News Center

Prestigious PA House scholarship now accepting applications

(Jan 03, 2020) Rep. Frank Burns

The program, which is privately funded, awards a four-year scholarship to two students. Read more

 

Burns: $493K grant to reengage youth from justice system into workforce

(Dec 20, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Program will help troubled teens and young adults get on the path toward gainful, sustainable employment. Read more

 

Burns: ATV grants to boost tourism, outdoor recreational opportunities

(Dec 19, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Dec. 19 – Residents and visitors to Cambria County will benefit from a state grant to maintain a premier outdoor recreational trail system, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said Rock Run Recreation, an ATV recreation park located in northern Cambria and southern Clearfield counties, will receive $121,300 in funds from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resource’s ATV grant program to purchase equipment to maintain 140 miles of ATV outdoor trails and conduct educational programs on ATV use. “Making these investments boosts the economic impacts of our region, encouraging visitors and residents alike to enjoy the wonderful outdoor recreation opportunities available at Rock Run,” Burns said. “Bringing these tax dollars and reinvesting them into the community ensures these opportunities can be enjoyed for years to come.” DCNR’s ATV grant program can be used to purchase land, develop plans and surveys, construct and maintain ATV trails, buy equipment, and conduct ATV-related educational opportunities. More information on the grant can be found by clicking here. Read more

 

Burns: Many state grant opportunities available

(Dec 17, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Dec. 17 – Counties, nonprofits and municipalities should consider applying for a variety of competitive state grant programs, including several with upcoming deadlines, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said he has consistently provided state grant information to eligible entities as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities, and will continue to encourage them to apply for these state funds. “Cambria County has received over $21 million this year alone toward efforts to keep our residents safe, providing educational opportunities for students and workers, and supporting organizations that help those in need,” Burns said. “I highly encourage you to contact my office if you feel you may be eligible for these grants, and we can assist you with the application process.” Burns added that Charlie Vizzini, who serves as an interim grant-writing liaison in his Ebensburg office, can be reached at 814-472-8021 to provide information and help in applying for the following grants: Pennsylvania Department of Education: PAsmart – Advancing Computer Science and STEM Education Grants Eligibility : School districts, career and technology centers, charter schools, cyber charter schools, intermediate units, postsecondary institutions and public libraries. Each proposal must have a lead applicant, a fiscal agent and a partnership. Use : Collaborative efforts with business, Read more

 

Burns: Three vehicles filled with donated items for annual food drive to benefit Dorothy Day Outreach Center

(Dec 12, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

LORETTO, Dec. 12 – Three vehicles filled with more than 2,500 donated food items – with nearly half of that amount donated by a local school – were delivered today to the Dorothy Day Outreach Center at St. Francis University to help local families in need, state Rep. Frank Burns announced. Burns, D-Cambria, said more than 1,350 items were donated by the Portage Area Junior Senior High School, thanks to a competition put on by that school’s Interact Club. “In late October, we began asking for food donations, and people across the region, including Portage Junior Senior High School, Cambria County Christian School, and Saint Benedict School in Carrolltown, stepped up to help,” said Burns. “There’s no way we could have done this without the community’s assistance and support.” The Dorothy Day Outreach Center explained how the organization relies on the kindness of others to help those in need, especially during the holiday season. “We are so grateful to everyone in the community for their generosity,” said Brother Gabriel Amato, Franciscan Friar of the Third Order Regular and director of the center. “Our food pantry is open all year and we rely so closely on the kindness of others to help keep our shelves stocked. Thanks to Representative Burns and his staff in supporting this food drive once again. We will be able to help more local families who need our assistance, Read more

 

Burns: Cambria County to receive nearly $150,000 in funding to support opioid addiction treatment

(Dec 11, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Dec. 11 – In a two-pronged effort to curb recidivism and reduce crime, Cambria County has been awarded $149,990 in funds from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for a program designed to provide treatment to offenders with substance abuse addiction, including opioids, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the funds will support the Cambria County Jail 360 Assistance program, which provides comprehensive drug treatment services to offenders with drug addiction, with the goal of reducing recidivism among those offenders. "Since I first came into office, I have consistently fought against this scourge of addiction, as I have seen first-hand how devastating opioid abuse has been in our communities across Cambria County,” Burns said. “These funds will ensure that offenders can effectively kick their addiction and have a greater chance of being productive members of society, once they’ve done their time.” The grant was approved during the commission’s quarterly meeting today. PCCD provides planning, coordination and technical assistance to the state’s criminal justice system and serves as a clearinghouse for state and federal grants to support criminal and juvenile justice efforts, including supporting victims of crime. Read more

