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Burns invites ExxonMobil to scout Cambria County for plant location

(Dec 02, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 2 – Offering firm assurance that Pittsburgh’s mayor doesn’t speak for the entire region, state Rep. Frank Burns has invited ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods to scout Cambria County as a possible location for a petrochemical plant. Burns, D-Cambria, believes no elected official in western Pennsylvania should scoff at a potential billion-dollar investment that could create thousands of good-paying, family sustaining jobs in an area still reeling from heavy losses in the steel, coal and manufacturing industries. “You may have heard Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announce his opposition to the construction of additional petrochemical cracker plants in Western Pennsylvania,” Burns said in a letter to Woods . “Let me assure you – Mayor Peduto doesn’t speak for all of Western Pennsylvania. While he may not want the area to become ‘the petrochemical/plastics center’ of the United States,’ I am committed to fighting for jobs and economic growth in my county.” Burns also notified the ExxonMobil top executive that Cambria County now offers up to 375 acres of Keystone Opportunity Zone, a powerful economic development tool that offers substantial state and local tax incentives to induce job creation. Burns, a driving force behind the Cambria KOZ’s inclusion as part of this year’s budget package, has used his pulpit as an elected official to tout its merits, Read more

 

Burns: Several state grant opportunities available

(Nov 26, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 26 – Counties, nonprofits, and municipalities should consider applying for a variety of competitive state grant programs, including some with December deadlines, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said since taking office, he has consistently provided state grant information to eligible entities as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities, and will continue to encourage them to apply for these state funds. “To date, these state grants have provided over $21 million to assist Cambria County, including criminal justice efforts, supporting organizations to help those in need, and helping local businesses,” Burns said. “If you feel you may be eligible, contact my office and we will walk you through the process for any grant application.” Burns said Charlie Vizzini, who serves as an interim grant-writing liaison in his Ebensburg office, can be reached at 814-472-8021 to provide information and help in applying for the following grants: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Police Diversion to Treatment Eligibility : Single county authorities (county drug and alcohol offices). Use : To establish or expand a treatment diversion program for individuals with an opioid use disorder who are arrested. Funds : Up to $400,000. Application Deadline : Dec. 5 More Information : Click on Read more

 

Burns: $3.5 million in job training grants for students available

(Nov 26, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 26 – State Rep. Frank Burns is encouraging local workforce development boards to apply for a special internship program that provides students and young adults with job training and relevant work experience Burns, D-Cambria, said a total of $3.5 million in federal funds is available through the 2020 State/Local Internship Program, which provides eight-week, full-time paid work experiences to teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 in several industries, including manufacturing, health care, business services, logistics, transportation and information technology. The SLIP will operate for eight weeks, beginning May 1 and Aug. 28, 2020. “Job training is a crucial element in economic development and this program is another key step in getting the trained workforce we’ll need for the economic opportunities that are coming,” Burns said. “Helping student land hands-on work experience is exactly what Cambria County needs to continue building our region back to what it once was.” Last year, the SLIP placed more than a thousand youth and young adults in summer internships at more than 600 worksites across Pennsylvania. The SLIP is 100% funded through federal money, made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Local workforce development boards are encouraged to apply for funding. Businesses or other entities interested in applying must submit applications through their local Read more

 

Letter inviting ExxonMobil CEO to visit, consider Cambria County

(Nov 26, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Unlike the mayor of Pittsburgh, who rejects new jobs in the petrochemical/plastics industry, I am inviting ExxonMobil's CEO to consider Cambria County for such a plant. Read more

 

Burns: Upcoming Holiday Open House events

(Nov 25, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 25 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced that he will host four holiday open house events next month for residents. The dates, times and locations are as follows: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Patton Office , 405 Park Ave., Patton . 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Ebensburg Office, 119 S. Center St., Ebensburg . 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Lower Yoder Office, 535 Fairfield Ave., Lower Yoder Township. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Portage Office, 112-A Munster Road, Portage. “The holiday season is a great time for us take a moment out of the hustle and bustle and spend time with our friends and neighbors,” Burns said. “I enjoy these events, as they’re a great opportunity for my staff and me to meet with members of the community, make new friends, and learn about the ways we can best work to ensure state government is working for them here in Cambria County.” Burns said light refreshments will be available during the open house events. In addition, Burns’ staff will be on-hand to assist constituents with any questions they might have about state resources and programs. Through Dec. 20, constituents are reminded that all four of Burns’ district offices are taking part in a toy drive to help local families in need. The offices will be accepting donations of new toys, stuffed Read more

 

Liquor Licensee Newsletter - Restaurants (Fall 2019)

(Nov 25, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Fall 2019 Liquor Licensee Newsletter - Restaurants Read more

 

