News Center

Burns invites residents to participate in pet food drive

(Apr 06, 2015)

EBENSBURG, April 6 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is asking residents of the 72nd Legislative District to donate non-perishable pet food items during the month of April. Burns is working with local schools and a local animal protection organization for this drive. From April 1 to April 30, donations can be dropped off at any of Burns’ office locations: 535 Fairfield Ave., Lower Yoder Township, 15906; 119 S. Center St., Ebensburg, 15931; or 112-A Munster Road, Portage, 15946. “Pets are generally considered to be a part of the family, but there are many animals who don’t have a family or home to call their own," Burns said. "In other instances, a pet becomes the victim of abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania. “This drive is to help animals in need. I also am currently working on tougher laws against animal cruelty. Right now, anyone who abuses an animal faces two years in prison and fines up to $1000. If you see someone abusing an animal, call the police. By working together, we can make a difference.” Read more

 

Burns: Liquor privatization plan bad for local businesses

(Feb 23, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – In a committee action, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today voted against a liquor bill he said would put small beer distributors out of business because they won’t be able to compete with big-box retailers. “I voted against the bill because it will hurt our mom-and-pop beer distributors,” Burns said. “It's inherently unfair to these small businesses. It will cost them their livelihood, as well as eliminate thousands of family-sustaining jobs, if this convoluted bill becomes law.” House Bill 466 would sell off Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores operated by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and allow private businesses to purchase licenses to sell wine and liquor. The first licenses would be open to large existing beer distributors. Burns said remaining licenses would go to market, where big-box retailers’ buying and selling power would be too much for local businesses to compete. “I believe this legislation would put local distributors out of business by allowing competition from out-of-state companies to buy the licenses,” Burns said. “That means corporate retail giants like WalMart and Sheetz could sell beer at their cost, not making a profit, just to get people into the stores. That is something the small-business beer distributor cannot afford to do, so it would drive them out of business.” Burns added, "This plan will not create jobs, but create more Read more

 

Burns: Veterans home improves care, saves taxpayers money

(Feb 23, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 23 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today said the results of an audit conducted by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale found the Hollidaysburg Veterans Home increased patient care while saving taxpayers more than $478,000. The audit found the cost for therapy services decreased from $102 to $3 per hour after the facility and the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs decided to contract out therapeutic services in 2011. That resulted in more physical, occupational and speech therapy services. "Providing the best quality of care to our veterans should always be top priority," Burns said. "I commend the facility for working with the department for coming up with a plan that not only resulted in giving more care to our veterans, but also saving taxpayers thousands of dollars." The Auditor General’s office conducted the audit after receiving requests from some constituents. The office also looks periodically at veterans homes in the commonwealth. Read more

 

Winter 2015 Newsletter

(Feb 19, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

Read state Rep. Frank Burns' Winter 2015 Newsletter Read more

 

Burns bill would require schools to transport students in risk areas

(Feb 12, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

SUMMERHILL – A?day after a teen went missing for 24 hours in what police are investigating as an abduction, a local lawmaker has introduced legislation to protect students from registered sex offenders. Read more

 

Burns urges quick action on legislation following missing girl case

(Feb 11, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 11 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today said he has introduced legislation that would protect students from registered sex offenders who live in their neighborhood. "As our local police officers investigate the events in the case of the missing Summerhill girl, it is unknown if the person of interest who police are looking for was a sex offender," Burns said. "I feel it’s time Pennsylvania enact legislation to protect children to and from school." According to the state Department of Education website, currently schools are not required to provide transportation for students. The law also states that if a district chooses to provide busing, the school can make children living within one mile of the school walk every day, regardless of age. House Bill 372 would require school districts to provide transportation to all children to and from school if that student resides in a district where an offender is registered. "I urge school boards in the district to provide transportation for all students, whether they live near a sex offender or not," Burns said. "It’s about protecting our children -- that should be everyone's main priority." Currently, the Pennsylvania State Police list more than 12,000 sex offenders living in the commonwealth; 196 of them live in Cambria County. Read more

 

