EBENSBURG, Nov. 13 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is hosting a $45-per-person bus trip to the state Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 12 that includes tours of the Capitol and nearby governor’s residence, along with a visit to Hollywood Casino. The bus will make pickups in Richland and Ebensburg before 9 a.m. and will leave Harrisburg for the return trip around 7:30 p.m. Burns said interested residents must call his Portage office at (814) 736-7339 to ensure that seats are still available and make a reservation. The $45 cost includes round-trip transportation, lunch, the three aforementioned destinations, and a $35 casino voucher. “Many 72 nd Legislative District residents have come to enjoy my yearly holiday bus trip to the Capitol, especially the splendidly decorated Capitol Christmas tree and governor’s residence,” Burns said. “It puts us in the Christmas mood and I look forward to experiencing this heartwarming event with them once again.” Read more
LORETTO, Nov. 6 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, collected donations for his annual food drive benefitting the Dorothy Day Center at St. Francis University. With the help of the community and the Penn Cambria School District, Burns filled two SUV’s and a van to capacity with donated food. “We started asking for donations last month,” Burns said. “People across the area really stepped up this year, including students and staff at Penn Cambria Middle and High Schools. We couldn’t have done it without them.” The Penn Cambria High School held a music concert last month and instead of asking for money at the door, they took food donations instead. The Dorothy Day Center explained how the organization relies on the kindness of others to help those in need, especially during the holiday season. “We have people who don’t make enough money to properly feed their family, and each year, we are so grateful to Representative Burns and his efforts to contribute to our cause,” said Dorothy Day Center Assistant Director Mary Adams. “Without his help with this food, we can’t do these special distributions.” Burns picked up donations at his offices in Ebensburg and Portage, as well as the Penn Cambria Middle School. “We like to do our part and make the holidays nice for everyone,” Burns said. Read more
The Altoona Mirror has endorsed passage of my bill that would stiffen penalties for fleeing the police whenever an officer or member of the public is killed or seriously injured. I thank them -- and agree with their position that, "Law-abiding state residents should demand nothing less." Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26 – Citing its blatant favoritism toward big corporate casino interests, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today voted against a hotly debated, 939-page gaming expansion bill pushed through the Republican-majority House with little time for thorough scrutiny. Burns said H.B. 271 wasn’t given to House members until Wednesday evening, giving rank-and-file members scant opportunity to dissect its voluminous contents. But from what could be ascertained on short notice, Burns said the bill fell short of gaining his approval because it didn’t include video poker for bars and clubs. “Once again, the legislature has sold out to corporate interest by choosing big casinos as the winners, leaving hardworking, small, mom-and-pop tavern owners behind. It’s a disgrace,” Burns said. “Video poker machine profits would have stayed in Pennsylvania and been spent here, having a multiplying effect on the economy. But setting up casinos to make even more money sends those profits to some corporate office that’s not in Pennsylvania.” Burns said the bill’s authorization of interactive gaming – called iGaming for short – for casinos basically puts a slot machine in everyone’s pocket via their smartphone, which means they can gamble anytime, anywhere. “That isn’t a wise or prudent expansion of gaming, and I fear its potential to harm those who are lonely, elderly or both,” Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 20 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, presented the 2nd Annual Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award to co-recipients Tiffany A. Jones and Conner C. Hagins, both of Johnstown, at a banquet last night. “These two young people exemplify the community-minded spirit found throughout the 72nd Legislative District and Cambria County,” Burns said. “It is an honor to recognize the many good works they unselfishly have performed over the years. Our communities are better because of their efforts.” Jones has been especially active in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where as a member of its Youth Group she’s volunteered to help people with yard work, painting, odd jobs and other home-related projects they cannot physically perform or afford. Jones has traveled to a remote part of Peru to deliver toiletries and other items to a village where they conducted a Bible School for youngsters. Her other volunteer activities include Relay for Life to fight cancer, packing boxes for a food pantry, helping with volunteer fire company bingo, and becoming a Junior Firefighter and auxiliary member. Jones has completed Emergency Management Technician training and is waiting to take the written half of the certification, before starting classes at Penn Highlands Community College this fall. Hagins started Cuddles for Kids more than a decade ago, and the nonprofit charity has donated 107,000 items worth an estimated $500,000 to Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 18 – Largely because of its heavy reliance on borrowing $1.5 billion against future tobacco settlement funds, state Rep. Frank Burns was a resounding “no” vote on Tuesday night’s revenue bill, which passed the House 102-88. Burns, D-Cambria, was one of 42 Democrats to vote against H.B. 542, citing his belief that large-scale borrowing, which has to be paid back with interest, doesn’t equate to sound fiscal management. “I don’t even own a credit card because I know the dangers in borrowing money to pay debt,” Burns said. “I’m in Harrisburg to represent the 72 nd Legislative District, and my constituents don’t want the state borrowing money that they, their children and their grandchildren will have to repay.” Further, Burns said the revenue bill – technically known as a tax code bill – also contains $85 million in tax hikes in obscure areas, such as fireworks sales and changes to the withholding of rent, royalty and other income paid to non-residents of Pennsylvania. “Even though Republicans handily control the legislature, with 121 votes in the House and 34 in the Senate, due to their own internal disagreements they have for months failed to deliver a plan to fund the budget they moved through the process back in June,” Burns said. “The Senate still needs to agree to what the House approved last night, which means it’s still not a done Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 18 – Continuing his trend of securing state funding for vital infrastructure development, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced $10.57 million in low-interest loans for two huge projects in the 72 nd Legislative District. