Dear Neighbor,

I hope that the start of your holiday season has been merry and bright. I've had so much fun visiting all the holiday markets and festivals across our area. From Milesburg’s Hometown Christmas to the Lemont and Centre Furnace Mansion markets, and from Snow Shoe’s Light up the Night to Boalsburg’s Hometown Christmas –  it’s been a joy to see so many old friends, make new ones, start my holiday shopping, and get into the spirit of the season.

But at the same time, I’m reminded that this season can be difficult for some folks. Please take a moment to reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t heard from in a while and be sure to check in on neighbors. Our community is only as strong as our loosest bonds, and this season more than ever it’s important to know that you are never alone.  

To that end, December 3rd was the official start of the much-delayed Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you or someone you know is struggling with heating bills, and meet income guidelines, please call or stop by our office and my team will be happy to help you file the paperwork.

Call us at 814-308-0569 if you have any questions about what documentation you need in order to get help quickly.

I’m also proud that my office is again partnering with the YMCA’s Anti-Hunger Program to help provide Holiday Blessing Boxes, filled with traditional foods, including a holiday ham! Call the location you would prefer as your pick-up location in order to place your request. Or if you would like to help, please drop off non-perishable food items at my office before December 12th.

Our community rallied together for Thanksgiving, and I know we can do it again! No one should be cold or hungry over the holidays.

I am proud to announce an award of $1,235,000 from the highly competitive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for a critical sewer infrastructure project to benefit the residents of the Eagle Creek mobile home community in Union Township. This new connection to an existing sewer system will improve reliability, prevent service disruptions, and ensure compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

This funding was absolutely essential to keep costs affordable for the homeowners while addressing urgent infrastructure issues. Without this grant, there is no doubt that many would no longer be able to afford to live in this community, further contributing to the affordable housing crisis here in Centre County.  I’m so grateful to our partners in SEDA-COG, Union Township, Unionville Borough, and Centre County Government for working so hard over the past few years to secure this critical funding.

Recently, I had the great honor to be asked to speak at College Township’s 150th Anniversary celebration. This is where Regan and I call home, where we raised our kids, and where I began my career in public service as a member of Council. College Township literally grew up alongside – and along with – Penn State. In my remarks, I talked about how our township is a great example of creating and renewing community, as generations of folks have moved in and out, with neighbors whose families have been here for generations.

It is a remarkable example of a constantly regenerating and thriving community of neighbors. I am so thankful for all those who live, work, and visit College Township – as well as the dedicated elected officials and outstanding staff who go to work every single day to make our community stronger.

And that is true across our area. In boroughs and townships, large and small, amazing people serve our communities in countless ways. From elected officials to snowplow drivers, and secretaries to engineers - volunteers, staff, and administrators alike – these are the folks who ensure that we have safe streets, beautiful parks, reliable utilities, and all the countless conveniences and benefits that we too often take for granted.

But that doesn’t happen without folks stepping up to serve. Every township and borough across our district has volunteer openings and opportunities to give back. If you want to learn about how you can get involved and make a positive difference in our communities, reach out to my office and we can help connect you to local municipalities and organizations looking for help.

I am fortunate to represent University Park campus and to have the privilege and opportunity to regularly meet with Penn State students. Recently, I was honored to hold another Q&A on campus with a crowd of over 70 students who asked really great questions, running the gamut from education policy and funding to community engagement, political dysfunction, the promise and peril of AI, and so much more.

A huge thank you to University Park Undergraduate Association, Lion Caucus, and Liberal Arts Undergraduate Council for organizing such a wonderful event, especially right before finals. I know our future is bright when I’m with such a remarkable group of thoughtful, engaged, and forward-looking young people.

As we move into the busy holiday season, I want to take a moment to remind everyone to stay alert and watch out for online and phone scams. Sadly, scammers often ramp up their efforts this time of year, focusing on gift-giving, holiday travel deals, and end-of-year “special offers” scams.  They use email, texts, calls, or even social media, sometimes pretending to be family members, charities, retailers, or even government officials.

If you or someone you know falls for a scam — or think you may have — know first of all that you are not alone, and that there is help available. The PA Office of Attorney General (Bureau of Consumer Protection) has resources available to help you report fraudulent activity and begin the recovery process. You can submit a complaint online or call their hotline at 1-800-441-2555.

As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns to RepTakac@pahouse.net or by calling our office at 814-308-0569.

The office will be closed from December 24th to 26th and from December 31st to January 2nd for the holidays, but please leave us a message and we will get back to you as quickly as we can.

And finally, 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