Burns meets with Gov. Wolf on issues impacting Cambria County

(Feb 10, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, sat down with today the governor and his top staff to discuss the issues important to and impacting Cambria County. Burns said they discussed economic development and jobs, blight and the heroin epidemic. "I want to thank the governor for his willingness to meet with me and discuss these issues that are main concerns not only in the 72nd district, but for all of Cambria County," Burns said. "I look forward to building on the great relationship that I already have with Gov. Wolf while we work on resolving those issues." One area of major concern for Burns is to provide better access to care for cancer patients by requiring health insurance providers that cover intravenous cancer chemotherapy to cover oral chemotherapy treatment equally. "The pill form of chemotherapy is the newest form of chemotherapy and, not only is it more convenient for cancer patients, compared to intravenous chemotherapy, which requires a visit to the hospital for its administration, it's also known to cause fewer side effects," Burns said. "This method of treatment can improve patient quality of life and this bill would give patients access to it without the higher cost that usually goes with it." Burns said another piece of legislation that he is looking to introduce is the American Jobs Bill. It would address the Underground Utility Line Protection Law by requiring that all natural gas Read more

 

Burns announces $214,000 in fire, EMS grants for the 72nd District

(Feb 03, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced that 18 fire and ambulance companies in his legislative district will receive more than $214,000 in state funding. The grants are from Pennsylvania's Fire Company and Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program and were awarded recently. In all, 2,507 grants were awarded statewide, totaling $30 million. The grants are funded from gaming revenue. "Donations are a big funding source for most of these companies, so this state funding is an added bonus," Burns said. "People rely on these companies and the volunteers when seconds count and this money will help them continue to provide these valuable services." Grant recipients and amounts awarded are as follows: Carrolltown Fire Co. -- $12,069 Cresson Area Ambulance Service Inc. -- $14,885 Dauntless Fire Co. -- $14,285 East Taylor Volunteer Fire Co. --$14,008 Ebensburg Area Ambulance Assoc. -- $7,445 Gallitzin Fire Company No. 1 -- $14,008 Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. -- $14,285 for the fire company; $7,445 for EMS John Carroll Area Ambulance Service -- $7,445 Loretto Fire Co. -- $12,623 Lower Yoder Township Volunteer Fire Co. -- $11,515 Middle Taylor Township Volunteer Fire Co. -- $14,285 Patton Area Ambulance Association, Inc. -- $7,445 Patton Fire Co. No. 1 -- $14,285 Portage Area Ambulance Assoc. -- $7,445 Portage Volunteer Fire Co. -- $14,285 Reade Township Volunteer Fire Co. Read more

 

Burns opens new office in Portage

(Jan 29, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

PORTAGE, Jan. 29 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced that he has opened an office in Portage to provide services to the residents in the relocated 72nd Legislative District. Residents can visit the office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 112-A Munster Road, Portage 15946 or call either 814-736-7339 or 814-736-6452. “This office allows me and my staff to better serve the people recently added to the 72nd District as part of the legislative redistricting process,” Burns said. “It will provide the same high quality level of service that is offered in both my Johnstown and Ebensburg offices.” Burns said Maureen College, who has been his director of community relations for the past three years, will be working in the Portage office. “Maureen is a professional who is extremely dedicated to her career,” Burns said. “It won’t take long for people to notice her impact on the district.” Burns adds there will be an open house for the Portage office from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20. Burns invites Cambria County residents to visit his newly designed webpage, www.pahouse.com/Burns for the latest on news happening within the district and information about constituent services. Residents can also visit either his Lower Yoder Township office at 535 Fairfield Ave., Johnstown, or call 814-536-8400, or his Ebensburg office located at 119 S. Center St. or call 814-472-8021. Read more

 

“Rep. Burns is out for BLOOD”

(Jan 29, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

I am partnering with the American Red Cross once again to host several blood donation drives in the region. The first two drives are Monday, Feb. 2, and others are scheduled throughout the month. Anyone 17 years or older weighing at least 110 pounds and in general good health may be eligible to donate blood. The dates, times and locations are as follows: Monday, Feb. 2 – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Lakeside Community Church of the Nazarene, Ebensburg Monday, Feb. 2 – 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Basilica of St. Michael Archangel, Loretto Thursday, Feb. 5 – 1:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Aloysius Church, Cresson Monday, Feb. 23 – 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lakeside Community Church of the Nazarene, Ebensburg Remember: The need for blood is constant, and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. You never know when you – or someone you care about – will need blood. Read more

 

House of Representatives Scholarship information available online

(Jan 26, 2015)

