Those interested in donating non-perishable food items may drop off their items at either of Burns’ offices: 535 Fairfield Ave. in Johnstown and 123 W. High St. in Ebensburg during regular business hours. Read more
EBENSBURG, July 18 – State Rep. Frank Burns said he wants to alert victim service providers and child advocacy centers of a grant opportunity to support their efforts in meeting the needs of children who are victims of physical or sexual abuse. Burns said the funding originates from Act 1 of 2013 , also known as the “Endowment Act,” which directs the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to expand the monetary penalty imposed on the Pennsylvania State University by the National Collegiate Athletic Association to aid victims of child sexual abuse in the commonwealth. Approximately $500,000 in funds is available and a total of 10 grants, with a maximum amount of $50,000, are anticipated to be funded through this initiative. "This funding can go a long way to assist local victim service providers who are helping children who suffered such abuse get the services and support they need and deserve to help to heal,” Burns said. Applicants for these grants must visit the following link and choose “Endowment Act-CACs & Victim Service Providers: https://www.pccdegrants.pa.gov/Egrants/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . The application deadline to apply is Aug. 16 . Approved applications will be one-year projects and have a beginning date of Jan. 1, 2020, and an end date of Dec. 31, 2020. Child advocacy centers and sexual abuse victim service providers that do not currently have a grant under this Read more
EBENSBURG, July 17 – Conemaugh Valley Elementary School is one of several schools in Cambria County to receive a grant designed to encourage healthy eating choices during the school day, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the elementary school will receive a $24,380 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The program aims to positively impact students’ present and future health by expanding the variety of fruits and vegetables available in schools. In total, Cambria County schools received $114,265.50 in FFVP funds. “When children make healthy, nutritious food choices, they are better prepared to learn and succeed in school and their overall health improves,” Burns said. “This program is vital in providing students with better food choices and leading them toward a healthier lifestyle as they head into adulthood.” Additional Cambria County schools that received funds through the program include: Ferndale Elementary School (Ferndale School District) – $21,332.50 Greater Johnstown Elementary School (Greater Johnstown School District) – $65,620.50 Greater Johnstown Middle School (Greater Johnstown School District) – $27,312.50 The Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program began in Pennsylvania in 2004 and is now in every state. Fifty percent or more of a schools’ student population must be eligible for free or reduced meals for the Read more
EBENSBURG, July 16 – State Rep. Frank Burns wants to ensure utility customers are aware of recent activity involving unscrupulous tactics used by some electricity telemarketers in an effort to get people to switch power suppliers. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has reported an increase in the number of complaints regarding telemarketers who are using harassing and intimidating tactics. One common tactic involves telemarketers informing consumers that their current electricity supplier is going out of business, and they need to switch suppliers if they want to avoid having their power shut off. “If you – or someone you know – has received a threatening or aggressive telemarketing call or visit to their home that made them feel harassed, I urge you to call the PUC’s Bureau of Consumer Services toll-free at 1-800-692-7380 and also alert your current utility and electricity supplier,” Burns said. “While you have the right to choose your own electric supplier in Pennsylvania, you should never be forced, harassed or threatened to do so.” Burns says since utility deregulation was enacted in 2010, the PUC regularly cracks down on competitive electrical suppliers who fail to follow the rules, including “slamming” customers by switching their supplier without their authorization. Consumers should never share their utility account number or other related Read more
HARRISBURG, July 15 – Nursing home and other adult care facilities would be held accountable for all resident deaths under legislation introduced this week by state Reps. Frank Burns and Jeanne McNeill. House Bills 1713 and 1714 would increase oversight of nursing homes, assisting living residences and personal care homes by requiring them to report all deaths – regardless of cause – to the county coroner. The coroner would then determine, based on interviews with the facility and a review of the deceased resident’s medical history, if a formal investigation is warranted. If it is, the legislation would ensure coroners have access to the information they need to do their jobs. “Far too many times, we see the disturbing headlines of an older adult who died at a nursing home or other senior care residence, due to neglect or abuse,” Burns said. “Currently, these facilities only have to report a death if staff deem it suspicious, such as a homicide or accident. Allowing administrators to police themselves opens the door for unscrupulous owners or staff to hide signs of inadequate care that could have led to that senior’s death.” "This oversight is truly needed in these facilities to ensure our vulnerable older aduluts are protected and being provided the best care possible," McNeill said. "Our seniors deserve dignity and respect, and our legislation will provide a crucial layer of protection and Read more
