EBENSBURG, Nov. 7 – In an effort to protect residents from being ripped off, today state Rep. Frank Burns has issued a warning about a phone scam involving Penelec customers. Burns, D-Cambria, said he was notified that scammers are calling Penelec customers telling them that they are behind on their bills and that if immediate payment isn’t made on their account over the phone, their energy service would be shut off immediately. “Penelec and its parent company, FirstEnergy, will only send customers written notices of a possible disconnection and how to prevent it and won’t call you to demand immediate payment,” Burns said. “Keep in mind that these scammers will use spoofing software on caller ID to make it appear that the calls are legitimate and coming directly from a reputable company. Please be mindful of any company calling you demanding payment or asking for sensitive information, like your Social Security number or your bank account information – that’s a clear red flag that the call is indeed a scam.” Burns added he has notified the state Attorney General’s office about this scam and is urging residents to contact Penelec directly with any concerns or questions about their bill at 1-800-545-7741. Concerned residents may also contact one of Burns’ district offices for assistance on this or any state-related matter: Ebensburg office: (814) 472-8021 Portage office: Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 7 – Ensuring the protection of waterways within Cambria County for future generations to enjoy is the primary goal behind two grants awarded by the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said a $50,000 state grant was awarded to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, which will provide for the construction of riparian forest buffers along the West Branch Susquehanna River watershed to protect against pollutants and reduce erosion and flooding. A $15,000 grant was also awarded to the Allegheny Ridge Corp. to prepare and print updated maps and a management plan for the Kiski-Conemaugh Water Trail. Both the water trail and the watershed run through Cambria County, Burns said. “I strongly support these worthwhile investments to protect our water quality and that will promote recreational opportunities for residents for years to come,” Burns said. “When we can bring back state dollars to reinvest into our communities, that benefits our quality of life and everyone wins.” DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation’s rivers conservation grants focus on conserving and protecting state waterways and outdoor recreational opportunities, including the installation of riparian buffers to improve the health and diversity of local ecosystems and to also develop long-term water quality management programs. More information can be found at this Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 6 – Municipalities, school districts, organizations and businesses should take note of a variety of competitive state grant programs with open application windows now through December, state Rep. Frank Burns announced. For several years, Burns, D-Cambria, said he has consistently provided state grant information to eligible entities and will continue to encourage them to apply as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities. “So far this year, these state grants have provided over $19 million to assist Cambria County in a variety of ways, from road repairs, to helping our schools with security needs and repairs, and to assist local businesses,” Burns said. “I strongly encourage anyone who believes they may be eligible to submit an application to reach out to my office for assistance, because you will never know until you try.” Burns said Charlie Vizzini, who is serving 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: Department of Environmental Protection: West Nile Virus County Grants Eligibility : A county authority (health department, conservation district, emergency management, county planning or another county agency) that was awarded a West Nile Virus grant in 2019 . Use : To perform mosquito pest management activities. Application Deadline : November 15 Read more
EBENSBURG, Nov. 4 – Residents and visitors traveling in Cambria County can rest easier following the completion of a much-needed road project to address serious safety issues, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said North Center Street – also known as old Route 219 – between Ebensburg and Carrolltown had been resurfaced using a new material several years ago. However, Burns said the material that was used caused the roadway surface to deteriorate and become extremely slick, which led to several constituents contacting his office. “After receiving several complaints, I contacted Tom Prestach from PennDOT District 9 about these safety concerns and urged him and his team to consider resurfacing the roadway to make it safer for residents and those who travel the road,” Burns said. “Despite some budgetary and road project challenges, PennDOT was able to work with my office to get the road fixed. “I truly appreciate Tom’s assistance in getting these needed repairs completed, and I also want to thank residents for their patience as we worked to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.” “The safety concerns with the roadway were brought to my attention and our district office worked diligently to address it,” said Thomas Prestash, P.E., district executive for PennDOT District 9. “We knew we had to act quickly and make sure the repairs were made before the winter driving Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 31 – Tired of outside interests trying to block economic growth and smother creation of good-paying jobs throughout western Pennsylvania, state Rep. Frank Burns is advising Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and the Philadelphia-based “Conservation Voters of PA” to stop sticking their noses in other people’s business. Burns, D-Cambria, said he is among those elected officials being criticized by “Conservation Voters of PA” for supporting job creation through petrochemical industry expansion, which he believes represents the region’s best chance to recover from the decades-long demise of the coal and steel industries. Burns also said that Peduto’s recent comment that as a region, “We do not have to become the petrochemical and plastics center of the U.S.” is borderline insane, given the potential for billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs with excellent