 

Burns: $4.6 million in grants available to connect employers with job seekers, create new job opportunities

(Dec 04, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Dec. 4 – Local workforce development boards, industry organizations, nonprofits and local education agencies are among those that state Rep. Frank Burns is encouraging to apply for a grant designed to create more opportunities for workers to boost their job skills and increase their earning potential. Burns, D-Cambria, said approximately $4.6 million in grants is available through the PAsmart Next Generation Industry Partnership program, which connects multiple employers in the same industry with students, workers and job seekers in a variety of fields, including: advanced manufacturing agriculture and food production bio medical and health care building and construction business services education energy hospitality logistics and transportation real estate finance and insurance. “Job training is critical to Cambria County’s economic development and growth. Connecting employers, educators and workers within an industry benefits our entire region by making businesses more competitive and workers better trained and compensated,” Burns said. “I encourage business organizations, nonprofits and other entities to consider applying for this grant.” In addition to the entities previously mentioned, eligible applicants can also include labor and economic development organizations, libraries and post-secondary education Read more

 

Burns invites ExxonMobil to scout Cambria County for plant location

(Dec 02, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Dec. 2 – Offering firm assurance that Pittsburgh’s mayor doesn’t speak for the entire region, state Rep. Frank Burns has invited ExxonMobil Chairman and CEO Darren Woods to scout Cambria County as a possible location for a petrochemical plant. Burns, D-Cambria, believes no elected official in western Pennsylvania should scoff at a potential billion-dollar investment that could create thousands of good-paying, family sustaining jobs in an area still reeling from heavy losses in the steel, coal and manufacturing industries. “You may have heard Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto announce his opposition to the construction of additional petrochemical cracker plants in Western Pennsylvania,” Burns said in a letter to Woods . “Let me assure you – Mayor Peduto doesn’t speak for all of Western Pennsylvania. While he may not want the area to become ‘the petrochemical/plastics center’ of the United States,’ I am committed to fighting for jobs and economic growth in my county.” Burns also notified the ExxonMobil top executive that Cambria County now offers up to 375 acres of Keystone Opportunity Zone, a powerful economic development tool that offers substantial state and local tax incentives to induce job creation. Burns, a driving force behind the Cambria KOZ’s inclusion as part of this year’s budget package, has used his pulpit as an elected official to tout its merits, Read more

 

Burns: Several state grant opportunities available

(Nov 26, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 26 – Counties, nonprofits, and municipalities should consider applying for a variety of competitive state grant programs, including some with December deadlines, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said since taking office, he has consistently provided state grant information to eligible entities as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities, and will continue to encourage them to apply for these state funds. “To date, these state grants have provided over $21 million to assist Cambria County, including criminal justice efforts, supporting organizations to help those in need, and helping local businesses,” Burns said. “If you feel you may be eligible, contact my office and we will walk you through the process for any grant application.” Burns said Charlie Vizzini, who serves as an interim grant-writing liaison in his Ebensburg office, can be reached at 814-472-8021 to provide information and help in applying for the following grants: Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs: Police Diversion to Treatment Eligibility : Single county authorities (county drug and alcohol offices). Use : To establish or expand a treatment diversion program for individuals with an opioid use disorder who are arrested. Funds : Up to $400,000. Application Deadline : Dec. 5 More Information : Click on Read more

 

Burns: $3.5 million in job training grants for students available

(Nov 26, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 26 – State Rep. Frank Burns is encouraging local workforce development boards to apply for a special internship program that provides students and young adults with job training and relevant work experience Burns, D-Cambria, said a total of $3.5 million in federal funds is available through the 2020 State/Local Internship Program, which provides eight-week, full-time paid work experiences to teens and young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 in several industries, including manufacturing, health care, business services, logistics, transportation and information technology. The SLIP will operate for eight weeks, beginning May 1 and Aug. 28, 2020. “Job training is a crucial element in economic development and this program is another key step in getting the trained workforce we’ll need for the economic opportunities that are coming,” Burns said. “Helping student land hands-on work experience is exactly what Cambria County needs to continue building our region back to what it once was.” Last year, the SLIP placed more than a thousand youth and young adults in summer internships at more than 600 worksites across Pennsylvania. The SLIP is 100% funded through federal money, made available from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Local workforce development boards are encouraged to apply for funding. Businesses or other entities interested in applying must submit applications through their local Read more

