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Burns: Attacks on police should be hate crimes

(Jan 11, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

More than 40,000 police officers are assaulted in the U.S. every year, according to this news story on my efforts to make these assaults hate crimes in Pennsylvania Read more

 

In trying times, law enforcement needs all the support it can get

(Jan 10, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

As Pennsylvania state police Trooper Landon Weaver was buried Jan. 5, my thoughts went beyond the bravery of the 23-year-old shot and killed while responding to a domestic dispute, just six months after graduating from the academy that produces some of the best-trained police officers in our nation. As the widow of this young trooper delivered a tearful eulogy inside the Blair County Convention Center, just one county to our east, the extent of destruction became evident. The couple’s dreams – buying a house, starting a family – would never come to fruition. I thought of permanent emotional scars his family, friends and fellow troopers would forever bear, and wondered how – and if – they would ever fully recover. It became clear to me that a 32-year-old gunman, with a lengthy rap sheet and a reported penchant for Facebook posts such as, “The only good cop is a dead cop,” had destroyed more than one innocent life by gunning down Weaver in Huntingdon County, located just two counties over. There was no uproar from the citizenry when the gunman, whose name I won’t mention because he doesn’t deserve even that, was later found in an unoccupied mobile home and shot dead after making threats and refusing police orders. Quite frankly, in a cold-blooded and nonsensical murder like Weaver’s, it’s easy to understand why most people in central Pennsylvania feel little remorse at the gunman’s passing. Reading Read more

 

Burns elected chairman of Northwest Democratic Delegation

(Jan 05, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Jan. 5 – Coinciding with the start of his fifth term , state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has ascended to a House Democratic leadership role with his election as chairman of the Northwest Delegation. Burns, who previously served as the delegation’s vice chairman, immediately takes over for the outgoing chairman, state Rep. Mark Longietti of Mercer County, who remains a delegation member. “It’s quite an honor to be selected by my delegation peers for this position, as we continue speaking in a strong, unified voice on matters of mutual interest to the region we collectively represent,” Burns said. “Additionally, I believe we can present a united front on legislative issues and initiatives in some new and exciting ways. The old saying goes, ‘There is strength in numbers’ and I hope we as the Northwest Delegation can personify that.” Burns said he looks forward to devising strategy and promoting ideas with the rest of the Northwest leadership team: vice chairman Rep. Ryan Bizzarro of Erie County, secretary Rep. Scott Conklin of Centre County and treasurer Rep. Pat Harkins of Erie County. Other delegation members are: Reps. Bryan Barbin of Cambria County; Flo Fabrizio of Erie County; Michael K. Hanna Sr. of Clinton and Centre counties; Joseph A. Petrarca of Westmoreland, Armstrong and Indiana counties; and Christopher Sainato of Lawrence County. Read more

 

Burns begins fifth term as state representative, pledges to continue fiscally conservative ways

(Jan 03, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – At a ceremony at the state Capitol today, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, was sworn in to represent the 72nd Legislative District for a new two-year term in which he promised to hold fast to conservative fiscal principles. As the House chamber marked the beginning of the 201st legislative session, Burns said he plans to remain a stalwart against higher sales and income taxes, while supporting efforts to end fraud, waste and abuse in state spending. He also plans to focus highly on economic development, including full redevelopment of the former SCI-Cresson prison property. "I believe my constituents wholeheartedly support my public policy stances,” Burns said. “The people in the 72 nd Legislative District know that my priorities are their priorities – and they’ve given me a mandate to continue those battles in the upcoming legislative session." One of a handful of House Democrats who broke ranks to help end a nine-month budget stalemate in the last legislative session, Burns said he’s encouraged to hear that early proposals for the 2017-18 state spending plan do not seek hikes in the state sales or income tax. “While I philosophically hope budget negotiators can make do with cuts and efficiencies, I will reserve final judgment until I see exactly where these cuts and efficiencies are coming from,” Burns said, noting, “Stay tuned, because I have some of my own ideas on that.” Read more

 

