News Center

Parents of school bullies would face up to $500 fine, community service under Burns bill

(Mar 12, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, March 12 – Parents of school bullies would be on the hook for up to a $500 fine and possible community service requirement under legislation being proposed by state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, in an attempt to curb the problem of students taunting and terrorizing their peers. “Bullying is underreported and often unaddressed in any meaningful way,” said Burns, who made it his mission to visit classrooms throughout his district last year to talk about bullying and have students sign an anti-bullying pledge. “When it’s not addressed, bullying can escalate quickly from taunts and hurtful online posts to physical assaults and—in worst cases—suicide. Holding students, parents and officials at all levels accountable is the only way to put an end to this scourge.” Burns’ bold parental accountability measure—one of a package of three bills Burns plans to introduce shortly—would require schools to notify parents each time their child bullies another child. After the first incident, parents would be told what action the school took. After a second incident, parents would be required to take a parenting class on bullying and would be asked to attend a bullying resolution conference. But if a student bullies a third time or more in the same school year, Burns’ bill would ensure that the bully’s parents receive a court citation and the related stiff penalty of a fine up to $500 Read more

 

Burns: Child safety anchors ‘Breakfast with the Easter Bunny’ on March 31

(Mar 05, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, March 1 – Recognizing the importance of keeping children safe, state Rep. Frank Burns is building that theme into his inaugural “Breakfast with the Easter Bunny” set for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 31 at the Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., Ebensburg. Burns, D-Cambria, said child fingerprinting and IDs, bicycle safety tips and an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog will figure prominently in the event. Free breakfasts from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for children under 12 and the opportunity for photographs with the Easter Bunny will also be offered. “Given everyone’s heightened concern for the safety of children, my staff and I decided that adding this event to our annual schedule would be an appropriate way to educate and help protect them, wrapped within the aura of having some fun,” Burns said. “Make no mistake, though: While we’re gearing up for everyone to have a good time, the primary focus of child safety is quite serious.” Burns said Cambria County Crimestoppers will collect a requested $5 donation from any adult who wishes to have breakfast. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to RSVP at (814) 736-7339 no later than Tuesday, March 20. Read more

 

Burns: Cambria County to receive ATV grant

(Mar 02, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, March 2 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced that he learned today the state will be awarding Cambria County a grant for construction and maintenance of new ATV trails at Rock Run Recreation Area. “My office is committed to assisting organizations apply for grants,” Burns said. “It’s great to see the state making investments in our region by expanding outdoor recreational opportunities.” The $86,000 in funds will go toward the purchase of equipment that will be used to construct and maintain approximately 140 miles of off-highway vehicle trails at the recreational area. The grant, administered by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is being funded through the department’s ATV Management Restricted Account. Read more

 

Burns demands governor, corrections department confiscate deadly boots from state prison inmates

(Feb 28, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 28 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, sent letters today to Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel demanding that the state confiscate and permanently ban inmates’ heavy-soled work boots, like the ones an inmate wore earlier this month to inflict injuries that killed an SCI-Somerset corrections officer. Burns, founder and chairman of the Blue Lives Matter Caucus, is also demanding to know why the brutal attack on Sgt. Mark Baserman, who was kicked repeatedly in the head, had to happen before the DOC decided to stop selling those boots through the prison commissary system. “I want to know why a state corrections officer had to die before the Department of Corrections responded,” Burns said. “The department said they’re suspending commissary sales of these heavy work boots, but what about the hundreds of boots inmates are still wearing? Do we have to wait for another officer to die before the state acts to remove them completely?” Burns said he stands solidly with the state’s prison guards in their call for immediate removal and ban of the boots. “It’s not enough to suspend commissary sales,” Burns said. “We need to confiscate these weapons now. I don’t care if the inmates have to wear flip-flops if it means saving a corrections officer’s life.” Burns also is demanding answers on what footwear inmates are allowed to wear and when the Read more

 

Burns' letters to Gov. Wolf, Secretary Wetzel on inmate boots

(Feb 28, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

Read Rep Burns' letters to Gov. Wolf, PA Corrections Secretary Wetzel demanding answers on deadly threat from inmate boots Read more