If you know anyone who is a graduating high school senior and legal resident of Pennsylvania, has a minimum 3.0 GPA, plans to attend any four-year college in Pennsylvania, and has demonstrated leadership and community service, I encourage that student to apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship. The House scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donations. No tax dollars or other public funds are used. I would like to note that a graduate of Windber High School was one of two recipients of this scholarship in 2011. There is a $10 processing fee and a personal essay must be submitted as part of the application. Please encourage interested students to apply soon – the deadline is March 1 -- and to check out the other scholarships available for Pennsylvania students . My offices also can help with FAFSA applications and questions about PHEAA loans and grants . Please share this information with anyone you think might be interested. As always, feel free to contact me regarding higher education or any other state-related issue. Read more

 

Burns announces $250,000 recycling grant for Cambria County

(Jan 23, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced the Cambria County Solid Waste Authority is getting a $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Burns said the funding will help the authority purchase a front-loading compactor truck and recycling collection containers. “These state funds will help ensure Cambria County continues operating its top-notch recycling program,” Burns said. “The grant will also ease the financial burden to local taxpayers.” The DEP grant, part of $16.8 million awarded statewide to 120 municipalities, aids in developing and implementing recycling programs. Read more

 

You’re invited to a job fair on Jan. 21

(Jan 16, 2015)

If you’re looking for a new or better job, I’d like to inform you of an event being hosted by Veteran Community Initiatives to help veterans and non-veterans alike. The group is holding a job fair from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, Jan. 21 in the Seminar Theater at Hiram G. Andrews Center, 727 Goucher St., Johnstown. VCI tells me this job fair is not a walk-around event where you would be free to roam around and talk with potential employers. Instead, representatives from companies such as Concurrent Technologies Corp., Pennsylvania Highlands Community College and the Pennsylvania State Police will speak to those in attendance as an audience about positions they are seeking to fill. You are urged you to get there by 9 a.m., dress to impress and bring your resume, as you will be encouraged to stand up and briefly highlight your skills and professional background. You can also contact my office about this or any state-related issue. Read more

 

Burns announces over $8 million for Portage sewer upgrades

(Jan 15, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 15 – The Portage Area Sewer Authority received approval for $8.1 million of Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority funding to help improve the sewer system, said state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria. The authority will construct 50,000 linear feet of new sewers to provide a public sewage collection system in the Martindale area of Portage Township, as well as rehabilitate the sewage collection system in a section of Portage Borough. “The project will help upgrade parts of the sewer system that are malfunctioning and it will also rehabilitate 75-year-old pipelines,” Burns said. “This is just another example of the state recognizing the need for investments in infrastructure in our region.” The Pennvest funding package includes a $5 million low-interest loan. Twenty jobs are expected to be created by the improvements. Read more

 

Local immunization clinics offered

(Jan 09, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

If you are uninsured or underinsured, and you, your child or another family member needs immunized, I wanted you to know that the state Department of Health will be offering free and low-cost immunizations (maximum cost is $5) at a series of public clinics to be held in the area in January and February.  Each clinic will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The dates and locations are as follows:Jan. 12 – Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., Ebensburg Jan. 16 – Galleria Mall, 500 Galleria Drive, JohnstownJan. 26 – Miners Medical Center, 290 Haida Ave., HastingsFeb. 9 – Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., EbensburgFeb. 20– Galleria Mall, 500 Galleria Drive, JohnstownFeb. 23– Miners Medical Center, 290 Haida Ave., HastingsVaccines will be distributed to adults and children who are uninsured (no health insurance) and underinsured (insurance does not cover the vaccine) and meet the eligibility guidelines.To schedule an appointment, call 814-248-3120.For more information about the immunization clinics or any other state-related service or issue, call either my Johnstown office at 814-536-8400 or the Ebensburg office at 814-472-8021. Read more

 

Burns encourages support for law enforcement

(Jan 09, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

I want to tell you that the National Fraternal Order of Police has partnered with C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors) and law enforcement associations across the country for a National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day on Friday, Jan. 9. In light of recent negativity directed toward law enforcement nationally, there is a call to show support to law enforcement and recognize what they go through to protect our communities.  According to C.O.P.S., on average, between 105 and 203 officers die in the line of duty each year, 50,000 officers are assaulted in the line of duty each year, 14,000 officers are injured in the line of duty each year, and more than 300 officers commit suicide each year.  On Jan. 9, there are several things you can do to show your support for law enforcement:  •       Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement•       Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency•       Share a positive story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media•       Ask children in your community write letters in support of law enforcement•       Participate in Project Blue Light. Proudly display a blue light in support of law enforcement.•       Organize an event or a rally in support of your law Read more

 