Burns: Double length of time officials should wait to lobby after leaving office

(Jan 03, 2017) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Jan. 3 – Addressing an unsavory perception, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is seeking co-sponsors for a bill that would double to two years the length of time former officials or employees must wait before lobbying the government entity they left. Burns said current law mandates a mere one-year wait, which does little to combat the public belief that many government officials cash in on contacts made in their former jobs. “While the current law is a progressive step, the General Assembly should go further,” Burns said. “To protect the integrity and transparency of the commonwealth’s governmental bodies, my legislation would amend the law to require former officials or employees to wait two years. This cooling-off period would help stall government officials from cashing in on their former jobs.” Burns said many of his constituents in the 72 nd Legislative District are aligned with the belief that government officials are too self-serving, a trend he hopes to reverse by passage of the legislation he plans to introduce soon. “A proposal like this won’t get universal support, but I am confident it will be embraced by members on both sides of the aisle,” Burns said. “We need to do something to put the ‘public’ back in ‘public service.’” Read more

 

Corbett-era legacy: Third gasoline tax hike in four years coming Jan. 1

(Dec 19, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

With Pennsylvania’s gasoline tax of 51.4 cents per gallon already the highest in the nation – and another 8-cents-per-gallon hike set for Jan. 1 – it’s time to remind you that this is why I voted AGAINST the transportation bill that became Act 89 of 2013. In an attempt to stave off this latest increase, earlier this year I co-sponsored gasoline tax reduction legislation that would have abolished all future tax hikes based on the Act 89 formula. This is the third time in four years that you’re feeling pain at the pump from the Corbett-era tax hike. Contrary to what some wanted you to believe, I knew then that the “oil company franchise tax” wouldn’t be absorbed by the industry, but would instead be passed on to you at the pump. We all want better roads and bridges, but taxing you to raise $500 million a year for public transit – more than 90 percent of which goes to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- wasn’t and isn’t the best way to go. Those who use cars and trucks to get to and from work also shouldn’t be subsidizing “multi-modal” projects like bike paths to the tune of $144 million per year, which is another legacy of Act 89. I tried to keep this from happening – but unfortunately I was in the legislative minority on this issue. Read more

 

Burns mounting effort to ban lighters that look like toys

(Dec 19, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 19 – Hoping to follow at least 18 other states , state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, wants Pennsylvania to ban cigarette lighters that look like toys, feature a flashing light or make musical sounds, mostly so children aren’t enticed to start fires or be injured. Burns said these novelty lighters – already illegal in neighboring New York and New Jersey – are readily available at hardware and convenience stores and gasoline stations, and in the wrong hands are easily mistaken for toys. “While an adult may readily know to reserve these lighters for cigarettes, pipes or cigars, a toddler or youngster might not make that important distinction,” Burns said. “Too often, these confusing lighters contribute to unintentional fires and injuries to children and families. Sometimes, even adults are mistaken.” Burns cited these examples as stimulus for the bill he plans to introduce in January for the new, two-year legislative session: In Maine, a 6-year-old picked up a miniature baseball bat, thinking it might be a flashlight, and burned part of his face as the flame shot out. In Arkansas, two children under 2 died after setting fire to their apartment with a motorcycle-shaped lighter. In South Carolina, a woman shot herself in the hand while attempting to light a cigarette with what she thought was a pistol-shaped novelty lighter. Burns, who is currently seeking co-sponsors for his bill, said the upcoming Read more

 

‘Blue Lives’ do indeed matter

(Dec 15, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

By state Rep. Frank Burns Shortly after I announced my intention last summer to introduce a Blue Lives Matter bill making it a hate crime to assault law enforcement personnel, I was approached by a colleague on the House floor and asked, politely, to change the name. The implied message from this emissary, I knew, was that some folks in the legislature didn’t like what I was proposing and were subtly trying to get me to back off. After all, during my eight years in the House, I had never once tried to dissuade a fellow legislator from pursuing his or her chosen course, nor had I ever had it happen to me. I refused to budge – and am proud to say that ever since the July introduction of H.B. 2261, the response throughout the 72 nd Legislative District has been overwhelmingly positive. My constituents, like most Pennsylvanians, are aghast at the near-daily news report of police officers being targeted for attack and, in some cases, cold-blooded assassination. These days, there doesn’t even appear to be such a thing as a routine traffic stop. While that’s a sad commentary on where we are as a nation, it doesn’t change the fact that working in law enforcement appears more dangerous than ever. Some people have wrongly attempted to frame my effort as a racial issue. When I’ve been asked about this during interviews, I kindly issue a reminder that my bill would cover all police officers, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, religious Read more

 