EBENSBURG, July 10 – Municipalities, local governments and nonprofit organizations should consider two grant opportunities designed to enhance a community’s overall quality of life, said state Rep. Frank Burns. The Keystone Communities Program is currently accepting applications through the end of August for grants to support a variety of community and economic development projects, including planning activities, façade grant programs and accessible housing programs. Grant applications for the Pennsylvania WalkWorks program will be available starting next month. WalkWorks provides grants to municipalities and planning commissions to encourage physical activity and to develop or enhance pedestrian and bicycle connections to local transportation systems. “These grant opportunities provide our municipalities with the funding resources to make our communities a better place to live,” Burns said. “I highly encourage anyone who feels they may be eligible to apply for these grants, and my office is here to help.” Burns said Brittany Blackham, his own in-house grant writer, can be reached in his Portage office at 814-736-7339 to provide information or help with grant applications. Read more
EBEBSBURG, July 8 - State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will be hosting a job fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 at the Young Peoples Community Center, located at 300 Prave St. in Ebensburg. “Several local companies will be in attendance at the job fair, including those who are looking to hire immediately,” Burns said. “On-the-spot interviews will also be available, so please bring copies of your resume. In addition, my office staff will also be available to provide information on any state government-related programs and services.” For more information, please call Burns’ Ebensburg office at 814-472-8021. Read more
HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced St. Francis University has been awarded a $19,700 grant for environmental education from the state Department of Environmental Protection. Burns said St. Francis University received the grant for its “Energy in Action” program. The program offers students hands-on learning in energy conservation and renewable energy technologies. “This grant will help students learn more about the different types of energy, how energy impacts the world around us and what we can do about it," Burns said. “The hands-on learning students are exposed to as a result will help them become more informed and environmentally aware adults." St. Francis received the fourth-highest grant amount out of the 45 grants awarded from the Environmental Education Grant Program which supports environmental education efforts. “This is just another grant in a long list of grants to benefit our region," Burns said. "Don't forget that my office is here to help. I have an on-staff grant writer for schools, municipalities and other entities interested in applying for state funding. My goal is to help the region in any way that I can." Read more
EBENSBURG, June 28 – Keeping his promise to put Cambria County on Harrisburg’s radar, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced he secured access to a key economic development program for Cambria County, opening the door to boundless new business opportunities in the region. “This is the result of Cambria County’s legislative delegation working together in a bipartisan fashion to move the region forward,” Burns said. Burns spearheaded a months’-long effort to negotiate language into a state budget-related bill that reserves one Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) for Cambria County. A KOZ designation allows for state and local tax benefits within specific underdeveloped and underutilized areas of the state. “We have a chance to transform Cambria County, potentially creating thousands of jobs and redeveloping blighted properties,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “For too long, our region has been left behind, while larger cities reap the benefits of economic development. Establishing a KOZ in our county is a game changer.” At Burns’ urging, legislative leaders reserved a KOZ of up to 375 acres for Cambria County that can be subdivided into parcels of fewer than 10 acres. This provision ensures that even small towns with blighted parcels of land have the tools they need to attract new businesses. House Bill 262 , which contains the KOZ designation, also includes a provision providing an additional $10 million in Read more
EBENSBURG, June 27 – Seeking to steer Pennsylvania away from political party control that many find increasingly distasteful , state Rep. Frank Burns was among a handful of Democrats to join with Republican lawmakers in backing a bill to abolish straight-party voting, a move that emphasizes voting for the best person and not the party. Burns, D-Cambria, said that while Republicans were pushing S.B. 48 , he philosophically agrees that Pennsylvania needs to end its archaic status as one of only eight states that still permit the option of straight-party voting. “For too long, we’ve been mired in the quicksand of the past, where political party bosses on both sides relied on straight-party voting to obtain and exert control – often for their own benefit,” Burns said. “Passing this legislation lifts us out of that sinking pit and into the modern era, where paying attention to individual candidates instead of pulling a single lever will lead to a more informed and independent-thinking electorate.” Burns said his vote Thursday in favor of S.B. 48 is a reflection not only of his personal belief that the person is more important than the party, but also a result of listening to those he represents. “The people I talk to in Cambria County are upset, if not downright disgusted, at the failure of both political parties to compromise and govern effectively,” Burns said. “They are tired of Read more
HARRISBURG, June 25 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today issued the following statement regarding the passage of H.B. 790 , the state’s general appropriations bill: “As a fiscally conservative Democrat, I supported this no-tax increase budget that gets back to the basics by putting more money into education,” Burns said. “It’s not just about spending more; it’s about spending smarter, so the dollars actually get into the classroom. Every child in every school deserves to feel safe and this budget increases funding for school safety. “While I would have liked to see the surplus go back to the taxpayers, this was a budget compromise I support.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 24 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has released the following statement regarding the announcement of a contract extension between UPMC and Highmark, which will extend UPMC facility access to Highmark-insured patients for a period of 10 years. The original contract between UPMC and Highmark was scheduled to expire on Sunday, June 30. “Today’s announcement that Highmark and UPMC have reached an agreement is great and will, without a doubt, ease the concerns of many families in my district,” Burns said. “It’s shameful to make people jump through hoops when all they really want is access to quality health care. It shouldn’t matter what is on their insurance card.” Read more
