Burns begins fifth term as state representative, pledges to continue fiscally conservative ways

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – At a ceremony at the state Capitol today, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, was sworn in to represent the 72nd Legislative District for a new two-year term in which he promised to hold fast to conservative fiscal principles.

As the House chamber marked the beginning of the 201st legislative session, Burns said he plans to remain a stalwart against higher sales and income taxes, while supporting efforts to end fraud, waste and abuse in state spending. He also plans to focus highly on economic development, including full redevelopment of the former SCI-Cresson prison property.

"I believe my constituents wholeheartedly support my public policy stances,” Burns said. “The people in the 72nd Legislative District know that my priorities are their priorities – and they’ve given me a mandate to continue those battles in the upcoming legislative session."

One of a handful of House Democrats who broke ranks to help end a nine-month budget stalemate in the last legislative session, Burns said he’s encouraged to hear that early proposals for the 2017-18 state spending plan do not seek hikes in the state sales or income tax.

“While I philosophically hope budget negotiators can make do with cuts and efficiencies, I will reserve final judgment until I see exactly where these cuts and efficiencies are coming from,” Burns said, noting, “Stay tuned, because I have some of my own ideas on that.”

The 72nd Legislative District includes the portion 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.

The state constitution mandates that the legislature convene at noon on the first Tuesday in January.