 

Letter inviting ExxonMobil CEO to visit, consider Cambria County

(Nov 26, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Unlike the mayor of Pittsburgh, who rejects new jobs in the petrochemical/plastics industry, I am inviting ExxonMobil's CEO to consider Cambria County for such a plant. Read more

 

Burns: Upcoming Holiday Open House events

(Nov 25, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 25 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, today announced that he will host four holiday open house events next month for residents. The dates, times and locations are as follows: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Patton Office , 405 Park Ave., Patton . 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, Ebensburg Office, 119 S. Center St., Ebensburg . 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, Lower Yoder Office, 535 Fairfield Ave., Lower Yoder Township. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, Portage Office, 112-A Munster Road, Portage. “The holiday season is a great time for us take a moment out of the hustle and bustle and spend time with our friends and neighbors,” Burns said. “I enjoy these events, as they’re a great opportunity for my staff and me to meet with members of the community, make new friends, and learn about the ways we can best work to ensure state government is working for them here in Cambria County.” Burns said light refreshments will be available during the open house events. In addition, Burns’ staff will be on-hand to assist constituents with any questions they might have about state resources and programs. Through Dec. 20, constituents are reminded that all four of Burns’ district offices are taking part in a toy drive to help local families in need. The offices will be accepting donations of new toys, stuffed Read more

 

Liquor Licensee Newsletter - Restaurants (Fall 2019)

(Nov 25, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Fall 2019 Liquor Licensee Newsletter - Restaurants Read more

 

Burns launches Christmas toy drive

(Nov 22, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 22 – State Rep. Frank Burns is inviting residents to drop off donations of new toys at any of his offices to help children in need, beginning Dec. 1. Burns, D-Cambria, said he and his staff will be accepting donations at his offices in Lower Yoder Township, Ebensburg, Patton and Portage through Dec. 20, with donated items benefitting local children. “This is a great opportunity to help local families who may be struggling financially during the holiday season, and I encourage those are able to donate to drop off a toy to at any of my district offices.” Donations of toys, including new stuffed animals, books, puzzles, games and coloring books can be dropped off at the following 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 405 Park Ave. Patton, PA 16668 For more information, contact any of Burns' offices. Read more

 

Letter to the editor: Continuing fight to keep center open

(Nov 22, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

When the Ebensburg State Center was threatened with closure two years ago, my office sprung into action, mobilizing its 702 workers and the families of the 200-plus severely disabled adults that call the center home. We successfully beat back a House bill that would have shut it down forever.That was a legislative victory, but new tactics will be needed to combat the Wolf administration’s strategy that sidesteps the Legislature. Read more

 

Burns: Justice is coming for victims of child sexual abuse

(Nov 21, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 21 – Making good on his pledge to bring justice to victims in Cambria County, state Rep. Frank Burns supported legislation today that would expand the statute of limitations to allow child sex abuse victims to see justice. Burns, D-Cambria, hugged his colleague, state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks, after the passage of H.B. 962 , which would eliminate the criminal statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse and extend the civil statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse until the victim reaches age 55. “For more than three years, we have tirelessly worked to bring justice to these victims. They suffered unimaginable, heinous abuse by people they thought they could trust, but who ultimately preyed on them as children,” Burns said. “As a graduate of Bishop McCort, these victims were my classmates; they were my friends. It was a dark day when the state attorney general’s grand jury report revealed widespread child sex abuse and cover-ups in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. But today was a turning point in the way state lawmakers view victims of child sexual abuse and I look forward to the governor’s signature on the bill.” A separate bill, H.B. 963 , which passed the House in April and in the Senate yesterday, would amend the state constitution to allow for a retroactive window for victims to sue predators, if voters approve it. That retroactive period would apply to others, including Read more

 

Burns’ bill guaranteeing in-state tuition for military families passes key Senate committee vote

(Nov 20, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 20 – Closing a loophole to guarantee in-state tuition rates for military families in Pennsylvania moved one step closer to becoming law following a Senate committee vote today, state Rep. Frank Burns announced. Burns, D-Cambria, said his bill was unanimously approved in the state Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee and would guarantee in-state tuition rates for military families as soon as a student enrolls in a public college or university – regardless of whether their military parent is later reassigned out of state. “These students shouldn’t be penalized because their parents chose to join the armed forces and, through no fault of their own, are reassigned to another state,” Burns said. “They shouldn’t have to pay higher tuition rates for serving our country. We owe our military families a debt of gratitude, not higher student debt.” Currently, Burns said dependents of military personnel in Pennsylvania who enroll at a public college or university in Pennsylvania are charged in-state tuition rates. However, the U.S. Department of Defense found some students lost that in-state rate due to a parent’s reassignment outside of Pennsylvania, between the day the student was accepted to the college or university and the first day of the semester. House Bill 1050, which has support from both parties, now heads to the full Senate for further consideration. Read more