Burns launches Christmas toy drive

(Nov 22, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Frank Burns is inviting residents to drop off donations of new toys at any of his offices to help children in need, beginning Dec. 1. Burns, D-Cambria, said he and his staff will be accepting donations at his offices in Lower Yoder Township, Ebensburg, Patton and Portage through Dec. 20, with donated items benefitting local children. “This is a great opportunity to help local families who may be struggling financially during the holiday season, and I encourage those are able to donate to drop off a toy to at any of my district offices.” Donations of toys, including new stuffed animals, books, puzzles, games and coloring books can be dropped off at the following office locations: 535 Fairfield Ave. Johnstown (Lower Yoder Township), PA 15906 119 S. Center St. Ebensburg, PA 15931 112-A Munster Road Portage, PA 15946 405 Park Ave. Patton, PA 16668 For more information, contact any of Burns' offices. Read more

 

Letter to the editor: Continuing fight to keep center open

(Nov 22, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

When the Ebensburg State Center was threatened with closure two years ago, my office sprung into action, mobilizing its 702 workers and the families of the 200-plus severely disabled adults that call the center home. We successfully beat back a House bill that would have shut it down forever.That was a legislative victory, but new tactics will be needed to combat the Wolf administration’s strategy that sidesteps the Legislature. Read more

 

Burns: Justice is coming for victims of child sexual abuse

(Nov 21, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – Making good on his pledge to bring justice to victims in Cambria County, state Rep. Frank Burns supported legislation today that would expand the statute of limitations to allow child sex abuse victims to see justice. Burns, D-Cambria, hugged his colleague, state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, after the passage of H.B. 962 , which would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse and extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse until the victim reaches age 55. “For more than three years, we have tirelessly worked to bring justice to these victims. They suffered unimaginable, heinous abuse by people they thought they could trust, but who ultimately preyed on them as children,” Burns said. “As a graduate of Bishop McCort, these victims were my classmates; they were my friends. It was a dark day when the state attorney general’s grand jury report revealed widespread child sex abuse and cover-ups in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. But today was a turning point in the way state lawmakers view victims of child sexual abuse and I look forward to the governor’s signature on the bill.” A separate bill, H.B. 963 , which passed the House in April and in the Senate yesterday, would amend the state constitution to allow for a retroactive window for victims to sue predators, if voters approve it. That retroactive period would apply to others, including Read more

 

Burns’ bill guaranteeing in-state tuition for military families passes key Senate committee vote

(Nov 20, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – Closing a loophole to guarantee in-state tuition rates for military families in Pennsylvania moved one step closer to becoming law following a Senate committee vote today, state Rep. Frank Burns announced. Burns, D-Cambria, said his bill was unanimously approved in the state Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and would guarantee in-state tuition rates for military families as soon as a student enrolls in a public college or university – regardless of whether their military parent is later reassigned out of state. “These students shouldn’t be penalized because their parents chose to join the armed forces and, through no fault of their own, are reassigned to another state,” Burns said. “They shouldn’t have to pay higher tuition rates for serving our country. We owe our military families a debt of gratitude, not higher student debt.” Currently, Burns said dependents of military personnel in Pennsylvania who enroll at a public college or university in Pennsylvania are charged in-state tuition rates. However, the U.S. Department of Defense found some students lost that in-state rate due to a parent’s reassignment outside of Pennsylvania, between the day the student was accepted to the college or university and the first day of the semester. House Bill 1050, which has support from both parties, now heads to the full Senate for further consideration. Read more

 

Burns: Sign up by Dec. 4 for bus trip to Capitol on Dec. 10

(Nov 18, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 18– State Rep. Frank Burns is hosting a $48-per-person bus trip to the state Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 10 which will include a tour of the Capitol and lunch, along with a visit to Hollywood Casino. The bus will make a pickup at the Big Lots in Ebensburg before 8 a.m. Burns, D-Cambria, said interested residents 21 years of age or older must call his Portage office at (814) 736-7339 to make a reservation. The $48 cost includes the tour and casino trip, round-trip transportation, lunch, and a $35 casino voucher. “This yearly holiday event is a great way to enjoy the state Capitol as it’s decorated for Christmas,” Burns said. “It truly puts everyone in the holiday spirit.” Read more

 

Burns: $500,000 in state funds to support, protect parks, recreational opportunities

(Nov 14, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Cambria County will benefit from several state grants to protect area parks and trails for residents to enjoy, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Read more

 

Burns: $1.7 million in state grants awarded to modernize airport, improve pedestrian safety