 

Burns stands with prison guards, calls for total ban on heavy work boots for inmates

(Feb 27, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 27 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced that he will be sending letters to Gov. Tom Wolf and Department of Corrections Secretary John Wetzel demanding a total ban on Timberland and similar-style heavy work boots for prison inmates. Burns is also demanding answers on why a state corrections officer had to die before the department responded. SCI-Somerset Corrections Officer Sgt. Mark Baserman died Monday, nearly two weeks after being brutally attacked by an inmate wearing Timberland boots. A day after Baserman’s death, the state Department of Corrections issued a statement saying that it had suspended sale of such boots in prison commissaries. Burns, the founder and chairman of the Blue Lives Matter Caucus, calls the move too little too late. “The department says they’re banning the sale of these heavy, weighted boots. But why were they allowed in the prison in the first place, and why are they still in our prisons now, when it’s clear they can be used as deadly weapons?” Burns said. “I don’t care if the inmates have to wear flip-flops if it means saving a corrections officer’s life.” Burns said he stands with the state’s prison guards, who also are calling for a complete ban on Timberland and other heavy boots for inmates. “I’m calling for action now to confiscate and destroy these deadly boots," Burns said. “I’m also demanding answers on what Read more

 

Burns announces more than $340,000 in local fire department, EMS grants

(Feb 14, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has announced the award of $341,661 in state grants to 27 fire and ambulance companies in the 72 nd Legislative District. “I’m so pleased to announce the award of these grants,” Burns said. “The funding is critical to enable our region’s firefighters and emergency rescue workers to continue their vital, life-saving work. Our community benefits directly from these resources and the efforts of these brave workers.” The grant list – by county, department and entity – is as follows: Ashville Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000 Cambria Township Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $13,570 Carrolltown Fire Company – Fire Company, $11,911 Community Volunteer Fire Company of Lilly – Fire Company, $13,754 Cresson Area Ambulance Service Inc. – EMS, $7,037 Cresson Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000 Dauntless Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000 East Taylor Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $13,570 Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association – EMS, $7,037 Gallitzin Fire Company No. 1 – Fire Company, $13,386 Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company – EMS, $7,037 Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company – Fire Company, $15,000 John Carroll Area Ambulance Service – EMS, $7,037 Loretto Fire Company – Fire Company, $12,280 Lower Yoder Volunteer Fire Company – Read more

 

Burns: $440,905 grant to aid Portage streetscape project

(Feb 08, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

PORTAGE, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced a Commonwealth Financing Authority grant of $440,905 for Phase 2 of the Portage Borough sidewalk improvement project, through the PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund. Burns said this project is the second phase of a multi-phase streetscape program to establish pedestrian connectivity, and to improve pedestrian safety through installation of new lighting, sidewalk connections, crosswalks and signs. “I’m very pleased that we’re starting off 2018 with the announcement of yet another significant state investment in our area,” said Burns, noting the award of $15 million in state grants and loans in the 72 nd Legislative District in 2017. “I thank the CFA board for continuing this trend, the ultimate fruits of which are a better quality of life for residents and, hopefully, economic growth.” The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grants to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth. Funds may be used for the development, rehabilitation and enhancement of transportation assets to existing communities, such as streetscape, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, pedestrian safety, connectivity of transportation assets and transit-oriented development. Read more

 

Commonwealth Financing Authority accepting applications, Burns' office can help

(Feb 02, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Feb. 2 – State Rep. Frank Burns said the Commonwealth Financing Authority, the independent agency that awards grants for a number of state programs, is now accepting applications for its next award round, which is expected in September. "State grants help many municipalities, communities, businesses and organizations tackle and complete projects for the benefit of us all," Burns said. "I'm happy to offer entities help in applying for a share of this funding." Applications will be accepted now through May 31 for the following programs: Abandoned Mine Drainage Abatement and Treatment Program - For abatement and/or treatment of abandoned mine drainage through treatment facility system construction, as well as for treatment system repair, upgrade or operation and maintenance of existing passive and active treatment systems. Baseline Water Quality Data Program - For statewide initiatives to establish baseline water quality data on private water supplies. Flood Mitigation Program - For statewide initiatives to assist with flood mitigation projects. Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program - For planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects. Orphan and Abandoned Well Plugging - For funding orphan or abandoned well plugging projects. Sewage Facilities Program - For statewide initiatives complying with the Pennsylvania Sewage Read more

