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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Click here and download Rep. Burns' 2018 Capitol Scenes Calendar. Read more
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
Rep. Frank Burns reports that the Pa. Outdoor Corps is offering paid work experience, job training and educational opportunities to young people who complete recreation and conservation projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands. Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 30 – State Rep. Frank Burns and Cambria County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $500 for information leading to an arrest of the person who broke Burns's office window at 119 S. Center St. According to police, early Saturday morning, around 2:13 a.m. someone was seen trying to break a window outside of Burns's office, before jumping into a nearby car, and fleeing down West Lloyd Street. The suspect is described as a white male, wearing a white shirt and carrying a black hoodie and the car he got into was reportedly a medium-to-small sized gray car. "I will not be intimidated by people with political agendas," Burns said. "Thankfully, this incident only involved property damage, but all crime should be taken seriously. Hopefully, this reward offer will help local law enforcement find the perpetrator so he can be punished." Burns said that the first pane of the office double pane window was broken and the second pane was cracked. Anyone with information about this incident should call Cambria County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-548-7500. Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 27 – As he’s voluntarily done every year, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, said he plans to once again donate the mandatory cost-of-living increase, or COLA, to local charities. “As a fiscally conservative representative who understands that our region is struggling and people are cutting back to make ends meet, I believe that the best use of this mandatory pay increase is to return it to the communities I serve,” Burns said. As prescribed by a law passed long before Burns was elected, state officials automatically receive a COLA increase, based on a cost-of-living index, effective Jan. 1. This year and in previous budget impasses, Burns also refused to accept a state paycheck until the annual state budget was finalized. He said that he’s traditionally gone without a paycheck as long as the state budget is unfinished, most notably during the nine-month impasse of 2015-16, as well as donated his automatic COLA to local charities, because of a strong belief that legislators should set an example. “I have always worked to put taxpayers first,” Burns said. “The legislature has a lot more work to do in order to make the state more accountable to taxpayers. Donating this mandatory increase is the right thing to do.” Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 17 – The state Department of Education has notified state Rep. Frank Burns, D- Cambria, that $100,000 in grants for the training and compensation of school resource and police officers will assist the Forest Hills and Central Cambria school districts. Burns said $60,000 is being awarded to the Adams Township Police Department, on behalf of the Forest Hills School District, while $40,000 is headed to the Central Cambria School District. Burns said the official notifications are expected to be sent today. “These state grants will help make schools safer, while providing a cost savings to local taxpayers,” Burns said. “I thank the Department of Education for these awards, and congratulate the recipients.” The money is coming from the Safe Schools School Police/Resource Officer Grant program. Applicants are eligible for a maximum individual grant of $60,000 for a School Resource Officer and $40,000 for a School Police Officer and the maximum amount per individual targeted grant is $20,000. Local police agencies and municipalities can apply and receive a grant but they must have prior consent of the governing board of the school to place school resource officers on the school’s premises. Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 13 – Remaining concerned about the facility’s future, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has invited Gov. Tom Wolf to join a group of legislators on a tour of the Ebensburg State Center arranged by the Department of Human Services for 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 17. Several weeks ago, Burns made note of his prior visit to the facility when he vowed to fight proposed legislation that would close the center, which serves nearly 225 mentally and physically disabled adults and employs more than 700 caregivers. Burns said he was invited to participate in the Nov. 17 tour, which was arranged at the request of other legislators, since the facility is located in Burns’ 72 nd Legislative District. Burns said he plans to attend but thought it wise to invite the governor as well. Burns said he took this course of action because, “As I have recently discovered that legislation may not be required in order to close the Ebensburg State Center or other facilities like it, the last thing we want is to wake up one morning and be blindsided with news that it’s a done deal.” In his letter to Wolf, Burns said, “I believe this tour would provide you with valuable insights as to the special challenges faced by some of the commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents and their families … and I can assure you that getting a firsthand look at the needs of its residents and the dedication of its staff is a fundamental step any Read more
Here's the letter I sent Gov. Wolf, inviting him to join a tour of the Ebensburg State Center requested by other elected officials. Read more
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535 Fairfield Ave.Johnstown (Lower Yoder Twp.), PA 15906-1803
P*: (814) 536-8400
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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