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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

 

Beware IRS phone scams

(Nov 29, 2014)

Recently, my office received information about phone calls received statewide in which an individual claimed to be from the IRS and demanded payment on taxes owed. Please be aware – this phone call is a scam, and the IRS will NOT initiate first contact with you on the phone about taxes owed. Always be wary of unsolicited phone calls in which an individual claims to represent a business or government entity and aggressively demands payment. The IRS does not operate this way and will always send official correspondence through the mail to make its first contact with you. Read more

 

HEROIN: What you need to know about Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan Law

(Nov 24, 2014)

Landmark legislation passed during the 2013-14 Legislative Session now allows first responders, including law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS or other organizations the ability to administer a medication known as naloxone, a life-saving opioid-overdose antidote. The law also allows individuals such as friends or family members who might be in a position to help a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose to obtain a prescription for naloxone. Additionally, Act 139 provides immunity from prosecution for those responding to and reporting overdoses. Read more

 

In the News: Dept. of Human Services name change better reflects mission

(Nov 24, 2014)

House Bill 993, which renamed the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare as the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, was signed into law as Act 132 during the 2013-14 Legislative Session. According to advocates for the change, renaming the department was long overdue, and as the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported, the name change better reflects the department’s mission. Read more

 

Do you need help paying heating bills?

(Nov 24, 2014)

As we get into the coldest months of winter, many people are worried about affording their increasing heating costs. If you or someone you know qualifies, my office could help you take advantage of a program set up to curtail high home heating bills. Read more

 

Apply for health insurance by Feb. 16

(Nov 23, 2014)

The open enrollment period for health care coverage is now underway. If you or someone you know is in need of health insurance, please consider visiting the federal Marketplace at www.HealthCare.gov. Applicants have until Feb. 16, 2015 to enroll. Everyone, no matter what age, needs health insurance. A random accident or unexpected illness could put you in danger of losing not only your good health but also your financial future. Read more

 

Sign up for the Do-Not-Call list

(Nov 22, 2014)

To register for the Pennsylvania and national do-not-call lists, visit http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/dnc.aspx or call 1-888-777-3406. Registration is free. There is a rolling enrollment; individuals may sign up at any time and the registration is good for five years. After that, you can re-enroll. And, signing up on Pennsylvania's list automatically adds those numbers to the national do-not-call list. Read more

 

Weatherizing your home saves you money on energy bills

(Nov 20, 2014)

Last year’s bitterly cold winter left many people struggling to pay higher-than-normal home energy bills. As we head toward the coldest months of the year, there are ways you can winterize your home to keep heat in, cold air out, and money in your pocket. Many businesses offer professional home energy audits, but you can perform your own by inspecting areas where heat escapes and cold air leaks in. Read more

 

Check out charities before making holiday donations

(Nov 20, 2014)

While it may be the season for charitable giving, scammers don't take a holiday. The Pennsylvania Department of State offers a simple way to ensure a charity is legitimate and that your donation will be used properly. Read more

 

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

Beware IRS phone scams
Nov 29, 2014

HEROIN: What you need to know about Pennsylvania’s Good Samaritan Law
Nov 24, 2014

In the News: Dept. of Human Services name change better reflects mission
Nov 24, 2014

Do you need help paying heating bills?
Nov 24, 2014

Apply for health insurance by Feb. 16
Nov 23, 2014

Sign up for the Do-Not-Call list
Nov 22, 2014

Weatherizing your home saves you money on energy bills
Nov 20, 2014

Check out charities before making holiday donations
Nov 20, 2014