HARRISBURG, May 8 – A bill to ensure children of active-duty military families receive in-state tuition rates, even if their parent is reassigned to another state, was unanimously approved in committee today, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced. Burns said his measure, H.B. 1050 , would ensure military families are guaranteed the in-state tuition rate as soon as a student enrolls or registers at a community college or submits an enrollment deposit to a four-year public college or university, even if their military parent is later reassigned to another state. “Guaranteeing the in-state tuition rate is the right thing to do. Military families shouldn’t be penalized when they are reassigned out of state,” Burns said. “It is crucial that we protect the opportunities our military families have earned.” Burns added his legislation continues to garner support from both parties. “With today’s vote, we are one step closer to helping our military families and addressing this oversight,” Burns said. House Bill 1050 now heads to the full House for further consideration. Read more
EBENSBURG, May 3 – A special memorial bridge dedication ceremony was held today to honor Army Pfc. Nick Kozorosky, an Ebensburg native who served with honor and dignity during World War II. State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, provided the opening remarks and a special House of Representatives citation was given to Kozorosky’s family in his honor. Kozorosky served in the 101 st Airborne Division, 506 th Parachute Regiment, and gave his life in the line of duty in Germany. A special sign was also unveiled, designating the bridge on Route 219 South over Route 22 in Cambria County as the Pfc. Nick Kozorosky Memorial Bridge. Burns introduced the legislation that led to the naming of this bridge. “Private First Class Kozorosky was a true American hero, having served with distinction throughout his military career,” Burns said. “It was my honor to take part in today’s special bridge dedication ceremony alongside his family and veterans in the community.” In addition to members of Kozorosky’s family, Burns was also joined at the bridge dedication ceremony by Robert Slebodnick, commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Thomas Garfield Jr. Post 4963, Ebensburg, and the VFW Post 4963 American Legion Post 363 of Ebensburg Color Guard. Read more
EBENSBURG, May 2 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has announced the award of $287,987 in state grants to 23 fire and ambulance companies in the 72nd Legislative District. The grants are made possible by the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program, and can be used toward repairing, building or renovating facilities. The money also can be applied toward purchase of new equipment, training and certification of staff, or it may go to repay debt related to equipment purchases or facility building and maintenance. “These fire departments and EMS providers perform vital work in our communities throughout the district,” Burns said. “It’s also hard and dangerous work, as I found out firsthand when suiting up for a Cambria County Fire School training session. I am proud and honored to announce this funding to aid their continued operations.” The grant list – by department and entity – is as follows: Ashville Fire Company – $14,811 Cambria Township Volunteer Fire Company – $13,326 Carrolltown Fire Company – $11,842 Community Volunteer Fire Company – $13,656 Cresson Area Ambulance Service Inc. – $7,155 Cresson Volunteer Fire Company – $14,646 Dauntless Fire Company – $14,811 East Taylor Volunteer Fire Company – $13,326 Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association – $7,155 Gallitzin Fire Company No. 1 – $13,162 Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company Read more
HARRISBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced nearly $160,000 in state funds have been awarded to the Portage Area School District to address school safety and security efforts. Burns said the $159,964 in state funds were awarded through a grant from the state’s School Safety and Security Committee, which is part of the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Act 44 of 2018 resulted in the creation of this committee, which is responsible for developing the criteria schools are to use in performing school safety and security assessments. “These state dollars are a wise and proactive investment in our students’ safety,” Burns said. “Schools can use these funds to provide counseling services for students, invest in security-related technology and provide training for school staff on safety-related violence prevention efforts.” The funds can also be used for other violence-prevention programs within schools, including risk assessments, classroom management, conflict resolution, or dispute management initiatives, Burns added. More information about the grants can be found at this link: https://www.pccd.pa.gov/schoolsafety/Pages/default.aspx Read more
EBENSBURG, May 1 – State Rep. Frank Burns’ resolution, H.R. 124 , designating May 1 as “Law Day” in Pennsylvania, was unanimously adopted by the House today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the American Bar Association’s theme for this year’s celebration is “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.” The 1 st Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press. “Our 1 st Amendment guarantees the rights to free speech and a free press – cornerstones of what it means to be an American,” Burns said. “Now, more than ever, it’s vital for all of us to understand and protect these rights, now and for years to come. Law Day has been set aside as a day to educate people of all ages about our legal system and the importance of protecting our constitutional rights under the law.” Across Pennsylvania, Law Day is observed by focusing on informing children from kindergarten through the college level. Judges and lawyers visit schools, educating students about their legal rights and responsibilities. Burns said the Pennsylvania Bar Association is in its 15th year of participating, along with county bar associations across the commonwealth. The first Law Day was held in 1958 to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1 as the official date for celebrating Law Day each year. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced yet another grant for his district. This one -- $40,000 -- will help the Cambria County Planning Commission in its efforts to develop a sustainable housing strategy for the area to enhance economic growth. "For far too long, our young people have been leaving the area for jobs and better opportunities, even when they get their education and training here," Burns said. "One of the keys to improving our economic growth is to make sure we have a sustainable local workforce and that means keeping our graduates around. "Making sure we have versatile urban housing, which studies have shown is popular with young professionals and seniors alike, can help us retain our young graduates and keep our seniors mobile and contributing to our local economy." Burns said there currently are very few viable options in the area and this grant will help Cambria County and Johnstown analyze the local market and help create a practical strategy for developing new market-rate housing options. "We already promote the area as the great destination we know it to be, but without a local residential population, that can be difficult to sustain. "A practical housing approach can help the area expand its business district, promote the area and increase the number of residents and visitors, which will help expand the local economy," Burns said. The grant is from the Read more
EBENSBURG, April 29 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will offer a state Transportation Department-approved class at the Ebensburg 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. Tuesday, May 14. The other benefit from the class is that it helps sharpen awareness for older drivers. “My office has offered these classes in the past and they’ve been well received,” Burns said. “Any time we can do something to save seniors some money, while also helping them stay safer behind the wheel, we’ll do it.” The Ebensburg Senior Center is located at 209 N. Julian St. This will be classroom instruction only; no on-the-road driving or classroom testing will occur. Burns said the course is specifically 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. 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 Wednesday, May 8. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 23 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is partnering with Cambria County Crime Stoppers to offer residents an opportunity to safely shred documents and dispose of their unused prescriptions. The “Shred-It Event and Unused Prescription Take Back Day” will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at the Geistown Fire Hall, located at 631 Lamberd Ave., in Geistown. “Criminals are always looking for any way to steal your personal information, like old credit card or bank account statements, or old medical records,” Burns said. “Shredding your old documents is a great way to reduce your chances of being a victim of identity theft or fraud.” “If you have old prescription drugs, it’s important to safely dispose of them, as this will prevent drugs from getting into the wrong hands and being misused or abused,” he said. Shredding services will be offered at $10 per box of documents. There is no cost to dispose of prescription medicines. For more information, please contact Burns’ office at 814-472-8021. Read more
EBENSBURG, April 17 – Continuing his trend of securing state funding for vital infrastructure development, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced approximately $5.14 million for two projects in the 72 nd Legislative District. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Middle Taylor Township Sewer Authority is receiving a $2.62 million grant and $997,231 low-interest loan to provide community wastewater service, including the installation of 27,000 feet of gravity wastewater main line piping. East Carroll Township will receive a $1.18 million grant and $342,429 low-interest loan for the extension of its wastewater collection system. “I thank the Pennvest board for its ongoing support for these types of projects, as this funding should help offset rate increases for residents in Middle Taylor and East Carroll Townships,” Burns said. “Municipalities in the district have been aggressively applying for state funding and it shows. The $5.14 million announced today will be added to the growing list of projects made possible by state grants and low-interest loans.” The awards were finalized today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Authority, commonly known as Pennvest. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 16 – Victims of child sex abuse who sign a nondisclosure agreement will clearly know their right to cooperate with law enforcement, under a key amendment sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria. Burns, known for his efforts in supporting statute of limitations reform for victims of child sex abuse, said his amendment to H.B. 1171 is essential. With Burns’ addition, the bill would explicitly ensure any settlement agreement contain a provision that clearly states, in bold print and in plain English, that the agreement does not prevent victims from discussing the abuse with law enforcement. All parties involved in a settlement would be required to sign directly under the provision to acknowledge they have read and understood it, Burns added. “This amendment, which was unanimously approved in the House today, would implement one of the key recommendations from last year’s statewide grand jury report, making sure victims of child sexual abuse know they are not signing away their rights to talk with police about the abuse that happened, should they sign a nondisclosure agreement,” Burns said. “The bill – and my amendment – will apply to any victim of child sexual abuse, regardless of the perpetrator.” Burns, who announced plans to introduce similar legislation last week, said he worked across the aisle with his Republican colleague to add this crucial measure to the bill. “This Read more