 

Burns: Pa. Health Department offering free flu shots Feb. 5 in Johnstown, Feb. 6 in Ebensburg

(Jan 31, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Jan. 31 – Acutely aware that the potency of this year’s influenza strain has caused dozens of deaths statewide, state Rep. Frank Burns is reminding 72 nd Legislative District residents of the upcoming availability of free flu shots in Ebensburg and Johnstown. Burns said walk-ins are welcome when the Pennsylvania Department of Health administers the shots at these clinics: Noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 5 at Central Park Complex, Cambria County Drug and Alcohol, 110 Franklin St., Johnstown; and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 6 at Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., Ebensburg. “The Health Department has classified this year’s flu as ‘widespread,’ which means outbreaks have occurred in at least half of the regions of the state,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “From Oct. 1 through Jan. 12, department testing has confirmed 614 cases of influenza in Cambria County. So it makes sense to get a flu shot if you haven’t already done so.” Burns said Pennsylvania has recorded at least 35,453 flu cases and 65 flu-related deaths thus far, and the number of cases has increased dramatically in the past few weeks. Burns added that at the clinics, children’s immunization records are required, and questions should be referred to the Department of Health at (814) 248-3120. Read more

 

Burns announces recycling grant opportunity

(Jan 30, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 30 – In his ongoing push to keep his neighborhoods clean, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, announced details about an opportunity to bring free recycling bins to outdoor recreational areas. Applications are now being accepted for the 2018 Dr. Pepper Snapple/Keep America Beautiful Park Recycling Bin Grants through Feb. 16. The grant program is open to all government agencies that own or manage local, regional or state parks, with a goal of expanding recycling efforts. Other eligible settings include playgrounds, athletic fields and nature trails. Nonprofit organizations and Keep America Beautiful affiliates are also permitted to apply on behalf of government agencies, but for-profit businesses are not qualified. “I am constantly fighting to rid our neighborhoods of garbage. What many forget, though, is recycling is just as important as taking out the trash,” Burns explained. “This grant would help instill that reminder by making it more accessible across our communities. I strongly urge eligible candidates to fill out an application and help promote a clean environment in Cambria County.” Burns said anyone interested in applying can contact Brittany Blackham, Grants & Development specialist, at (814) 736-7339 in his Portage office for assistance. Now in its sixth year, the grant program has awarded more than 4,300 recycling bins across more than 40 states. ### Read more

 

Burns’ bill to rename bridge after WWII hero is first to pass House in 2018

(Jan 24, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 24 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is applauding his colleagues for unanimously passing his bill to rename a Cambria County bridge after a World War II hero killed in action in 1945. Burns’ legislation is the first bill to pass the House in 2018. House Bill 1252 , which now awaits action in the Senate, would dedicate the bridge on U.S. Route 219 South that spans across Route 22, also known as the Admiral Peary Highway, in Nanty Glo to honor Pfc. Nick Kozorosky. As a member of the U.S. Army 101 st Airborne Division, he was killed in action near Berchtesgaden, Germany, where Nazi leaders were planning a last stand. “This veteran rightfully received the Purple Heart for making the ultimate sacrifice,” Burns said. “Now, decades later, my hope is by renaming this bridge the PFC Nick Kozorosky Memorial Bridge, his heroic actions will never be forgotten by the people in Cambria County.” Burns also previously authored bills that are now part of S.B. 894 , to rename bridges after: Trooper Gary Fisher , a member of the Pennsylvania State Police Region V Strike Force who was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1985 while attempting to make an arrest during a drug exchange; Cpl. Robert J. Sherwood , a member of the U.S. Marine Corps who was mortally wounded in Vietnam in 1967 when helping load injured comrades into a medical helicopter; and Paul E. Sweeney , a first sergeant in the U.S. Army in Read more

 