WTAJ -- Lawmaker offers incentive for volunteer EMS

(Dec 15, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

According to a source in this WTAJ news story on my proposal to award state scholarships to volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, "Frank Burns gets it. He understands the urgent need to recruit more volunteer firefighters." Read more

 

Burns proposes scholarship program for fire company, ambulance service

(Dec 13, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 13 – Seeking to reward those working the front lines of emergency services, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, wants the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to award scholarships to fire company, ambulance service and rescue squad volunteers. Burns is seeking co-sponsors for his proposed Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship Act, which would authorize PHEAA to award the scholarships to eligible active members of the aforementioned groups. "We all know about the shortage of volunteers, particularly for fire departments, and this is one practical way to provide an inducement to undertake community service," Burns said. "Many of our smaller communities – where people pay their share of state taxes – can’t afford to pay for these services and thus rely on volunteers. Offering them scholarships through PHEAA is a novel and effective way to keep these services staffed." Burns said under his upcoming bill, applicants would be required to be a member of a volunteer organization for at least six months and maintain active volunteer status, have graduated from high school or have received a high school equivalency diploma. They would also have to enroll in a degree-producing curriculum at an institution of higher education within a 50-mile radius of the volunteer organization (or if none exists, the next-closest institution), be a legal resident of the commonwealth, maintain a minimum 2.0 grade-point Read more

 

Burns seeks co-sponsors for reintroduction of Blue Lives Matter bill

(Dec 06, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 5 – As promised after his initial bill failed to move through the Republican-led House last year, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is seeking co-sponsors from both parties for his planned reintroduction of a Blue Lives Matter bill in January. Burns’ legislation would classify crimes committed against law enforcement and corrections officers as hate crimes in Pennsylvania, something he believes is long overdue. His bill would add employment as a law enforcement officer to the categories of race, color, religion and national origin currently protected by the state’s hate crime law. “Law enforcement personnel have been singled out for attacks across the country, just because they wear the uniform,” Burns said. “While these incidents have taken place from Dallas to Des Moines, they also have hit close to home, with a suspect firing on two police officers in Canonsburg, Washington County, leaving one dead.” Mirroring his H.B. 2261 from the last legislative session, which had 22 co-sponsors, Burns’ upcoming bill would seek to give law enforcement officers of the commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, as well as corrections officers at state or county institutions, protected status under the state's ethnic intimidation law. Probation and parole officers also would be covered. Burns said his legislation has the support of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, which has Read more

 

Burns: Grant opportunity available to help with community, economic development

(Dec 05, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 5 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is informing 72 nd Legislative District entities that the Keystone Communities grant program is accepting fiscal year 2016-17 Round 2 applications through Jan. 25. Burns said eligibility is open to local governments, redevelopment and/or housing authorities, certain nonprofit organizations, community development corporations and business/neighborhood/downtown improvement districts (or similar organizations incorporated as authorities). “Anyone who thinks their agency could benefit from this state grant money should seriously look into applying,” Burns said. “If they need questions answered or any help along the way, my offices can assist.” Operated through the state Department of Community and Economic Development, this financial assistance tool can be used for such things as planning activities, facade grant programs, accessible housing programs and development grants. It encourages public and private sector partnerships, and allows communities to tailor assistance to meet specific revitalization efforts. Burns said communities may want to consider designation through the Keystone Communities program as a Keystone Main Street, Keystone Elm Street, Keystone Enterprise Zone or Keystone Community. More information on the program and how to apply is available at http://dced.pa.gov/programs/keystone-communities-program Burns’ district office in Ebensburg can be reached at Read more

 

Home heating assistance program accepting applications

(Nov 18, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 18 – The state's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is accepting applications for the winter season and state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, reminds eligible 72nd Legislative District residents to apply for the federally funded help. Burns said the program offers cash grants to help with home heating bills and crisis grants to help with emergency situations, such as a broken furnace or an unexpected fuel shortage. Applicants do not have to be on welfare to receive this help, nor will any lien be placed on a person's property if he or she receives this assistance. Currently, the maximum income allowed for eligibility based on household size is as follows: Household Size Maximum Income 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 $17,820 $24,030 $30,240 $36,450 $42,660 $48,870 $55,095 For each additional family member over seven, the maximum income limit increases by $6,240. "LIHEAP helps those who are struggling to heat their homes, often for reasons that are beyond their control," Burns said. "As with any state program, if you or someone you know is interested, please contact one of my offices for any help you may need with applying." Those offices are: Ebensburg, 119 S. Center St., (814) 472-8021; Portage, 112-A Munster Road, (814) 736-7339; Lower Yoder Township, 535 Fairfield Ave., (814) 536-8400; and Patton, 405 Park Ave. (9 a.m. to 2 Read more

