Dear Neighbor, 
 
As the 2025-26 legislative session continues to draw to a close, the PA Capitol was a flurry of activity last week, as the House and Senate, along with the Governor and his team, worked to negotiate and finalize passage of key legislation. As you may know, each two-year session is standalone, and any unfinished business on November 30th (following the election on the first Tuesday) expires sine die and must be restarted from the beginning. That deadline is a key factor in bringing folks to the table to, in the words of the Governor, “Get Stuff Done.” 

Unfortunately, again this year, the Republican-led Senate struggled to get the votes needed on a number of urgent and important issues, and we left Harrisburg with much unfinished business. While we were able to pass several important pieces of legislation — including bills to help attract and retain healthcare workers, help fire companies raise money, establish flood insurance protections for property owners, and require school districts to develop and establish bell-to-bell cell phone bans — hundreds of bills the House sent over to the Senate are very likely to expire. They include measures to rein in data center developers to protect PA communities and utility ratepayers, legalize and regulate so-called “skill games,” reform public school funding, and so much more.  

Of course, I am particularly frustrated by the impending demise of some of my own bills, including one that was recently amended to provide tax credits and incentives for generating new clean energy, for creating advanced manufacturing jobs, and for incentivizing homeowners to undertake clean energy home improvement projects to save them money on their soaring utility bills. 

Yet, while the prospect of so many great ideas and good pieces of legislation expiring sine die is disheartening in the short term, I am encouraged not only by the momentum and progress we’ve made thus far — which typically makes the next effort easier and often more successful — but by the prospect of a change in Senate leadership in the next session. My hope is that in the upcoming 2027-28 legislative session we can establish a more bipartisan, more proactive, and much more productive working relationship to get more Good Stuff Done for the people and communities of this great Commonwealth. 

In addition to the focus on legislative deadlines, last week was also a time to celebrate. First was the decision by the PA Labor Relations Board confirming that Penn State Research Assistants are indeed considered workers and should be included in the Graduate Student union bargaining unit. I was proud to stand with them in the Capitol’s Main Rotunda to celebrate not only the PLRB decision, but Penn State’s announcement that they would not appeal the decision. I always stand on the side of workers and their right to organize and collectively bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Which is why I was also proud to stand with members of the United Auto Workers in the Rotunda to speak in support of commonsense legislation to support the working people and families of Pennsylvania.  

I also had an opportunity to join my fellow “Representative-of-Hungarian-descent,” Rep. Valerie Gaydos, in welcoming delegations from the Hungarian American Coalition and from the Hungarian Embassy in Washington to celebrate passage of House Resolution 626 to recognize Oct. 23, 2026, as Hungarian Revolution Memorial Day in Pennsylvania. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising in 1956, as well as 37 since the fall of the Communist dictatorship there in 1989. And I remain hopeful that the elections earlier this year in Hungary, repudiating the recent slide into authoritarianism, also signal a new era of freedom, prosperity, and opportunity for the Hungarian people. 

And finally, last week the House adopted my resolution recognizing Aug. 15, 2026, as “One Million Degrees Day” in the Commonwealth in honor of Penn State conferring its one millionth degree! This is a milestone that few institutions in the entire world can claim and demonstrates an unsurpassed record of longevity, achievement, and impact on our state, our nation, and our world. 

Before closing, I would be remiss to not remind you of the critical importance of the upcoming election this Tuesday, Nov. 3rd. The right to vote is the most fundamental and sacred right in our democracy. Be sure to exercise your right to make your voice heard!  

Please be aware that to meet federal accessibility requirements, several polling locations in Centre County have moved this year for the General Election on Nov. 3, 2026.

You can check your polling location, track your mail-in ballot, contact the elections office and much more at vote.pa.gov. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. More information can also be found at the Centre County Government’s Elections and Voter Registration website. 