HARRISBURG, April 11 – Victims of child sex abuse should never be prevented from talking to law enforcement about the abuse they endured, and state Rep. Frank Burns said he soon will introduce legislation that would ensure victims’ voices are heard and cannot be silenced. Burns, D-Cambria, said his bills would implement one of the key recommendations from last year’s statewide grand jury report on child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church: ensuring victims are clearly aware they still have a right to talk with law enforcement, even if they have agreed to a settlement that includes a non-disclosure agreement. “I was extremely disturbed by the information contained in the report, notably a “playbook for concealing the truth” used by the church that included secret financial payouts aimed at silencing these victims,” Burns said. “Many of them didn’t know that there are limits to the non-disclosure provisions in the settlements they signed. No victim of sexual abuse – especially a child – should be barred from talking with police about the abuse that was inflicted upon them.” Burns’ first bill would require any settlement agreement that includes a confidentiality clause to contain a disclaimer that contact with law enforcement is permitted, and any attempt to use the agreement to prevent or discourage such contact would be illegal. His second bill, modeled after similar legislation signed into Read more
EBENSBURG, April 3 – Continuing last year’s focus on keeping children safe, state Rep. Frank Burns is once again hosting an Easter-themed event, “Lunch with the Easter Bunny,” on Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., Ebensburg. Burns, D-Cambria, said representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police, Prince Gallitzin State Park and local organizations focused on children’s safety will be attending. Crafts will also be available for children to make during the event. A free lunch will be provided for children under 12, and an opportunity for photographs with the Easter Bunny will also be offered. “My staff and I found that since last year’s event was so successful, we wanted to again offer this opportunity to provide valuable safety information to children and their parents and guardians,” said Burns. “While we are looking forward to it being a fun event for everyone, our primary focus remains on keeping our community’s children safe.” Anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP at (814) 736-7339 . Read more
HARRISBURG, April 2 – Students in active-duty military families in Pennsylvania deserve in-state tuition rates, even if their parent is reassigned to another state before they begin their education, said state Rep. Frank Burns. Burns, D-Cambria, said his legislation, H.B. 1050 , would ensure military families are guaranteed the in-state tuition rate as soon as a student submits an enrollment deposit to a public college or university, even if their military parent is later reassigned to another state. “It’s not right that these students are penalized because their mother’s or father’s reassignment occurs at the wrong time,” said Burns. “Members of the military and their families make enormous sacrifices to our country each and every day, and it’s up to the legislature to correct this oversight.” Burns added that under current law, 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 the 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. Burns’ legislation has support from both parties, including the Republican and Democratic chairmen of the House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, the panel that is Read more
HARRISBURG, April 1 – School districts, nonprofit organizations and county officials are encouraged to apply for federal funds aimed at preventing youth substance abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced today. The federal funds will be used to form a partnership with school districts, nonprofit service providers and counties to participate in a 5-year pilot program to reduce the risk factors that lead to substance abuse in youth, families and the community, Burns said. “We’ve seen first-hand how devastating – and deadly – substance abuse is in our communities,” said Burns. “If we can take steps to prevent addiction to these highly addictive drugs in the first place, imagine how many lives – and families – we can save from needless tragedy.” Eligible applicants for these funds include school districts, nonprofit service providers, and counties (either county commissioners or a single county authority). There must be a collaboration of the three entities, with school districts the preferred lead agency. The deadline to apply is April 16. More information can be found by clicking this link and choosing “Opioid Misuse Prevention Project Cohort 2:” https://www.pccdegrants.pa.gov/egrants/Public/OpenAnnouncements.aspx . Read more
HARRISBURG, March 28 – Reducing violent crime through collaboration with law enforcement, local governments, and faith-based and nonprofit organizations is the goal behind a federal grant program that should be of local interest, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, is encouraging organizations to apply for nearly $302,000 in federal Project Safe Neighborhoods grant funds, available through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. These funds are specifically focused on creating and fostering safer neighborhoods through a sustained reduction in violent crime, Burns added. “One of the best ways we can keep our communities safe from crime is through collaboration with law enforcement and local groups that are focused on a common goal of public safety,” Burns said. “These grants can fund a variety of projects designed to curb crime, including the hiring of additional county prosecutors to thwart illegal gun and drug trafficking, launching outreach strategies to keep at-risk youth safe, and assessing current violence reduction efforts locally.” Burns added that priority for funding will be given to multi-organization collaborations across all levels of law enforcement. The deadline to apply is April 15. More information on the grant can be found by clicking on this link and choosing “Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)–Western District”: Read more