wages and employee benefits. “I honestly think they’re all trying to block prosperity in Cambria County,” Burns said. “Mayor Peduto has never met a dollar’s worth of investment for Pittsburgh that he didn’t like, so who is he to speak for the rest of us now? And a front group from Philadelphia has no real or legitimate interest in deciding what’s best for people living on the other side of the state.” As part of his outreach to bring business and industry to Cambria Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 31 – With Veterans Day approaching, state Rep. Frank Burns will host a complimentary spaghetti lunch for veterans from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Cresson Volunteer Fire Co., 223 Ashcroft Ave. in Cresson. The luncheon is available to veterans who show proof of service, and guests of veterans are welcome to enjoy lunch with a $5 donation. To pre-register by tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 1, please call Burns’ Portage office at 814-736-7339. “My staff and I really enjoy hosting this annual event for our veterans to show our appreciation as a way to say thank you for the many sacrifices they have made in service to our nation,” Burns said. The luncheon will also provide veterans with the opportunity to ask questions and receive information about state programs and services. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 30 – Life-sustaining medical transportation would be kept in the hands of local providers, alleviating confusion for riders and instability for transit agencies, under legislation introduced by state Reps. Frank Burns and Margo Davidson. House Bill 2008 would remove a mandate in state law that requires public transit services for Medical Assistance recipients to shift to a regional or statewide contractor. Local transit agencies currently provide this transportation along with other shared rides and subsidized transportation options. Burns, D-Cambria, and Davidson, D-Delaware, noted that outsourcing to a third-party contractor adds a layer of bureaucracy and unnecessary confusion for users. Taking these trips out of local hands also creates financial strain for already cash-strapped transit agencies. “For nearly 40 years, these rides have been coordinated by local transit authorities who know their riders and their needs. We refuse to allow the state to tear apart a system that works, just because some bureaucrats believe they can save money,” said Burns. “Without our bill, local agencies would be forced to increase rates while cutting services and hours of operation. This would be devastating to residents in Cambria County and across the state who rely on these services.” “I want to thank Representative Burns for his leadership and partnership on this important legislation to assist our most Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 29 – Believing that the person is more important than the party, state Rep. Frank Burns has voted in support of a measure that would abolish straight-party voting in Pennsylvania. Burns, D-Cambria, said S.B. 421 would allow Pennsylvania voters to cast their ballot for the person who is the best candidate, regardless of party affiliation. “For too long, we’ve been mired in the quicksand of the past, where political party bosses on both sides relied on straight-party voting to obtain and exert control – often for their own benefit,” Burns said. “Passing this legislation lifts us out of that sinking pit and into the modern era, where paying attention to individual candidates instead of pulling a single lever will lead to a more informed and independent-thinking electorate.” Burns said his vote today in favor of S.B. 421 is a reflection not only of his personal belief that the people are more important than the party, but also a result of listening to those he represents. “In Cambria County, taxpayers are fed up with the failure of both political parties to compromise and govern effectively,” Burns said. “People are tired of politicians on both sides of the aisle constantly digging their heels in and refusing to work together – at the direction of party leaders. I believe that ending straight-party voting will loosen the grip party leaders have on many elected officials, Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 29 – In an effort to help families in need during the upcoming holiday season, state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, is holding a food drive through the month of November. “Once again, I am working with the Dorothy Day Outreach Center at St. Francis University for this year’s food drive,” said Burns. “This is a great opportunity for residents to help their neighbors who aren’t as fortunate, and all donations received will be used to help families and individuals who are struggling during the holiday season.” Mary Adams, assistant director of the center, said she is expecting to provide 110 families with Thanksgiving dinner this year, up from about 80 last year. With food and gas prices increasing and with recent federal cuts to food stamps, she’s seen an uptick in local residents who are in need. “It’s just gotten to where the only money people can take from is their food money or their hygiene money,” Adams said. “Now we’re going into winter and every extra penny has to go into their (heating) oil. These people are really stuck.” Burns and his staff will be collecting nonperishable food donations at his four district offices: 535 Fairfield Ave., Johnstown (Lower Yoder Township). 119 S. Center St., Ebensburg. 112-A Munster Road, Portage. 