity from Centre Gives and the Centre Foundation to learn about becoming a partner for Centre Gives. Their “Success Series” combines short, practical resources and in person sharing to help your organization plan confidently, strengthen your fundraising campaign, and make the most of Centre Gives.
The Howard meeting takes place right after Coffee and Conversation on April 2nd!
RSVP for Success Series 2026 and learn more about Centre Gives 2026 Organizational Resources here!
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DEP Grant Awarded to Centre County!
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Did you know that Pennsylvania has the largest number of abandoned coal mines in the nation? It’s estimated that it will take roughly $5 billion to reclaim these mines and support stream restoration. That’s why I’m so proud to announce $221,270 in grant funding awarded to Trout Unlimited Inc. to support a future reclamation of Poorman Side East in Snow Shoe Township and the Beech Creek Watershed.
This project is an important step toward reclaiming abandoned mine land by creating engineering plans and securing permits. It also begins to address long-standing concerns from local residents about impaired water quality from past mining in the area.
Protecting our water and restoring our land are essential to the health and safety of our communities and is one of my top priorities. I look forward to this work moving forward!
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Penn State Faculty Unionization Policy Hearing
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Next week, faculty members at Penn State University will begin the process of voting on whether or not they will organize as the Penn State Faculty Alliance (PSFA). This week in Harrisburg, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee convened a hearing to hear directly from faculty and better understand concerns about the unionization process.
I am proud to represent our commonwealth’s land grant university and the exceptional educators and researchers who make it a truly world class institution. I fully support Penn State faculty in their right to decide for themselves whether to unionize and collectively bargain. And I will continue to insist that Penn State respect the process and not interfere.
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FFA (Future Farmers of America) Annual Legislative Breakfast
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Agriculture is the heart of Pennsylvania’s economy, and I was so proud of and impressed by the students I met at Tuesday’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) Legislative Breakfast.
This year I had an opportunity to meet with students and faculty advisors from the State College, Bellefonte, and Penns Valley Area School Districts to talk about their experiences at the conference learning about state government, advocacy, and leadership by working through actual legislation currently before the Pennsylvania House and Senate.
It is always inspiring to see the passion and commitment of young leaders like these. The future of farming in Pennsylvania is in good hands!
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PA State of the Woman Survey
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As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. Please note that my office will be closed next Friday, April 3rd, in observance of Good Friday. 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!
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District Office
216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801
(814) 308-0569
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-0750
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