 

Burns promotes grant opportunities for senior centers, natural gas pipelines

(Nov 17, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 17 – Urging 72nd Legislative District entities to apply, state Rep. Frank Burns is promoting separate state grant programs offering $2 million to senior community centers and $24 million for natural gas pipeline connections. "I urge everyone who thinks they might be eligible to consider applying – and to contact my offices if they need any help or clarification," Burns said. "This funding will be awarded to someone, but you’ve got to apply first." Burns said the senior community center funding, through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging with an application deadline of Dec. 12, will be awarded for enhancements that increase program participation, encourage sustainable and innovative programs, attract a new generation of older adults and enable senior community centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for participants. More information can be obtained by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/SeniorCommunityCenterGrants , emailing SCCgrants@pa.gov or calling Robert Cherry at (717) 772-1221. Separately, Burns said the state’s Pipeline Investment Program is offering grants of up to $1 million for "last-mile" projects that help build the infrastructure to connect existing gas supply with interested consumers. However, for this program, applicants must provide matching funds equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost. Burns said eligible PIPE funding applicants include businesses, economic Read more

 

Burns says local police shootings reinforce need for action on Blue Lives Matter bill

(Nov 10, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 10 – After this morning’s ambush of two police officers responding to a domestic disturbance call in western Pennsylvania, state Rep. Frank Burns said it reinforces the urgent need for the passage of his Blue Lives Matter bill. Burns said the incident in Canonsburg, Washington County , where a suspect opened fire on two police officers as they arrived at a house responding to a domestic disturbance, leaving one officer dead and the other injured, is the latest in a growing line of incidents where law enforcement is being targeted for harm. “We can't just sit here doing nothing, hoping that these tragedies won't happen,” Burns said. “The attacks on law enforcement are hitting close to home. There is a pressing need for this legislation to protect law enforcement and it needs to happen now.” Burns’ H.B. 2261 , introduced in July, would make such attacks a hate crime in Pennsylvania, with a commensurate stiffer penalty. The legislation has attracted 22 co-sponsors and is backed by the 40,000-member Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police. The bill would make employment as a law enforcement officer a covered class under Pennsylvania’s hate crimes law. It would stiffen penalties for assaulting a police, corrections, probation or parole officer – making the offense one degree higher than current law. “I've made numerous attempts to get a vote on the bill but so far that hasn’t Read more

 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8

(Nov 04, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 8. As a public service, this email contains a link to Cambria County's interactive map of polling places, so you can find yours if you're unsure. Just click below to read it. Read more

 

Burns plans reintroduction of Blue Lives Matter bill in January

(Nov 03, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 3 – Undeterred that the Republican-led House is leaving his Blue Lives Matter bill in committee to die upon expiration of the current legislative session, state Rep. Frank Burns plans to reintroduce the bill in January with a ramped-up passage effort. Introduced in July after a spate of purposeful attacks on police nationwide, Burns’ H.B. 2261 would make it a hate crime to assault a police, corrections, probation or parole officer. The bill was sent to the House Judiciary Committee, where it remains as the clock will run out on the current legislative session. “Under the rules, any proposed bills that don’t become law by the end of a two-year legislative session must be reintroduced in the next session, which is precisely what I intend to do,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “This matter is far too important to let fall by the procedural wayside, and I’m not going to give up easily.” Burns said unprovoked attacks on law enforcement have continued unabated, as witnessed by this week’s ambush-style murders of two police officers in Des Moines, Iowa . Burns said he agrees with that police department spokesman’s quote that, “There is a clear and present danger to police officers right now,” and is confident more members of the Pennsylvania state legislature will join him in pushing for Blue Lives Matter protections. Burns is seeking to add employment as a law enforcement officer a protected Read more

 