 

Burns: Sign up by Dec. 4 for bus trip to Capitol on Dec. 10

(Nov 18, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

EBENSBURG, Nov. 18– State Rep. Frank Burns is hosting a $48-per-person bus trip to the state Capitol on Tuesday, Dec. 10 which will include a tour of the Capitol and lunch, along with a visit to Hollywood Casino. The bus will make a pickup at the Big Lots in Ebensburg before 8 a.m. Burns, D-Cambria, said interested residents 21 years of age or older must call his Portage office at (814) 736-7339 to make a reservation. The $48 cost includes the tour and casino trip, round-trip transportation, lunch, and a $35 casino voucher. “This yearly holiday event is a great way to enjoy the state Capitol as it’s decorated for Christmas,” Burns said. “It truly puts everyone in the holiday spirit.” Read more

 

Burns: $500,000 in state funds to support, protect parks, recreational opportunities

(Nov 14, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

Cambria County will benefit from several state grants to protect area parks and trails for residents to enjoy, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Read more

 

Burns: $1.7 million in state grants awarded to modernize airport, improve pedestrian safety

(Nov 12, 2019) Rep. Frank Burns

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – A total of $1.74 million in state funds to provide needed airport upgrades and also provide pedestrian safety improvements and repairs in Portage Borough, Cambria County, were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the two projects funded by the CFA funds will accomplish the following: $1.45 million in funds to provide interior and exterior improvements to three hangars at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, including asbestos abatement, HVAC modernization and replacement of hangar doors and metal roofs and gutters. The funds will also be used to remove and repave pavement. Once renovations are completed, the hangars will be used as an operations center for a charter business, a charter aircraft maintenance facility and a primary hangar. In addition, a building adjacent to the hangar will be renovated for use as office space, a business center and a conference room. $298,165 to Portage Borough for the third phase of a streetscape program along Main Street to provide enhanced pedestrian safety repairs in the borough’s central business district, including new curbs, sidewalks, ADA-compliant ramps, decorative brick buffer strips and street lighting. “I remain committed to bringing money back to our area for projects like these to improve safety, enhance overall quality of life, and to also encourage strong, Read more

 

Prestigious PA House scholarship now accepting applications
Jan 03, 2020

Burns: $493K grant to reengage youth from justice system into workforce
Dec 20, 2019

Burns: ATV grants to boost tourism, outdoor recreational opportunities
Dec 19, 2019

Burns: Many state grant opportunities available
Dec 17, 2019

Burns: Three vehicles filled with donated items for annual food drive to benefit Dorothy Day Outreach Center
Dec 12, 2019

Burns: Cambria County to receive nearly $150,000 in funding to support opioid addiction treatment
Dec 11, 2019

Burns: $4.6 million in grants available to connect employers with job seekers, create new job opportunities
Dec 04, 2019

Burns invites ExxonMobil to scout Cambria County for plant location
Dec 02, 2019

Burns: Several state grant opportunities available
Nov 26, 2019

Burns: $3.5 million in job training grants for students available
Nov 26, 2019

Letter inviting ExxonMobil CEO to visit, consider Cambria County
Nov 26, 2019

Burns: Upcoming Holiday Open House events
Nov 25, 2019

Liquor Licensee Newsletter - Restaurants (Fall 2019)
Nov 25, 2019

Burns launches Christmas toy drive
Nov 22, 2019

Letter to the editor: Continuing fight to keep center open
Nov 22, 2019

Burns: Justice is coming for victims of child sexual abuse
Nov 21, 2019

Burns’ bill guaranteeing in-state tuition for military families passes key Senate committee vote
Nov 20, 2019

Burns: Sign up by Dec. 4 for bus trip to Capitol on Dec. 10
Nov 18, 2019

Burns: $500,000 in state funds to support, protect parks, recreational opportunities
Nov 14, 2019

Burns: $1.7 million in state grants awarded to modernize airport, improve pedestrian safety
Nov 12, 2019