Burns: H of R Scholarship application deadline March 1

(Jan 09, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Jan. 9 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is reminding graduating high school seniors and their families about the availability of the 2018 Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship, which awards four-year scholarships to two students preparing to enter post-secondary education. Burns said the application deadline is Thursday, March 1, and applicants must be Pennsylvania high school residents who have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, plan to attend a state college, university or career school as a full-time student, and demonstrate leadership and community service. “These scholarships are privately funded by individual and corporate donors, so no tax dollars are involved,” Burns said. “I encourage all interested and eligible 72 nd Legislative District residents to apply.” Burns said the scholarship is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities and the application can be found on its website at www.tfec.org . Applicants can also contact Burns’ Ebensburg office at (814) 472-8021 for help with this or any other state-related matter. Read more

 

Cambria County awarded nearly $270,000 emergency grant

(Jan 03, 2018) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced Cambria County has been awarded a $268,254 grant aimed at combatting homelessness. “I am glad that Cambria County is receiving this funding,” Burns said. “Homelessness is a growing problem across the country and even here in Cambria County, including the distressing situation of veterans’ homelessness. This money will help get people back on their feet while preventing others from being forced to live on the street.” The federal Emergency Solutions Grant was provided through the Department of Community and Economic Development. The funding may be used for rapid rehousing, street outreach, homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, homeless management information system and administrative costs. The ESG program is designed to assist people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness. ### Read more

 

Burns announces $1 million in state funding for local projects

(Dec 23, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 23 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced state grants totaling $1 million for economic development projects that will create jobs and also improve the quality of life for Cambria County residents. Burns worked to help secure $500,000 for Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and $500,000 for Mount Aloysius College from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program. According to Burns, Conemaugh Health System will use its grant to replace the Conemaugh Ebensburg Ambulatory Care Center with a new building. It is currently anticipated that the new center will be built on a site located on Route 22 between the intersections with Route 219 to the west and Admiral Perry Highway to the east. Specifically, this grant will assist in funding additional site development activities, and the steel, concrete, roof and glass portions of the overall project. Burns said Mt. Aloysius plans to use its grant to construct an addition to the Learning Center for Health Science and Technology and renovate 26,000 square feet of the existing building. The new addition will include labs, medical imaging and nursing simulation suites, classrooms, faculty offices and communal space for students. “I am glad to see the state making meaningful investments in our region,” Burns said. “From the jobs that will be created in the construction phase to the improvements being made for residents seeking access to Read more

 

Burns: Capitol shooting spree against Harrisburg police just before Christmas proves need for Blue Lives Matter legislation

(Dec 23, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Dec. 23 -- In the wake of a shooting spree that targeted police on the cusp of Christmas outside the state Capitol and left a female state trooper wounded by gunfire, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is imploring his legislative colleagues -- particularly Republicans who control the flow of legislation -- to act on his bill to make attacks on law enforcement a hate crime. Burns said that with the Dauphin County district attorney saying 51-year-old Ahmed Aminamin El-Mofty directly targeted police -- including shooting at a police car before himself being shot and killed by police -- it's time for everyone to get serious about doing more to protect those who protect the rest of us. "El-Mofty started his shooting spree at 4 p.m. just outside the state Capitol grounds, and did so by brazenly firing bullets into a police cruiser," Burns said. "If that doesn't get the attention of everyone in the General Assembly, I don't know what will. I implore all of my colleagues to finally get the message and help me do something to reverse this trend. In fact, I'm begging them at this point." Burns, who formed and became chairman of the Blue Lives Matter caucus nearly a year ago, is the prime sponsor of H.B. 158, which would make assaulting a police officer a hate crime, resulting in a one-degree increase in the criminal penalty. He has also sponsored separate legislation, H.B. 1857, which would stiffen the penalty Read more

 

Burns: House leaders should accept auditor general’s offer to help end harassment payouts

