Dear Neighbor,

I know that sometimes it can seem like the news is always bad and that our collective voices have minimal impact, especially lately. That is why I am so encouraged and grateful this week to see the incredible difference that an energized and engaged community has had in holding leaders and decision makers accountable.

We are stronger together, and standing up for our core values and beliefs has never been more important. For over 249 years, the American people have never been beholden to kings or to authoritarian rule, and acts of peaceful, civil protest and free exercise of our constitutional rights remain the foundation of our democracy.

And in less than a month, on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 4th), we will once again exercise the most precious right of all - our right to vote. I hope you will join me in making sure that we stand up for our neighbors and for the rule of law by making your voice heard in the critical elections for local school board and municipal officials, as well as the all-important statewide judicial positions. It is clear that the latter will have far-reaching consequences for protecting our rights and elections far into the future. I encourage you to make your plan to vote today to make sure that your voice is heard, loud and clear.

I want to commend and thank the Penn State Board of Trustees for listening to the outcry from our community and correcting the misguided decision to defund and close WPSU. Their willingness to reconsider a new transfer agreement with WHYY recognizes and reflects the vital role that public broadcasting has had and continues to play in helping Penn State fulfill its mission as a land grant university. For decades, WPSU has been a trusted local source of news, education, and programming that enriches the lives of central Pennsylvanians, as well as sharing the invaluable research conducted at Penn State. This reversal reflects the power of public, democratic engagement—and what can happen when communities speak up for what matters.

Now more than ever, it’s important that we continue to support WPSU. Whether that is through becoming a member, sharing memorable stories with friends and family, or simply tuning in to your favorite programs, every action helps strengthen the station’s reach and impact. Public media thrives on public support—and when we invest in local journalism and storytelling, we ensure that the unique character and perspectives of our region remain part of the conversation.

At Mountain Edge Farm on Buffalo Run Rd. Lots of pumpkins to pick from and a fun corn maze to explore!

Fun at the State College Fall Fest

Excited to see the brand-new Pine Glen Fire Tanker

I’m grateful to everyone who works so hard to make fall in Centre County such a fun and vibrant season. This time of year, it’s impossible not to feel the enthusiasm across our community—from the annual Apple Butter Festival in Burnside Township to Wasson Farm Fest weekends in Boalsburg, and from Homecoming at Penn State to the wide variety of fall celebrations that showcase the best of Centre County— these events bring people together, support small businesses, and highlight the deep connection between agriculture, tourism, local businesses, and our region’s economy.

While we are celebrating the season here locally, I remain deeply frustrated by the lack of progress in Harrisburg on passing a state budget, which remains stalled thanks to the ongoing Senate Republican impasse, now stretching well beyond 100 days. I’m not afraid to tell it like it is, and to hold those responsible for this situation accountable – check out my full remarks here Takac: The Time for Budget Games is Over. To date, the PA House has passed three fiscally responsible, commonsense budgets with bipartisan support, the most recent just last week. But so far the Senate has failed to act, and their only counter proposal has been a flat cut-and-paste budget, identical to last year’s plan. That is neither realistic nor responsible.

Sometimes budget delays can seem somewhat abstract and disconnected, so I want to highlight one particular consequence of the unnecessary and politically motivated delay: the impact on the many incredible public schools across our commonwealth.

I have long said that fully and fairly funding public education is the best investment we can make in our future, and one of my top priorities as a legislator. But budget delays have real consequences for schools—creating uncertainty for administrators, educators, and families who rely on predictable funding to plan for the school year. Eventually, some districts are forced to reallocate funding, borrow to cover funding shortfalls, or make the difficult decision to cut programs, delay repairs, or even implement hiring freezes or other necessary measures to balance their budgets.

One of the key sticking points in this budget impasse is cyber charter reform, which is essential to ensuring that local taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively. 

The current funding model makes an already bad - and unconstitutional – system even worse by siphoning off local tax dollars and sending exorbitant reimbursements to largely unaccountable and badly underperforming cyber charter schools. This places an unfair financial burden on already struggling taxpayers and communities. The PA House has already passed several bills to reform this out-of-control system and establish more realistic reimbursement rates as well as commonsense reporting, accountability, and transparency requirements, but the Senate has so far failed to bring them up for a vote.