HARRISBURG, March 27 – Saying it would position Cambria County to benefit from the “interstate of the future,” state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has requested that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission include a Hyperloop terminal in Cambria County as part of its feasibility study on utilizing the new technology for moving goods and people at ultra-fast speeds. Burns said he sent a letter to the Turnpike Commission making the request after he was briefed on the potential magnitude of the cross-state Hyperloop project at the commission’s headquarters in Harrisburg. Hyperloop is a new form of mass transit that uses pods to transport freight and passengers through specialized vacuum tubes at speeds of 600 to 700 mph. It provides the potential to move goods and people from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia in as little as 30 minutes, creating an opportunity for tremendous economic development in those areas. “Cambria County has always been limited by its lack of access to a major highway. With the Hyperloop considered the ‘interstate of the future,’ it has the potential to drastically change the economic outlook of our region,” Burns said. “Imagine traveling from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia in minutes – that ability would enable Cambria County to attract businesses, such as Amazon, that ship large amounts of freight. Plus, people could live here and work almost anywhere in Pennsylvania.” As the state Read more
EBENSBURG, March 26 – A structurally deficient Croyle Township bridge will soon be replaced, thanks to a $211,300 state grant announced today by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria. Following an engineering firm inspection requested last year by township officials, the Oaks Road Bridge over Laurel Run was recommended for immediate closure to traffic due to significant public safety concerns, related to compromised structural stability. “When we drive over bridges in our communities, it shouldn’t be a concern as to whether or not they’re safe – we assume they are,” said Burns. “But when we find that they’re not, it is imperative these bridges are replaced or repaired immediately. I’m pleased this grant was approved for Croyle Township and a new bridge will soon be a reality.” The $211,300 grant, from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund program, provides funds to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to all Pennsylvanians. The Department of Community and Economic Development grant was approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Burns’ office assisted with the grant application, including the submission of a letter of support. Read more
EBENSBURG, March 26 – A Loretto dairy farm will be able to expand its business and product offerings, thanks in large part to a $500,000 state grant announced today by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria. The grant will help Vale Wood Farms in Loretto, a PA Preferred member, expand its current facility to offer new products and make needed equipment upgrades. “I’m pleased that this grant will help support a local business and provide the resources to allow it to continue being successful in our community,” Burns said. “While our state’s dairy production is strong, many such facilities need equipment upgrades to meet industry and consumer demands. This investment will go a long way to support the industry, local jobs and the community as a whole.” Burns said the farm will use the funds to purchase a new freezer and equipment needed for cheese making, and expanded production lines for its milk, ice cream and yogurt products. Total project cost is approximately $1.95 million. The grant was awarded through the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program, which is managed by the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The program was established in 2018 for research and development, organic transition, value-added processing, and marketing in support of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. Read more
EBENSBURG, March 20 – St. Francis University in Loretto has received an award for environmental excellence for its specially-created mobile laboratory focused on teaching people about efficient energy techniques and sustainability, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced today. Burns said the university’s Institute for Energy was chosen to receive the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence from the state Department of Environmental Protection for its mobile educational laboratory, called the Tiny Classroom. This special mobile lab features a variety of energy-efficient techniques and sustainable building features, including solar panels. “The Tiny Classroom provides a wonderful opportunity to teach people in our communities about solar energy, biomass heating, energy efficient electronics and more,” said Burns. “I’m pleased that the university’s Institute for Energy has been recognized for their innovative educational approach to energy, including sustainable energy options.” St. Francis University’s Institute for Energy was among 18 winners for the annual award. Projects submitted for consideration were evaluated on several criteria, including innovation, partnership efforts, economic impact, consideration of climate change, and sustainability and results achieved. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 18 – Saying it amounts to nothing more than gun control , state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has come out swinging against a Philadelphia lawmaker’s bill that would charge gun owners a $10-per-year registration fee for each firearm they own. Burns, a member of the legislature’s Second Amendment Caucus, said the gun registry called for by H.B. 768 contains other provisions – such as universal fingerprinting and background checks – that put it squarely at odds with current state law and the Pennsylvania Constitution. “I took an oath as state representative to uphold the state constitution – not destroy it,” Burns said. “I see this bill as an attack on legal firearms ownership, and I will do everything in my power to defeat it.” Burns said the proposal also flies in the face of the U.S. Constitution and the Second Amendment, which clearly codify the right for law-abiding citizens to bear arms. “It is insulting to mandate that responsible, law-abiding Pennsylvanians be forced to register their firearms and pay yearly fees, just to exercise their constitutional right to own a gun,” Burns said. “I will fight this bill tooth-and-nail to ensure we don’t weaken or eliminate people’s ability to defend themselves. "If we want to send a clear message to criminals and those who would do others harm via gunfire, the legal system needs to enforce the laws already on Read more
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