(Dec 21, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 21 – In the wake of revelations that the House of Representatives has paid more than $500,000 in taxpayer dollars to settle claims, state Rep. Frank Burns said legislative leaders should take state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale up on his offer to help end that practice. Burns, D-Cambria, said that just like DePasquale, a former Democratic colleague of his in the House, he was unaware of these payments being made and thinks the funding mechanism needs to end. “Like many of my current colleagues, I was shocked to find out that such payoffs have been made – and disheartened to see that as recently as 2015, a $248,000 payment was authorized to settle an employee’s sexual harassment claim against a legislator,” Burns said. “I think House leaders should accept Auditor General DePasquale’s help, without hesitation, to ensure this never happens again. “We can only act on what we know – not what we don’t know – and now that the cat is out of the proverbial bag, corrective measures need to be taken.” Burns said DePasquale has done similar work at the Philadelphia Parking Authority, acquiring expertise in this area that his office can use to assist the legislature in making necessary changes. “I agree wholeheartedly with Auditor General DePasquale and I’m extremely disappointed to find out that such payments were authorized," Burns said, "The burning question I Read more

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And remember to apply for a 2016 Property Tax/Rent Rebate by Jan. 2

(Dec 20, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

Santa and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year! The holiday season is one of Peace, Joy and Happiness, and I wish that for each of you. Now is also a good time to remind you of the Jan. 2 deadline to file a 2016 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application. This program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The maximum standard rebate i ... s $650, but supplemental rebates can boost rebates to $975. Contact my office at (814) 472-8021 for free help in applying. Read more

 

2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar

(Dec 15, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

Click here and download Rep. Burns' 2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar. Read more

 

Burns’ offices to be toy drop-off locations through Dec. 18

(Dec 08, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

My offices in Lower Yoder Township, Ebensburg and Portage are again serving as toy drop-off locations for Johnstown-based Cuddles for Kids . Founded by 10-year-old Conner Hagins in 2006, Cuddles for Kids has donated tens of thousands of new stuffed animals, children’s books and toys to hospitals and children advocacy groups. Conner started doing this so hospitalized children would have something to cuddle with when their parents were not with them, to help ease their fears. His reach has expanded over the years, but we’re glad to assist in his continued mission of helping less-fortunate kids. Through Dec. 18, you can drop off items at these 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 While visiting any of these offices, it’s also a good time for you to ask questions or obtain information and help concerning a variety of state programs, including the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. We invite and welcome your inquiries on those and other state-related matters. Feel free to phone, visit or email us any time. Read more

 

Parents of school bullies would face up to $500 fine, community service under Burns bill
Mar 12, 2018

Burns: Child safety anchors ‘Breakfast with the Easter Bunny’ on March 31
Mar 05, 2018

Burns: Cambria County to receive ATV grant
Mar 02, 2018

Burns demands governor, corrections department confiscate deadly boots from state prison inmates
Feb 28, 2018

Burns' letters to Gov. Wolf, Secretary Wetzel on inmate boots
Feb 28, 2018

Burns stands with prison guards, calls for total ban on heavy work boots for inmates
Feb 27, 2018

Burns announces more than $340,000 in local fire department, EMS grants
Feb 14, 2018

Burns: $440,905 grant to aid Portage streetscape project
Feb 08, 2018

Commonwealth Financing Authority accepting applications, Burns' office can help
Feb 02, 2018

Burns: Pa. Health Department offering free flu shots Feb. 5 in Johnstown, Feb. 6 in Ebensburg
Jan 31, 2018

Burns announces recycling grant opportunity
Jan 30, 2018

Burns’ bill to rename bridge after WWII hero is first to pass House in 2018
Jan 24, 2018

Burns: H of R Scholarship application deadline March 1
Jan 09, 2018

Cambria County awarded nearly $270,000 emergency grant
Jan 03, 2018

Burns announces $1 million in state funding for local projects
Dec 23, 2017

Burns: Capitol shooting spree against Harrisburg police just before Christmas proves need for Blue Lives Matter legislation
Dec 23, 2017

Burns: House leaders should accept auditor general’s offer to help end harassment payouts
Dec 21, 2017

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And remember to apply for a 2016 Property Tax/Rent Rebate by Jan. 2
Dec 20, 2017

2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar
Dec 15, 2017

Burns’ offices to be toy drop-off locations through Dec. 18
Dec 08, 2017