Did you know that PA’s wine and grape industry supports more than 10,000 jobs, generates over $518 million in wages, and contributes $1.77 billion to our state’s economy each year? In fact, PA is now the nation's fourth largest wine producer! 

Penn State researchers were recently awarded more than $825,000 in state grants to help support the growth and success of this vital agricultural sector. These investments will fund research to improve quality, sustainability, and profitability through better winemaking techniques, vineyard management, spoilage prevention, and consumer market insights.  

These investments are part of a broader commitment to our growers, including a special $10 million appropriation to help grape and fruit producers recover from a devastating freeze this past Spring. 

As a member of the House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, I’m proud to help deliver funding that supports our local farmers and businesses, strengthens our economy, and helps Pennsylvania continue to grow as a leading winemaking region. 

October has been Wine Month, and even if it is almost over, you can still celebrate. Find an event, a winery to visit, or learn more about Pennsylvania wines on the Pennsylvania Winery Association’s website, pennsylvaniawine.com.

Supporting PA agriculture is important, as is caring for and protecting our environment. That is why I’m also pleased to report that three additional grants were awarded through the Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) to support conservation and outdoor recreation projects in Centre County. 
 
ClearWater Conservancy of Central PA, Inc. will receive $95,800 to establish approximately 5.5 acres of meadows and/or upland trees along Spring Creek and $246,200 to install approximately 8 acres of multifunctional riparian forest buffer in the Susquehanna River Watershed. And College Township will receive $34,000 to develop a master site plan for the 5.2-acre Nittany Orchard Park. 
 
Whether it is research for wine makers, restoring habitat, or improving green spaces, I am proud to help deliver investments like these that strengthen and enhance our communities, helping make Centre County such a great place to live.  

The Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB) is collecting donations of winter-weather clothing and gear for local families in need now through Thursday, Nov. 5th. Donations will support the Mountaintop Youth Center’s clothing closet and its upcoming Yard “Free of Charge” Sale on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7 and 8, where families can pick up winter essentials at no cost. YSB especially needs youth-sized snow boots, snow pants, and coats, but new and gently used winter gear in all sizes is welcome. 

My district office at 216 W. Hamilton Ave. in State College is a designated drop-off site, or you can drop off items at YSB’s office at 325 W. Aaron Dr., State College. For more information, call or text Haley from YSB at 814-206-6037. 

The past month has been chock full of community outreach events in our district, thanks to the hard work of our events coordinator, Mary Elliott, and the entire team. Of course, we couldn’t do it without the tremendous support and collaboration with our amazing community partners, helping bring a wide variety of resources to our constituents.  

Following on the heels of our record-breaking Shredding Event and Pet Supplies Drive with Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority, we partnered with Centre Care Rehabilitation and Wellness Services to host our third annual Senior Fair and Scam Seminar.  

The Fair featured many incredible organizations dedicated to supporting Centre County’s older adults and connecting them with the resources, services, and information they need to stay healthy, active, and informed. And a special thank you to C-NET for recording our updated Scam Seminar which featured presentations by experts from the PA Attorney General’s Office, the Centre County Offices of Aging and District Attorney, and representatives from First National Bank who shared advice on avoiding becoming a victim of scams. We so appreciate everyone’s time and effort to make this such an informative and engaging event! 

Next up was our second annual “People, PAWS & PSU” community health clinic! More than 50 carloads of people and their pets stopped by Centre County PAWS in State College to take advantage of resources for both their families and their four-legged friends. 

While Centre County PAWS provided low-cost vaccines and microchips for 75 pets, the Penn State Mobile Lion Clinic and College of Nursing students, administered nearly 40 flu shots. We were also joined by students from Penn State’s Department of Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences and Department of Landscape Architecture who offered educational programing about tick-borne diseases, tick prevention, and chronic wasting disease as well as gathered information for research on how to optimize community events such as this.  

Thank you again to all our partners and everyone who came out! Together, we’re helping build a healthier and happier community for all! ??