(Nov 12, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – A total of $1.74 million in state funds to provide needed airport upgrades and also provide pedestrian safety improvements and repairs in Portage Borough, Cambria County, were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the two projects funded by the CFA funds will accomplish the following: $1.45 million in funds to provide interior and exterior improvements to three hangars at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, including asbestos abatement, HVAC modernization and replacement of hangar doors and metal roofs and gutters. The funds will also be used to remove and repave pavement. Once renovations are completed, the hangars will be used as an operations center for a charter business, a charter aircraft maintenance facility and a primary hangar. In addition, a building adjacent to the hangar will be renovated for use as office space, a business center and a conference room. $298,165 to Portage Borough for the third phase of a streetscape program along Main Street to provide enhanced pedestrian safety repairs in the borough’s central business district, including new curbs, sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, decorative brick buffer strips and street lighting. “I remain committed to bringing money back to our area for projects like these to improve safety, enhance overall quality of life, and to also encourage strong, Read more

 

Burns warns residents of utility phone scam with Penelec customers

(Nov 07, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 7 – In an effort to protect residents from being ripped off, today state Rep. Frank Burns has issued a warning about a phone scam involving Penelec customers. Burns, D-Cambria, said he was notified that scammers are calling Penelec customers telling them that they are behind on their bills and that if immediate payment isn’t made on their account over the phone, their energy service would be shut off immediately. “Penelec and its parent company, FirstEnergy, will only send customers written notices of a possible disconnection and how to prevent it and won’t call you to demand immediate payment,” Burns said. “Keep in mind that these scammers will use spoofing software on caller ID to make it appear that the calls are legitimate and coming directly from a reputable company. Please be mindful of any company calling you demanding payment or asking for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or your bank account information – that’s a clear red flag that the call is indeed a scam.” Burns added he has notified the state Attorney General’s office about this scam and is urging residents to contact Penelec directly with any concerns or questions about their bill at 1-800-545-7741. Concerned residents may also contact one of Burns’ district offices for assistance on this or any state-related matter: Ebensburg office: (814) 472-8021 Portage office: Read more

 

Burns announces a total of $65,000 in state funds to protect, enhance area waterways, conservation efforts

(Nov 07, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 7 – Ensuring the protection of waterways within Cambria County for future generations to enjoy is the primary goal behind two grants awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said a $50,000 state grant was awarded to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which will provide for the construction of riparian forest buffers along the West Branch Susquehanna River watershed to protect against pollutants and reduce erosion and flooding. A $15,000 grant was also awarded to the Allegheny Ridge Corp. to prepare and print updated maps and a management plan for the Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail. Both the water trail and the watershed run through Cambria County, Burns said. “I strongly support these worthwhile investments to protect our water quality and that will promote recreational opportunities for residents for years to come,” Burns said. “When we can bring back state dollars to reinvest into our communities, that benefits our quality of life and everyone wins.” DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s rivers conservation grants focus on conserving and protecting state waterways and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the installation of riparian buffers to improve the health and diversity of local ecosystems and to also develop long-term water quality management programs. More information can be found at this Read more

 

Burns: Several state grant opportunities available with November, December deadlines

(Nov 06, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 6 – Municipalities, school districts, organizations and businesses should take note of a variety of competitive state grant programs with open application windows now through December, state Rep. Frank Burns announced. For several years, Burns, D-Cambria, said he has consistently provided state grant information to eligible entities and will continue to encourage them to apply as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities. “So far this year, these state grants have provided over $19 million to assist Cambria County in a variety of ways, from road repairs, to helping our schools with security needs and repairs, and to assist local businesses,” Burns said. “I strongly encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible to submit an application to reach out to my office for assistance, because you will never know until you try.” Burns said Charlie Vizzini, who is serving as an interim grant-writing liaison in his Ebensburg office, can be reached at (814) 472-8021 to provide information and help in applying for the following grants: Department of Environmental Protection: West Nile Virus County Grants Eligibility : A county authority (health department, conservation district, emergency management, county planning or another county agency) that was awarded a West Nile Virus grant in 2019 . Use : To perform mosquito pest management activities. Application Deadline : November 15 Read more

 

Burns applauds completion of Cambria County road project

(Nov 04, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 4 – Residents and visitors traveling in Cambria County can rest easier following the completion of a much-needed road project to address serious safety issues, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said North Center Street – also known as old Route 219 – between Ebensburg and Carrolltown had been resurfaced using a new material several years ago. However, Burns said the material that was used caused the roadway surface to deteriorate and become extremely slick, which led to several constituents contacting his office. “After receiving several complaints, I contacted Tom Prestach from PennDOT District 9 about these safety concerns and urged him and his team to consider resurfacing the roadway to make it safer for residents and those who travel the road,” Burns said. “Despite some budgetary and road project challenges, PennDOT was able to work with my office to get the road fixed. “I truly appreciate Tom’s assistance in getting these needed repairs completed, and I also want to thank residents for their patience as we worked to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.” “The safety concerns with the roadway were brought to my attention and our district office worked diligently to address it,” said Thomas Prestash, P.E., district executive for PennDOT District 9. “We knew we had to act quickly and make sure the repairs were made before the winter driving Read more