As we saw with WPSU, public pressure can have a real effect on elected officials. That is why I’m asking you to call on our Republican state senators and tell them to get serious about getting back to work to reach a compromise on a responsible budget that supports our teachers, students, and families.

I am extremely fortunate to have had phenomenal interns working in my district office since my first term, and I’m excited to highlight how important they are to our team. This week, allow me to introduce Rasha, one of our two interns this fall (stay tuned for more about her counterpart Miranda in our next newsletter)!

Rasha is a senior at Penn State studying Geography and is the current President of the UPUA (University Park Undergraduate Association). She has brought a real passion for advocacy and leadership to our office this semester and is helping to plan and organize our upcoming Accessibility Resource Fair—an event inspired in large part by Rasha’s own family experience with disabilities. She and Miranda are making their vision a reality, by helping connect individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities to vital community resources. She’s also working on projects related to safe gun storage, reducing hunger, and promoting community outreach.

Rasha’s path to our office was inspired by her close friend, former UPUA President Zion Sykes. A strong commitment to student leadership encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone and explore the impact of state and local government.

Outside the office, you can find Rasha any and everywhere! In addition to being a full-time student and holding multiple leadership roles across campus, she also manages to find time to explore State College’s food scene, spend time with friends, dance, and play basketball. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in international human rights law with a focus on disability rights. Whether at Penn State, in the community, or working toward her future career, Rasha is truly making a difference—and we’re grateful to have her energy and perspective in our office this semester.

I hope you’ll come out to our first Accessibility Resource Fair on October 22nd to meet Rasha and Miranda and see the great work they are doing.

We have another busy month ahead! Even if you are unable to join one of our events, please know that our district and mobile offices are always available as resources for you. Mark your calendar for any or all of these great events in October.

Tonight from 7 - 8 pm I’ll be hosting my annual Tele-Town Hall! We’ll make a districtwide phone call a little before 7 pm, and once you’re connected you can ask me about community and state issues, hear updates from Harrisburg and across the district, provide feedback on how we’re doing, and share ideas on how we can do even more.

Please call my office at 814-308-0569 to make sure that we have the right phone number on file. I look forward to talking soon!

This Sunday, October 19th from 1 – 4 pm, I’m proud to partner with Centre County PAWS and Penn State on an exciting new event to help bring affordable care to the district with People, PAWS and PSU: A Health Clinic for Dogs, Cats, and their Humans, at the Howard United Methodist Church.

PAWS will be providing a low-cost vaccine and microchip clinic, while Penn State will be providing free flu vaccines, and information about ticks and tick-borne diseases. I’m also excited to announce that I’m personally donating the first 75 rabies vaccines, 25 cat distemper vaccines, and 25 dog distemper vaccines.

As I mentioned above, next Wednesday, October 22nd from 3 – 5 pm, our fantastic Penn State interns are helping to coordinate our very first Accessibility Resource Fair as their capstone project. We’d love to have you join us at Schlow Library as we connect individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities to state, local, and community organizations. There will be interactive games, door prizes, and a guest speaker!

On Friday, November 7th from 11:30 am – 1 pm at the State College YMCA we are inviting veterans and a guest to a free lunch to show our appreciation for their sacrifice to our country. There will be veteran resources, giveaways, and a guest speaker from the PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. Please RSVP by October 31st in order to secure a spot. RSVP by using the QR code above or giving our office a call.

And finally, we are launching a new effort this year - a Thanksgiving Food Drive! Our district office is partnering with the Centre County YMCA to collect items for Blessing Boxes for Centre County families in need. Here are the details:

As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns to RepTakac@pahouse.net or calling 814-308-0569.

And please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Bluesky to stay in touch and find out about our previous and upcoming events in the community!

Pennsylvania State Capitol

103-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-0750

District Office

216 W. Hamilton Ave.
State College, PA 16801

(814) 308-0569