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Ebensburg Municipal Authority is getting $9 million for sanitary sewer improvements, including replacement of 60,500 feet of main line piping, while Reade Township will receive $1.57 million to replace 10,000 feet of water line and 420 residential meters. Burns said the awards were finalized today by the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Authority, commonly known as Pennvest. “I thank the Pennvest board for continuing to support projects of this type, because such funding is crucial for these improvements to see the light of day,” Burns said. “The real beneficiaries are going to be the 3,148 people in Ebensburg and 1,746 residents of Reade Township whose sewer and water service, respectively, will be greatly enhanced.” Burns said that addressing his district’s outdated infrastructure has been one of his top priorities since taking office, and the $10.57 million announced today will be added to the long list of projects made possible by state funding during his tenure. Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 16 – Moved by the case of a 29-year-old patrolman who jumped a fence while chasing three armed robbery suspects, then fell 15 feet and died of a head injury, state Rep. Frank Burns wants to stiffen the penalties for those whose fleeing or attempt to elude law enforcement injures or kills an officer. Burns, D-Cambria, has introduced H.B. 1857 , which would raise the penalty for fleeing a police officer by motor vehicle from a second-degree misdemeanor to a third-degree felony, while creating a new first-degree felony offense for seriously injuring or killing an officer while fleeing. Additionally, because not all suspects flee by vehicle, Burns’ bill would expand the offense of resisting arrest to include fleeing or eluding an officer no matter the mode of transportation – and make it a first-degree felony if doing so causes serious injury or death to the officer. “As a member of the Blue Lives Matter Caucus, I believe we need to do all we can to protect those who serve and protect us,” Burns said. “By increasing the penalties for resisting arrest, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, it is my hope that suspects will think twice before endangering these public servants.” Burns said he took up this cause after being contacted by the mother of John Wilding, the aforementioned patrolman for the Scranton Police Department who fell to his death in 2015 while pursuing suspects on foot after they crashed Read more
Fighting the proposed closure of the Ebensburg State Center, which provides specialized care for the severely disabled, and details for my annual Veterans Day Luncheon on Nov. 12 highlight my October newsletter. Read more
State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is inviting our nation’s heroes to his annual Veterans Day Luncheon. Those wishing to attend must RSVP no later than Nov. 3. Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, reminds landowners that the state is making $1 million in grant money available for planting trees along streams to improve water quality, while another $250,000 is being expended for snowmobile/ATV trails and projects. Burns said applications are being taken now through Dec. 20 for these Community Conservation Partnership Program grants through the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He urged anyone who needs help applying to contact his Ebensburg office at (814) 472-8021. “Pennsylvania has a goal of planting nearly 100,000 acres of streamside buffers by 2025, to improve water quality, slow down runoff and reduce sedimentation and fertilizer pollution,” Burns said. “Eligible snowmobile/ATV trail projects include acquisition, planning, development, rehabilitation or maintenance of designated routes on land for motorized recreation activities – including the purchase of related equipment.” Burns said individual landowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, local governments and educational institutions are all eligible for the buffer grants, but must be prequalified. Information about how to prequalify is available online on the DCNR grant portal, available at https://www.grants.dcnr.state.pa.us/Dashboard/Grants . Funding for snowmobile/ATV projects is through the ATV Management Restricted Account and the Snowmobile Management Restricted Account, both Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 3 – In conjunction with the month-long food drive being held at his constituent service offices, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will sponsor a food collection event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Ebensburg Walmart, 300 Walmart Drive. Burns and his staff will be collecting nonperishable food donations, which will be added to items collected throughout October at his four offices, located at: 535 Fairfield Ave., Johnstown (Lower Yoder Township). 119 S. Center St., Ebensburg. 112-A Munster Road, Portage. 405 Park Ave., Patton. "This is an opportunity for folks in the 72 nd Legislative District to help their neighbors who aren’t as fortunate,” Burns said. “All donations will be forwarded to an outreach center located at St. Francis University that is dedicated to serving local families who are in need.” Please call the Ebensburg office at (814) 472-8021 for more information. Read more