Burns announces $10.8 million for Lower Yoder Twp. sewerage project

(Oct 19, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Oct. 19 – In a move designed to improve public and aquatic health, state Rep. Frank Burns has announced $10.8 million in state funding for a Lower Yoder Township sewerage project that will replace 58,000 feet of rickety 65-year-old clay pipe. Burns said 1,233 customers and a population of 2,800, along with waterways St. Clair Run and the Conemaugh River, will see reduced wet-weather sewage overflows from work enabled by the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority’s $6.39 million loan and $4.49 million grant. "It’s extremely gratifying to see this nearly $11 million investment added to the more than $115 million I’ve helped deliver to the 72nd Legislative District over eight years," said Burns, D-Cambria. "I thank the Pennvest board for helping improve the quality of life in Lower Yoder Township and positioning it for the future growth that we all desire." Burns said rehabilitation and replacement of archaic brick manholes is also part of the project, which includes replacement of sewerage line laterals to within 5 feet of a property if the owner signs an easement. The need for a significant upgrade was detected, Burns said, after miniature closed-circuit television cameras inserted into the lines found many defects. "It became quite apparent that these old clay lines were a problem in need of correction, unless we wanted more sewage overflows in wet weather," Burns said. "That’s never Read more

 

Burns votes to rid Pennsylvania of sanctuary cities

(Oct 18, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Oct. 18 – Hoping to make it undesirable for some municipalities to turn a blind eye to unauthorized alien criminals, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, voted Monday for a bill that would withhold state funding and allow primarily cities to be sued if they continue the practice. Burns supported H.B. 1885, which passed the House 136-55 and had a Republican prime sponsor, because he believes it’s morally wrong to fail to detain and turn over such people to federal deportation authorities. “We are a society that’s built on having law and order, so it makes zero sense to purposely allow an entire group of people to slip through the cracks,” Burns said. “The safety and security of our citizens and law enforcement officers should not be compromised by self-perceived ‘do-gooders’ who are in actuality putting everyone at risk.” The bill supported by Burns would hold sanctuary municipalities liable for damages to people or property as a result of criminal activity by unauthorized aliens if: It has been determined by federal immigration officials that the person who engaged in the criminal activity is an unauthorized alien; The unauthorized alien is a resident of the sanctuary municipality; The unauthorized alien is convicted of the crime; and The criminal activity is a proximate cause of the injury. The bill also would prohibit restrictions that keep an official or employee of the municipality from: Read more

 

Keep Job Growth Growing

(Oct 06, 2016) Rep. Frank Burns

Pa. state Rep. Frank Burns welcomed the Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee to Ebensburg for a hearing on economic development. Burns asked the committee to come to Cambria County to talk about how to keep momentum going with job growth. The committee heard testimony from labor, business and government groups about what has worked in other areas and what is needed for Cambria County. Read more

 

Burns: Attacks on police should be hate crimes
Jan 11, 2017

In trying times, law enforcement needs all the support it can get
Jan 10, 2017

Burns elected chairman of Northwest Democratic Delegation
Jan 05, 2017

Burns begins fifth term as state representative, pledges to continue fiscally conservative ways
Jan 03, 2017

Burns: Double length of time officials should wait to lobby after leaving office
Jan 03, 2017

Corbett-era legacy: Third gasoline tax hike in four years coming Jan. 1
Dec 19, 2016

Burns mounting effort to ban lighters that look like toys
Dec 19, 2016

‘Blue Lives’ do indeed matter
Dec 15, 2016

WTAJ -- Lawmaker offers incentive for volunteer EMS
Dec 15, 2016

Burns proposes scholarship program for fire company, ambulance service
Dec 13, 2016

Burns seeks co-sponsors for reintroduction of Blue Lives Matter bill
Dec 06, 2016

Burns: Grant opportunity available to help with community, economic development
Dec 05, 2016

Home heating assistance program accepting applications
Nov 18, 2016

Burns promotes grant opportunities for senior centers, natural gas pipelines
Nov 17, 2016

Burns says local police shootings reinforce need for action on Blue Lives Matter bill
Nov 10, 2016

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8
Nov 04, 2016

Burns plans reintroduction of Blue Lives Matter bill in January
Nov 03, 2016

Burns announces $10.8 million for Lower Yoder Twp. sewerage project
Oct 19, 2016

Burns votes to rid Pennsylvania of sanctuary cities
Oct 18, 2016

Keep Job Growth Growing
Oct 06, 2016