On Tuesday evening, I was thrilled to host another “Talks with Takac” Q&A event in partnership with the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council at the Penn State HUB. Students asked about public service, civic engagement, and how to get involved and also shared deep concerns about affordability, housing, and student debt. Every time I talk with young people, I come away impressed and with renewed hope for a better tomorrow. If you have a few moments, watch this recap video produced by the Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council! 
 

Finally, my hard-working team held successful Pop-Up Offices - at Graystone Court Retirement Community, in Liberty Township, and at the Nittany Mall Adult Active Center. We love getting out into the community and helping connect our neighbors with state services and resources. 

Interested in hosting a Pop-Up Office near you? Give us a call at (814) 308-0569 or send an email to RepTakac@pahouse.net!  

Since life shouldn’t be all work, I did make time to visit a number of the local events and festivals, that make living here in Centre County such a joy. And let me tell you, if you have never been to the Howard Fire Company’s annual “Punkin Chunkin” event, you are really missing out! Cheering as pumpkins large and small are catapulted and fired out of specially made air cannons far out into the lake – all while enjoying dozens of vendors and delicious fair food - is something to experience. This year I not only had the opportunity to fire the “Stumpinator” but to meet Punkin Chunkin royalty, including Fat Jimmy (from Discovery Channel fame) and the air cannon team who hold the Guinness World Record for shooting a 10-inch pumpkin over a mile!  

Next, I stopped by the Curtin Village & Eagle Ironworks annual Apple Festival. The Bellefonte Historic Railroad also dropped off passengers out to enjoy this incredible event and a train excursion to admire the color and beauty of a perfect Fall day in central PA. 

 
I also made time to visit Boalsburg to help celebrate the unveiling of a new painted Liberty Bell, located on the Village Diamond between Duffy’s Tavern and the Bike Roost. The bell showcases the unique history of Boalsburg and was a Troop 380 Eagle Scout project, supported by the Boalsburg Village Conservancy, Harris Township, and the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. 

And finally, I had the pleasure of attending a reception hosted in honor of local fly-fishing legends Joe Humphreys and George Daniel, as well as the national Executive Director of Trout Unlimited, Chris Wood. Special thanks to Judi Sittler, winner of the 2026 Mortensen Award from TU, for your hospitality and for all you do for our community!  

Medicare Open Enrollment is underway! Now is the time to make sure your coverage still meets your needs.  

Pennsylvanians can get free, unbiased help through PA MEDI. Counselors can explain your options and help you compare plans—without selling anything. 
 
Need assistance? 

• Find your local office or events on the Dept. of Aging website  

• Call 1-800-783-7067 (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.)  

Open Enrollment runs through Dec. 7—review your options and choose what works best for you. 

Recently, the Federal Emergency Management Administration launched a new tool to allow home and landowners to purchase a National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policy online through Floodsmart.gov. The tool is accessible nationwide and is available to anyone living in one of the nearly 22,700 participating NFIP communities. 

Floods are one of the most common and costliest natural disasters in the United States. However, the cost and availability of insurance coverage can be a serious challenge. Flood insurance provides financial protection against the unexpected to help Americans be better prepared, self-sufficient, and more confident in their ability to safeguard their future. FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program already provides about $10.3 billion in coverage for approximately 41,000 policyholders in Pennsylvania.  

Through new self-service programs like this, FEMA is reducing barriers and making flood insurance more accessible to folks nationwide. You can get a quote on Floodsmart.gov after providing basic information about your property. After you receive your quote, you have the option to purchase a policy online or go through an insurance agent. Online purchases take only a few minutes, or your quote can be forwarded to your insurance agent or a participating agency.  

To learn more about flood insurance, get a quote and purchase a policy, visit www.floodsmart.gov/policy-quote. 

*Information provided above from a FEMA press release 

As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at?RepTakac@pahouse.net?or call our office at 814-308-0569. Please note that my office will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 3 for Election Day, as well as Wednesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day.  

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