EBENSBURG, June 24 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will offer a state Transportation Department-approved class at the Mainline Senior Center that could earn participants a 5% automobile insurance discount for three years. Burns said the discount, mandated by state law, is one benefit of the $16 class, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 18. The other benefit from the class is that it helps sharpen awareness for older drivers. “My office has previously offered these classes and they’ve been well received and well attended,” Burns said. “Any time we can do something to help our seniors save money, while also providing them with ways to stay safer behind the wheel, we’ll do it.” The Mainline Senior Center is located at 715 Front St. in Cresson. This will be classroom instruction only; no on-the-road driving or classroom testing will occur. Burns said the course is geared toward mature drivers – those 55 or older – and provides them an opportunity to refresh driving techniques, regain lost confidence and develop a positive driving attitude. Lunch is also available for a donation to the senior center. Class size is limited; to register or for more information, please contact Burns’ Portage office at (814) 736-7339. Interested participants must provide their driver’s license number when registering. Registrations must be received no later than Read more
EBENSBURG, June 21 – Vowing to press for government transparency, state Rep. Frank Burns will fight the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s denial of his request for the number of restaurant liquor licenses eligible for auction in each county. “Frankly, I’m stunned at this decision by a government entity to be so non-transparent and less-than-forthright about the cards it is holding,” Burns said. “Secrecy like this is a big reason so many people lose faith in government. I’ll be appealing this decision because the state’s Right-to-Know Law means exactly that: We have the right to know.” Burns, D-Cambria, believes the PLCB’s practice of resurrecting and auctioning off formerly dead licenses now in PLCB control has put the state agency in direct and unfair competition with mom-and-pop establishments. Rather than needing to purchase a liquor license from an existing small business, Burns said, big corporations are simply waiting for the periodic PLCB auctions to scarf one up, essentially undercutting bars and restaurants who are also trying to sell their licenses. Burns previously wrote the PLCB and the governor asking for a halt to the auctions until a legislatively mandated study on their economic impact could be completed. On May 10, Burns made an official information request to the PLCB asking for the number of licenses available to be auctioned in each county. The PLCB’s official response to his Read more
HARRISBURG, June 19 – In a significant departure from the path favored by Gov. Tom Wolf, state Rep. Frank Burns has introduced legislation that would use most of the $800 million budget surplus – the highest amount in recent years - for property tax relief, instead of further padding the Rainy Day Fund. Burns, D-Cambria, said that while his H.B. 1663 may not be popular in some Harrisburg circles, he’d rather immediately address one of peoples’ chief complaints than tuck such a huge sum of money away for political leaders’ future use. “In Cambria County and across Pennsylvania, one of the big concerns of the people who pay the bills is high property taxes,” Burns said. “They have our collective ear on this issue – but the difference is, I’m listening and taking action.” Burns said that with 25 percent of this year’s budget surplus already going to the Rainy Day Fund, per legislative mandate, it’s a better idea to direct anything above that toward reducing onerous school property taxes that cause financial pain for many households. “If in bad financial times, we ask our residents to pay more, then in good financial times, we should let them pay a little less,” Burns said. “My plan would deposit a chunk of any state budget surplus into the Property Tax Relief Fund, so that residents’ property tax or rent rebate checks can be a little bigger.” Burns Read more
HARRISBURG, June 19 – In a significant departure from the path favored by Gov. Tom Wolf, state Rep. Frank Burns has introduced legislation that would use most of the $800 million budget surplus – the highest amount in recent years - for property tax relief, instead of further padding the Rainy Day Fund. Burns, D-Cambria, said that while his H.B. 1663 may not be popular in some Harrisburg circles, he’d rather immediately address one of peoples’ chief complaints than tuck such a huge sum of money away for political leaders’ future use. “In Cambria County and across Pennsylvania, one of the big concerns of the people who pay the bills is high property taxes,” Burns said. “They have our collective ear on this issue – but the difference is, I’m listening and taking action.” Burns said that with 25 percent of this year’s budget surplus already going to the Rainy Day Fund, per legislative mandate, it’s a better idea to direct anything above that toward reducing onerous school property taxes that cause financial pain for many households. “If in bad financial times, we ask our residents to pay more, then in good financial times, we should let them pay a little less,” Burns said. “My plan would deposit a chunk of any state budget surplus into the Property Tax Relief Fund, so that residents’ property tax or rent rebate checks can be a little bigger.” Read more