The idea on how to hold 'Big Pharma' accountable for its role in the opioid crisis is the featured item of my August newsletter. Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 27 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is announcing the co-recipients of the 2017 Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award – Tiffany A. Jones and Conner C. Hagins, both of Johnstown. Those 72 nd Legislative District residents will be honored at the 2 nd Annual Charlie Vizzini Award banquet, scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Noon-Collins Inn, 114 E. High St., Ebensburg. The award is named after Charlie Vizzini, who amassed more than 8,000 hours by volunteering in Burns’ legislative office – fielding more than 1,000 constituent service matters and saving taxpayers an estimated $80,000. “Through this award, we’re trying to recognize someone in the district who has volunteered to make the community a better place,” Burns said. “In reviewing this year’s nominations, there is no question that Tiffany and Conner fit that bill. They are fine examples of being unselfish and contributing to the well-being of others.” According to her nomination essay, Jones has been especially active in St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where as a member of its Youth Group she’s volunteered to help people with yard work, painting, odd jobs and other home-related projects they cannot physically perform or afford. Jones has traveled to a remote part of Peru to deliver toiletries and other items to a village where they conducted a Bible School for youngsters. Her other volunteer Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 25 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will partner with Seniors for Safe Driving to offer a state Transportation Department-approved class at the Portage Senior Center that could earn participants a 5 percent automobile insurance discount for three years. Burns said the discount, mandated by state law, is one benefit of the $16 class scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, the other being that it sharpens awareness for older drivers. “My office has offered these classes in the past and we’ve had a great reception,” Burns said. “Any time we can do something to save seniors some money, while helping them learn to stay safer behind the wheel, we’ll do it.” The Portage Senior Center is located at 505 Farren St. in Portage. 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 allows them to refresh driving techniques, regain lost confidence and develop a positive driving attitude. Anyone desiring to register or obtain more information is asked to contact Burns’ Portage office at (814) 736-7339. More information on the program can also be found at www.SeniorsForSafeDriving.com or by calling 800-559-4880. Read more
Seniors can get a 5 percent discount on automobile insurance by taking a $16 class Oct. 27 at the Portage Senior Center. Call my office at (814) 736-7339 register. Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 20 – Saying more than 700 jobs and specialized care for nearly 225 mentally and physically disabled adults are at stake, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is vowing to lead the fight against a bill that would close the Ebensburg State Center . Burns said H.B. 1650, authored by Republican state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff of Centre County, would mandate closure of all five of Pennsylvania’s remaining intermediate care facilities by 2023 – including the one in Ebensburg. Burns said that while he understands the desire to cut costs by moving these residents to home- and community-based settings, he has a deep desire to make sure that the voices of family members are heard before any systemic change is made. “As someone who has visited the Ebensburg facility, I have witnessed the care needs of its residents and heard from many grateful family members,” Burns said. “The current staff does an excellent job dealing with adults who have very serious mental and physical disabilities – and for whom ‘round-the-clock care’ is not just a phrase, but a reality. “Before we go changing a system that has literally kept people alive, sometimes beyond medical expectation, there should be a full vetting and support from all stakeholders – starting with those who have loved ones in the Ebensburg State Center.” Burns said while the bill’s passage does not appear to be imminent – it Read more
EBENSBURG, Aug. 31 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is urging municipalities to contact his office for help in applying for state grants to assist with traffic signal and rail freight upgrades. Burns said the grant programs, operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, are: The Green Light-Go Program, which provides approximately $40 million annually to assist municipalities with improvements and upgrades to their traffic signal operations, and will accept applications from Sept. 2 through Nov. 9. The 2017 Rail Transportation Assistance Program and Rail Freight Assistance Program, which provide financial assistance for investment in rail freight infrastructure, and will accept applications from Sept. 1 through Sept. 29. “This money is going to be awarded – but to get some of it, you’ve got to apply by the deadlines,” Burns said. “As an elected official, I’ve made it one of my missions to inform everyone in the 72 nd Legislative District of these grant opportunities and to offer my office’s help in the application process.” Toward that end, Burns recently replaced a retiring legislative staffer with Brittany Blackham, an experienced grant writer whose expertise in that area is being offered free to municipalities in Burns’ district. Anyone interested in obtaining grant-seeking help or direction is asked to contact Burns’ office at (814) 472-8021. Burns said additional Read more
EBENSBURG, Aug. 15 – Pending submission and approval of final paperwork, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, has notified the Cresson Volunteer Fire Co. it will receive a $129,000, low-interest loan through the State Fire Commissioner’s Office to buy a new pumper truck. Burns said the state funding will go toward purchase of a 2018 KME Predator pumper that has a 1,000-gallon tank and a 2,000-gallon-per-minute pump. “I am proud to represent you in the 72 nd Legislative District. I know how important this grant is to you, and I wish you the best of luck with this and all future projects,” Burns wrote. Separately, Burns noted that he’s glad to see his legislative district being successful in obtaining such funding from the office headed by State Fire Commissioner Timothy Solobay, a former Democratic colleague of Burns’ in the state House. Read more
Here's my letter notifying the Cresson Volunteer Fire Co. of the approval of a $129,000, low-interest state loan for their purchase of a new pumper truck. Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates.
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email Rep. Frank Burns.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.
535 Fairfield Ave.Johnstown (Lower Yoder Twp.), PA 15906-1803
P*: (814) 536-8400
F*: (814) 533-2368
Hours of Operation - Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
123 West High StreetEbensburg, PA 15931-1538
P*: (814) 472-8021
F*: (814) 472-1965
332 Main CapitolPO Box 202072Harrisburg, PA 17120-2072
P*: (717) 772-8056