 

Burns: Big-city outsiders should stop trying to block western Pa. job growth

(Oct 31, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Oct. 31 – Tired of outside interests trying to block economic growth and smother creation of good-paying jobs throughout western Pennsylvania, state Rep. Frank Burns is advising Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and the Philadelphia-based “Conservation Voters of PA” to stop sticking their noses in other people’s business. Burns, D-Cambria, said he is among those elected officials being criticized by “Conservation Voters of PA” for supporting job creation through petrochemical industry expansion, which he believes represents the region’s best chance to recover from the decades-long demise of the coal and steel industries. Burns also said that Peduto’s recent comment that as a region, “We do not have to become the petrochemical and plastics center of the U.S.” is borderline insane, given the potential for billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs with excellent wages and employee benefits. “I honestly think they’re all trying to block prosperity in Cambria County,” Burns said. “Mayor Peduto has never met a dollar’s worth of investment for Pittsburgh that he didn’t like, so who is he to speak for the rest of us now? And a front group from Philadelphia has no real or legitimate interest in deciding what’s best for people living on the other side of the state.” As part of his outreach to bring business and industry to Cambria Read more

 

Burns to host spaghetti lunch for veterans

(Oct 31, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – With Veterans Day approaching, state Rep. Frank Burns will host a complimentary spaghetti lunch for veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Cresson Volunteer Fire Co., 223 Ashcroft Ave. in Cresson. The luncheon is available to veterans who show proof of service, and guests of veterans are welcome to enjoy lunch with a $5 donation. To pre-register by tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 1, please call Burns’ Portage office at 814-736-7339. “My staff and I really enjoy hosting this annual event for our veterans to show our appreciation as a way to say thank you for the many sacrifices they have made in service to our nation,” Burns said. The luncheon will also provide veterans with the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about state programs and services. Read more

 

Burns, Davidson introduce legislation to stop medical transport changes

(Oct 30, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – Life-sustaining medical transportation would be kept in the hands of local providers, alleviating confusion for riders and instability for transit agencies, under legislation introduced by state Reps. Frank Burns and Margo Davidson. House Bill 2008 would remove a mandate in state law that requires public transit services for Medical Assistance recipients to shift to a regional or statewide contractor. Local transit agencies currently provide this transportation along with other shared rides and subsidized transportation options. Burns, D-Cambria, and Davidson, D-Delaware, noted that outsourcing to a third-party contractor adds a layer of bureaucracy and unnecessary confusion for users. Taking these trips out of local hands also creates financial strain for already cash-strapped transit agencies. “For nearly 40 years, these rides have been coordinated by local transit authorities who know their riders and their needs. We refuse to allow the state to tear apart a system that works, just because some bureaucrats believe they can save money,” said Burns. “Without our bill, local agencies would be forced to increase rates while cutting services and hours of operation. This would be devastating to residents in Cambria County and across the state who rely on these services.” “I want to thank Representative Burns for his leadership and partnership on this important legislation to assist our most Read more

 

Burns invites ExxonMobil to scout Cambria County for plant location
Dec 02, 2019

Burns: Several state grant opportunities available
Nov 26, 2019

Burns: $3.5 million in job training grants for students available
Nov 26, 2019

Letter inviting ExxonMobil CEO to visit, consider Cambria County
Nov 26, 2019

Burns: Upcoming Holiday Open House events
Nov 25, 2019

Liquor Licensee Newsletter - Restaurants (Fall 2019)
Nov 25, 2019

Burns launches Christmas toy drive
Nov 22, 2019

Letter to the editor: Continuing fight to keep center open
Nov 22, 2019

Burns: Justice is coming for victims of child sexual abuse
Nov 21, 2019

Burns’ bill guaranteeing in-state tuition for military families passes key Senate committee vote
Nov 20, 2019

Burns: Sign up by Dec. 4 for bus trip to Capitol on Dec. 10
Nov 18, 2019

Burns: $500,000 in state funds to support, protect parks, recreational opportunities
Nov 14, 2019

Burns: $1.7 million in state grants awarded to modernize airport, improve pedestrian safety
Nov 12, 2019

Burns warns residents of utility phone scam with Penelec customers
Nov 07, 2019

Burns announces a total of $65,000 in state funds to protect, enhance area waterways, conservation efforts
Nov 07, 2019

Burns: Several state grant opportunities available with November, December deadlines
Nov 06, 2019

Burns applauds completion of Cambria County road project
Nov 04, 2019

Burns: Big-city outsiders should stop trying to block western Pa. job growth
Oct 31, 2019

Burns to host spaghetti lunch for veterans
Oct 31, 2019

Burns, Davidson introduce legislation to stop medical transport changes
Oct 30, 2019