HARRISBURG, June 17 – American jobs should be for American workers, not people who are in our country illegally, said state Rep. Frank Burns, who is again championing a measure that would halt construction companies from hiring undocumented workers. “For years, I have demanded we crack down on companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants who are willing to work for less,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “If we are serious about stopping illegal immigration, then we must stop companies from hiring and exploiting illegal workers for profit.” Burns acknowledged that for generations immigrants have come to the United States in search of a job; however, he is also aware that illegal immigration is a constant drain on our country’s resources. According to a 2018 article in The New York Times, undocumented immigrant workers account for 15 percent of those employed in construction – or about 1.35 million workers nationally. “This bill is about saving Pennsylvania jobs by penalizing unscrupulous contractors who hire illegal workers in our state,” Burns said. “It’s time we hold corporate America accountable for profiting from illegal immigration. “Bottom line: E-verify works and has been working well for more than six years here in Pennsylvania. Construction companies must now comply or face stiff penalties, including the loss of their state-issued license.” The E-verify program, which is managed by Read more
HARRISBURG, June 13 – Cambria County was awarded a $101,400 grant to spur its efforts to reduce opioid abuse deaths and support individuals in recovery, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the two-year grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency will assist the Cambria County Drug Coalition in its overdose training efforts and also support the recovery community. “Our area has seen first-hand how devastating – and deadly – opioid abuse is in our communities,” Burns said. “This grant will provide funding for proven programs designed to prevent substance abuse and addiction, while also helping those in recovery.” Burns added the Cambria County Drug Coalition and nearly 160 community partners will use these funds to continue their collaborative work to reduce overdose deaths by implementing evidence-based addition reduction and prevention strategies countywide. Read more
HARRISBURG, June 11 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, issued the following statement on House passage of H.B. 1524 , which would allow a tourist development project to acquire a liquor license for a flat $65,000 fee from the state Liquor Control Board, compared to current law where prospective business owners must purchase a liquor license from an existing licensee or be the highest bidder at a PLBC license auction: “Growing up in a family-run business, I know firsthand the struggles they face. It’s unfathomable that we would pass legislation that provides special advantages to big developers at the expense of mom-and-pop businesses in Pennsylvania. The sheer fact that this legislation is catering to one particular developer should outrage the public. “For the past 80 years, liquor licenses have been sold between two private businesses. This bill changes that by allowing the state to sell licenses directly to the developer for a flat fee, who can then turn around and sell them for a profit. We should be forcing these developers to look in the private sector for licenses and let the free market determine the price. “We’re rushing this bill through the legislature instead of taking time to do the right thing. There is a better way to accomplish the goals of this legislation and that is by overhauling antiquated liquor laws to allow restaurant licensees to sell across county lines. “Rather Read more
HARRISBURG, June 5 – A $600,000 grant will allow a local nonprofit to expand academic enrichment afterschool programs for students in nine schools in Cambria County, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the federally funded grant – part of a package of 21 st Century Community Learning Center grants administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education – will provide academic, artistic and cultural enrichment opportunities for students in the following schools: Central Cambria Elementary School Central Cambria Middle School Cambria Heights Elementary School Cambria Heights Middle School Glendale Elementary School Glendale Jr/Senior School Jackson Elementary School Portage Elementary School St. Michael Elementary School “These grants will allow Respective Solutions, a nonprofit group which works closely with Cambria County’s school districts, to reinforce core concepts with students who are struggling academically, and also provide career and technical education opportunities and resources,” Burns said. “This is a true investment in our region’s future and ensures every child has a chance to succeed.” The competitive grants are provided to community learning centers to fund these enrichment programs. These programs must occur during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session and are geared toward helping students attending high-poverty and Read more
HARRISBURG, June 4 – Seeking to beat back local government attempts to regulate firearms, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has thrown his weight behind a Republican-sponsored bill designed to deter such activity. Burns, who proudly serves as the Democratic chairman of the legislature’s Second Amendment Caucus, said he sees the recent moves taken by some cities and municipalities as backdoor attempts at gun control that infringe on the rights of law-abiding Pennsylvanians. “Despite a specific provision in our state’s Crimes Code that bans local regulation of firearms, time and time again, we’ve seen local governments continue their attempts to take away responsible gun owners’ rights,” Burns said. “We just saw it happen in Pittsburgh recently, and I found the move insulting and an outright attack on legal firearms ownership.” Burns said the bill he supports would require that any party that successfully challenges the legality of such an ordinance would be able to collect reasonable attorney’s fees and related costs. Burns added that the bill also includes a requirement to give the municipality 60 days’ written notice to voluntarily repeal the ordinance, prior to a legal challenge being filed. “These local laws fly in the face of existing law and our constitution, which I took an oath to defend – and which protects the rights of all Pennsylvanians to defend Read more
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