Burns sworn in to sixth term as state representative

HARRISBURG, Jan. 1 – Looking forward to building on his reputation as a social and fiscal conservative willing to tackle important local issues, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, was sworn in today for a sixth term representing the 72nd Legislative District.

Burns, D-Cambria, said he’ll remain vigilant about monitoring developments and speaking out to defend residents’ interests as the 2019-20 legislative session unfolds, whether it involves policies crafted in Harrisburg or district issues on which constituents seek out his help.

“I’m honored that the people of Cambria County continue to place their faith and trust in me,” Burns said. “The residents of our community are strong, hardworking, decent people who deserve the very best the state can offer. Nothing is more important to me than protecting their interests – both here at home and in Harrisburg. Whether it’s restoring popular bus trips for our seniors or demanding answers about the controversial Laurel Ridge wind turbine project, I’ll continue fighting for what’s best for our residents.”

At the same time, Burns said he’ll continue focusing on his priorities of protecting children from predatory sex abuse and bringing those perpetrators to justice, keeping neighborhoods crime-free, providing law enforcement with needed resources and legal protections, ensuring safe schools and a thriving workforce, and combatting the opioid crisis with efforts that include going after drug dealers.

The 72nd Legislative District includes part of Cambria County consisting of the townships of Allegheny, Cambria, Chest, Clearfield, Cresson, Croyle, Dean, East Carroll, East Taylor, Elder, Gallitzin, Jackson, Lower Yoder, Middle Taylor, Munster, Portage, Reade, Summerhill, Upper Yoder, Washington and White; and the boroughs of Ashville, Carrolltown, Cassandra, Chest Springs, Cresson, Ebensburg, Gallitzin, Lilly, Loretto, Patton, Portage, Sankertown, Tunnelhill (Cambria County portion) and Wilmore.

Today’s swearing-in ceremony in the House chamber marked the beginning of the 203rd legislative session. The state constitution mandates that the legislature convene at noon on the first Tuesday of January.