Burns sworn in to fourth term as state representative

(Jan 06, 2015) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 6 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, was sworn in today to represent the people of the 72nd Legislative District for the 2015-16 legislative session.“I am privileged to represent Cambria County at such a crucial time for our state,” Burns said. “I look forward to working with Governor-elect Wolf and my colleagues in making Pennsylvania a better place to live and work.”As a result of the legislative redistricting process, Burns welcomes the following Cambria County municipalities to the 72nd District: the townships of Elder, Chest, White, Reade, Muster, Clearfield, Dean, East Carroll, Allegheny, Gallitzin, Cresson, Washington, Portage, Summerhill, and the boroughs of Ashville, Chest Springs, Patton, Carrolltown, Ebensburg, Loretto, Gallitzin, Cresson, Lilly, Portage, Tunnelhill and Wilmore.Burns invites Cambria County residents to visit his newly designed web page, www.pahouse.com/Burns for information about constituent services. Residents can either visit his district office located at 535 Fairfield Ave., Johnstown (Lower Yoder) or call 814-536-8400, or his Ebensburg office located at 119 S. Center St. or call 814-472-8021.The swearing-in ceremony in the House chamber marked the beginning of the 199th legislative session. The state constitution mandates that the legislature convene at noon on the first Tuesday of January. Read more

 

Burns encourages Greater Johnstown residents to drink responsibly, consider free cab ride program on New Year's Eve

(Dec 29, 2014)

JOHNSTOWN, Dec. 29 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is encouraging Greater Johnstown residents to drink responsibly on New Year's Eve and to take advantage of free cab rides being offered to residents who may have too much to drink. Burns is joining with state Sen. John Wozniak, Cambria County Crimestoppers, Von's United Beverage, Richland Township Fire Department and WJAC-TV to offer the free cab rides to residents who live within a 15-mile radius of Johnstown. According to Burns, the Take a Cab program is available to those who are leaving local businesses between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. on New Year's Eve. The ride destination must be to the person's home and not to another party or bar. Greater Johnstown residents should call 814-535-4584 between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. when they are ready to go home."New Year's Eve is about having fun and toasting to a great new year with friends and family," Burns said. "Drinking responsibly also should be part of the equation. People should consider going out with a designated driver or limiting alcohol consumption for their own safety and the safety of the entire community. This free cab program is a way to offer help to people who find themselves in a position where there is no other responsible way home."Drinking and driving do not mix. I encourage all party goers to have a plan that includes fun and safety," he added. Read more

 

Hope for Hannah legislation becomes law

(Dec 28, 2014)

Pennsylvania's children have a new protection thanks to Hannah's Law, named after Hannah Ginion of Bristol Township, who suffered from the rare genetic disorder called Krabbe disease. Hannah passed away on Dec. 28, 2014. Read more

 

Are you interested in creating a neighborhood watch?

(Dec 18, 2014) Rep. Frank Burns

Click here to send Rep. Burns your contact information. Read more

 

Burns invites residents to participate in pet food drive
Apr 06, 2015

Burns: Liquor privatization plan bad for local businesses
Feb 23, 2015

Burns: Veterans home improves care, saves taxpayers money
Feb 23, 2015

Winter 2015 Newsletter
Feb 19, 2015

Burns bill would require schools to transport students in risk areas
Feb 12, 2015

Burns urges quick action on legislation following missing girl case
Feb 11, 2015

Burns meets with Gov. Wolf on issues impacting Cambria County
Feb 10, 2015

Burns announces $214,000 in fire, EMS grants for the 72nd District
Feb 03, 2015

Burns opens new office in Portage
Jan 29, 2015

“Rep. Burns is out for BLOOD”
Jan 29, 2015

House of Representatives Scholarship information available online
Jan 26, 2015

Burns announces $250,000 recycling grant for Cambria County
Jan 23, 2015

You’re invited to a job fair on Jan. 21
Jan 16, 2015

Burns announces over $8 million for Portage sewer upgrades
Jan 15, 2015

Local immunization clinics offered
Jan 09, 2015

Burns encourages support for law enforcement
Jan 09, 2015

Burns sworn in to fourth term as state representative
Jan 06, 2015

Burns encourages Greater Johnstown residents to drink responsibly, consider free cab ride program on New Year's Eve
Dec 29, 2014

Hope for Hannah legislation becomes law
Dec 28, 2014

Are you interested in creating a neighborhood watch?
Dec 18, 2014