EBENSBURG, Aug. 1 – Two floors that include digitally equipped classrooms will be added to Saint Francis University’s Sullivan Hall with help from a $500,000 state grant announced today by state Rep. Frank Burns. The renovation and expansion of the 55-year-old building will boost the university’s health service program, which will also benefit from seminar rooms for small-scale, interactive work, Burns said. “These are the types of investments our state can – and should – make,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “As a result of this funding, students in Saint Francis University’s health sciences program will have the most up-to-date technology and resources available, which helps prepare them for successful careers in health care.” The grant was awarded from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, which is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. Funded projects under the program have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact; they also generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. Read more
EBENSBURG, Aug. 1 – In keeping with his ongoing commitment to bringing state dollars back to the district, state Rep. Frank Burns praised the use of $70,687 in grant funds to maintain and improve two roadways in Croyle Township, Cambria County. Burns, D-Cambria, said the funds were used for improvement and maintenance projects this spring on Plummer Road and Betz Road come from the state Department of Agriculture’s Dirt and Gravel Road Maintenance Program. A total of $34,761 was awarded for the Plummer Road project, and $35,926 was awarded for the Betz Road project. “Investments in our infrastructure are a tangible way to see our tax dollars at work,” Burns said. Burns added that any entity within the 72 nd Legislative District that needs information on grants or assistance in applying for a grant can contact his Portage office at 814-736-7339 and ask for Brittany Blackham, who serves as an in-house grant writer/assistant. For more information on the DGRMP, please visit: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Plants_Land_Water/StateConservationCommission/DGRMP/Pages/default.aspx Read more
EBENSBURG, July 31 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is urging small businesses and farmers to apply for grant funding for pollution prevention, energy efficiency and natural resource protection projects. Eligible projects can include HVAC and boiler upgrades, installation of solar-powered or high-efficiency lighting, solvent recovery and waste recycling systems, and auxiliary power units deployed as anti-idling technology for trucks. Natural resource protection projects can include streambank fencing to keep livestock out of streams and agricultural stormwater systems to reduce sediment in waterways. “These grants are a great way to help farmers and small business owners make the improvements they need to boost efficiency and reduce costs,” Burns said. “I encourage anyone interested in applying to contact Brittany Blackham in my office to provide assistance in completing the grant application.” Burns encouraged applicants to file sooner rather than later, as applications are considered on a first-come basis and will be accepted until fiscal year 2019-20 funds are exhausted or April 12, whichever occurs first. The complete grant application package, which includes step-by-step instructions for completing the online application, as well as all related forms, is available by visiting the DEP Small Business Ombudsman’s Office website at https://bit.ly/2JQp9be . Burns’ office can be Read more
EBENSBURG, July 29 – Acting on recently released federal data confirming Cambria County as opioid pill manufacturers’ favorite dumping ground , state Rep. Frank Burns wants state Attorney General Josh Shapiro to make sure the county is also number one with restitution from Big Pharma. Burns, D-Cambria, today sent Shapiro a letter noting that in the six-year period between 2006 and 2012, nearly 3.1 billion opioid painkiller pills were shipped to Pennsylvania – with Cambria being the most saturated county in Pennsylvania. “Sadly, and of particular outrage to me, Cambria County received the highest per-capita rate of pills at 61.5 pills per resident annually,” Burns wrote. “Given the depth and magnitude of the prescription abuse here, I hope that you will ensure any restitution obtained from Big Pharma lawsuits flows proportionately to Cambria County.” Burns, who has long supported holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for overzealous marketing of opioids, urged the state to file such lawsuits two years ago, a move since undertaken by Shapiro. Burns now wants to make sure that if Pennsylvania succeeds in wresting financial damages from the big pharmaceutical companies, a fair share of the money flows to hard-hit rural areas instead of it all being funneled to big cities. “As the county with the highest number of pills shipped per capita, we are in the greatest need of financial resources to reverse this trend and Read more
Cambria County suffered from having the greatest number of opioid pills shipped per person, so Rep. Burns wrote this letter to Attorney General Josh Shapiro asking that any Big Pharma restitution follow the same pattern. Read more
EBENSBURG, July 26 – The state Office of Open Records has sided with state Rep. Frank Burns in his quest to obtain the number of liquor licenses available for auction in each county, issuing a ruling that debunks every argument put forth by the state Liquor Control Board on why it should be allowed to keep those numbers secret. Burns, D-Cambria, hailed the Office of Open Records decision as a victory for government transparency – but lamented that the LCB denied his initial request for information that should be readily shared with any member of the public. “If I’m a state representative and they wouldn’t give information to me, it makes me wonder how the person who isn’t a state representative is being treated,” Burns said. “I appealed the LCB’s denial to the Office of Open Records because I knew in my heart that it was the right thing to do, for me and for the public.” The Office of Open Records’ final determination said the LCB “is required to provide” Burns with the information within 30 days, unless it chooses to appeal to Commonwealth Court – a move Burns said would constitute another stalling tactic and one he hopes the LCB doesn’t take. “The Office of Open Records basically shot down all of the reasons the LCB trotted out to deny my information request, and I see no reason the courts would rule any differently,” Burns said. “The LCB is a state agency, Read more
EBENSBURG, July 19 – Nearly $4.5 million in state funding will help to restore reliable sewer service to residents in Adams Township, Cambria County, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. The Forest Hills Municipal Authority received the $4.467 million loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to address ongoing issues with a malfunctioning sewer system, eliminating significant impacts on local streams and drinking water wells, said Burns, D-Cambria. Specifically, the loan will allow the authority to: Extend 23,000 feet of gravity sewers; Extend 1,900 feet of force main; and Improve manholes and a pump station to provide service to residents in the Luther/Salix Airport area of the township. “This loan provides critical funding for the reliable wastewater treatment our residents deserve, while helping to keep utility bills from skyrocketing,” Burns said. “These are the types of state investments in our communities I’m proud to fight for in Harrisburg.” The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, commonly known as Pennvest, offers low-cost loans and grants throughout the state to fund sewer, storm water and drinking water maintenance and improvement projects. Read more
EBENSBURG, July 18 – Weeks after working collaboratively to bring a first-of-its-kind Keystone Opportunity Zone to Cambria County, state Rep. Frank Burns has followed up on a prior effort by reminding Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos of the tax incentives the KOZ provides in exchange for job creation. Burns, D-Cambria, initially contacted Bezos in February, urging Amazon to consider Cambria County as an expansion location after New York City officials rejected the firm’s 25,000 jobs that sport a $150,000 average annual salary. With the KOZ added to the county’s economic development arsenal, Burns believes Cambria County offers an even stronger investment opportunity and reached out to notify Bezos of the new program’s existence. “As a follow-up to my February letter inviting you to consider Cambria County, Pa., as an Amazon expansion location, I wanted you to be among the first to know of a powerful economic development tool that makes our county even more attractive to new businesses,” Burns recently wrote . “Pennsylvania recently designated up to 375 acres in Cambria County as a Keystone Opportunity Zone – meaning we now can offer substantial state and local tax incentives for companies interested in creating jobs in our area.” Burns said with all the efforts he marshalled into obtaining the KOZ, which included bipartisan support and a boost from House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, who 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
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Frank Burns.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
535 Fairfield Ave.Johnstown (Lower Yoder Twp.), PA 15906-1803
P*: (814) 536-8400
F*: (814) 533-2368
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
123 West High StreetEbensburg, PA 15931-1538
P*: (814) 472-8021
F*: (814) 472-1965
332 Main CapitolPO Box 202072Harrisburg, PA 17120-2072
P*: (717) 772-8056