405 Park Ave., Patton. While all non-perishable donations are welcome, Adams said Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 25 – A familiar face in state Rep. Frank Burns’ office is taking on additional duties at no cost to taxpayers, as full-time volunteer Charlie Vizzini has agreed to serve as interim grant-writing liaison. Burns, D-Cambria, said Vizzini’s longstanding working relationship with municipal officials and intimate knowledge of their needs make him the logical short-term choice to fill an opening on Burns’ staff until a new employee is situated in the slot. “Charlie is as knowledgeable as they come, and he’s a selfless public servant who’s already saved taxpayers $100,000 by volunteering his time in our office,” Burns said. “He’s been a right-hand man to many people in our district, assisting with thousands of constituent matters. I’m thrilled that he’s agreed to help out in yet another way.” Burns said Vizzini’s knowledge of state government will enable him to quarterback the established grant-writing apparatus in Burns’ office during a transition period, making sure that municipalities and schools in the 72 nd Legislative District can avail themselves of a free service provided through Burns’ office for the past two years. “It will be business as usual, as our doors remain open to help with grant writing and assist with grant-related questions,” Burns said. “We’ve assembled a tremendous team, where multi-tasking is a Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 24 – Residents will have an opportunity to safely shred documents and dispose of unused prescriptions this Saturday, with state Rep. Frank Burns once again partnering with Cambria County Crime Stoppers in offering a “Shred-It Event and Unused Prescription Take Back Day.” Burns, D-Cambria, said the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ebensburg Walmart, located at 300 Walmart Drive. The Shred-It Truck will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Shredding documents you no longer need that contain sensitive information, like credit card statements or old medical records, will make sure criminals don’t get access to your personal information,” Burns said. “It’s a great way to reduce your chances of being a victim of identity theft or fraud. “This event also allows residents to safely dispose of old medications and prevent those drugs from getting into the wrong hands,” he added. Shredding services will be offered at $5 per box of documents. There is no cost to dispose of prescription medicines. For more information, please contact Burns’ office at 814-472-8021. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 23 – Continuing his efforts to inform municipalities, businesses and other of organizations about available state funding, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced new grant opportunities, including programs designed to support seniors, promote energy efficiency and reduce traffic congestion. Burns, D-Cambria, said he has made it a priority for several years to provide information on a variety of state grants programs as a way to have more tax dollars returned to communities. “I encourage anyone and everyone who believes they may be eligible to submit an application or reach out to my office for assistance from my own in-house grant writer, who will be happy to help you get the process moving,” Burns said. Burns said Brittany Blackham, who fills that role, can be reached at (814) 736-7339 in his Portage office to provide information or assistance with the following grant applications: Approximately $2 million in Senior Community Center Grants, through the state Department of Aging, is available to support existing senior community centers with program improvements designed to increase senior participation and encourage a safe and healthy environment for center participants. The Senior Community Center Grant application period ends Nov. 15. More information can be obtained by visiting www.aging.pa.gov/SeniorCommunityCenterGrants , emailing SCCgrants@pa.gov or calling Robert Cherry at (717) 772-1221. Read more
State Rep. Frank Burns said his office will accept applications from Nov 1 through Nov. 22 at his Ebensburg office for the fourth annual Charlie Vizzini Volunteerism Award, which honors an outstanding volunteer in the 72nd Legislative District. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 17 – In an effort to complement existing safety and security resources, the Ferndale Area Hills and the Westmont Hilltop School Districts were each awarded Safe School Targeted Grants funding of approximately $24,000 to use toward the purchase of safety and school-related equipment, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the competitive 2019-20 Safe Schools Targeted Grants from the state Department of Education are awarded to schools to prevent and reduce violent incidents, purchase safety and security-related equipment, and provide for the training and compensation of school resource and police officers. Ferndale Area School District received $24,800 and Westmont Hilltop School District received $24,610. “These are wise investments of state dollars to ensure our school students – and teachers – are safe,” Burns said. “It’s no secret that students perform better in school when they feel safe and secure, and these state funds will help our schools meet the goal of providing a safe learning environment.” This funding is part of the $7.3 million in School Safety Grants the Pennsylvania Department of Education is awarding to both public school districts and non-public schools throughout the commonwealth. Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 16 – Approximately $5.5 million in funding to restore reliable sewer service in Jackson Township has pushed state investment in the 72 nd Legislative District to $19 million this year, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Jackson East Taylor Sewer Authority will be able to address a multitude of malfunctioning sewer system issues, including pollution of properties and streams, with the latest round of help from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority. “Proper sewage treatment is vital for the 72 nd Legislative District to grow economically and to provide proper quality of life for those who live there,” Burns said. “I’ve made acquisition of state funds a top priority, to the point of adding a grant writer to my staff, and those efforts continue paying off big-time.” Burns said the Pennvest money will allow the authority to extend nearly 22,000 feet of gravity sewers, extend 3,000 feet of force main sewers, build a new pump station, and provide pump replacements in two existing pump stations – all to enhance service to residents and businesses. “While this is great news, rest assured that I’ll continue fighting to make sure Cambria County gets its fair share of state funding, whatever the program,” Burns said. Pennvest funds sewer, storm water and drinking water maintenance and improvement projects throughout Pennsylvania. Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 15 – Over 400 people attended a free informational Concealed Carry seminar on Monday hosted by state Rep. Frank Burns as part of his ongoing efforts to ensure lawful gun owners know their constitutional rights. “As a Cambria County Democrat, I’ve tirelessly fought for gun owners’ rights and I will continue to do so,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “We were successful in fighting efforts for a yearly $10 registration fee for every gun, and I will continue to strongly oppose this and any other backdoor attempts at gun control.” “We had a great turnout and obviously there’s a great deal of interest by the public on concealed carry and other laws related to firearm transport and use, and I applaud Representative Burns for hosting this event,” said Tom Owens, commander of the Cambria County SERT team and presenter at yesterday’s Concealed Carry seminar. Burns thanked the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. for allowing him and his staff to host the event and added more events like these will be planned in the near future to educate the public on their constitutional rights and firearms laws. “With the strong turnout and demand for such events, it shows people really care about protecting their constitutional rights and knowing firearm laws.” The seminar covered many topics, including gun training options, concealed carry, the Castle Doctrine and the stand your ground law. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Continuing his strong anti-bullying efforts, state Rep. Frank Burns unveiled legislation today that would hold parents accountable for a child’s repeated bullying and require schools to more effectively track, investigate and report bullying and cyberbullying incidents. Burns, D-Cambria, formally introduced his pair of bills on National Stop Bullying Day, highlighting the need for students, parents and school officials to work together to eliminate bullying. “Schools should be places of learning, not places of fear,” Burns said. “The only way we can put an end to this scourge is to work together. These measures will make our schools safer places for our kids and put the focus where it needs to be – on learning.” Burns said H.B. 1936 would clearly outline the role of parents in preventing and remedying bullying and hold them accountable if their child repeatedly bullies others. The bill establishes a three-step system of parental notification and participation following a bullying event. After the first verified bullying report, parents of all students would be notified of the incident and told what action the school took. After a second incident, parents would be required to take a class on bullying and would be asked to attend a bullying resolution conference to devise a plan to address the bullying behavior. Upon a third or subsequent incident in the same school year, school officials could Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 8 – In his latest effort to bring good-paying jobs and economic development to the region, state Rep. Frank Burns said he met with Amazon’s point person for Pennsylvania about Cambria County’s competitive advantage thanks to its recent Keystone Opportunity Zone designation. Burns, D-Cambria, recently met with Jillian Irvin in his Capitol office as a follow-up to his correspondence with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos inviting him to tour Cambria County in the company’s search for future offices and distribution centers. “Meeting face-to-face with Amazon’s liaison to Pennsylvania was the next step in the process of getting Amazon to Cambria County,” Burns said. “I explained how the KOZ works and how Amazon could take advantage of this incredible economic development tool. Where others have snubbed the retail giant’s proposed investments, I let her know our area would welcome them with open arms.” Burns spearheaded the effort in this year’s state budget to reserve a KOZ of up to 375 acres in Cambria County. A KOZ designation allows for state and local tax benefits within specific underdeveloped and underutilized areas of the state. Land within the zone can be large plots or subdivided into parcels of fewer than 10 acres. Irvin told Burns that Amazon is more interested in working with cities and states that want them rather than those that protest their relocation efforts. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 7 – A bill sponsored by state Rep. Frank Burns became law despite Gov. Tom Wolf’s refusal to sign it. The new law expands the mandatory use of the E-verify program to employers in the construction industry. Burns, D-Cambria, said the bill became law on Sunday after Gov. Wolf chose not to sign or veto it. In Pennsylvania, a bill that has been passed in the state House and Senate automatically becomes law if the governor neither vetoes nor signs it within 10 days of its passage. Burns said he believes this new law will level the playing field for contractors who do the right thing and hire documented workers. “This is about saving Pennsylvania jobs by penalizing unscrupulous contractors who hire illegal workers,” said Burns. “It’s about time we hold corporate American accountable for profiting from illegal immigration.” According to a 2018 article in The New York Times, undocumented immigrant workers account for 15% of those employed in construction – or about 1.35 million workers nationally. “For years, I have demanded we crack down on companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants who are willing to work for less,” said Burns, D-Cambria. “The passage of this law shows Pennsylvania is serious about stopping illegal immigration by preventing companies from hiring and exploiting illegal workers for profit.” Burns added that the state already requires E-verify to Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 5 – Continuing his efforts to stand up for Pennsylvania workers and jobs, state Rep. Frank Burns said that Gov. Tom Wolf should do the same by signing a bill that would expand the mandatory use of E-Verify to employers in the construction industry. Burns, D-Cambria, said H.B. 1170 , which passed in the House and the Senate with bipartisan support, would require construction companies to use the internet-based system to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. “As someone who always fights for workers, this bill is about saving Pennsylvania jobs by penalizing unscrupulous contractors who hire and exploit illegal workers for profit,” Burns said. “If the governor really wants to take a stand and protect jobs and workers from employers who’d rather break the law, he should sign the bill, instead of waiting for it to automatically become law on Sunday, October 6.” In Pennsylvania, a bill that has passed in both chambers of the General Assembly automatically becomes law if a governor neither vetoes nor signs a bill within 10 days of its passage. “We know that E-verify works and has worked successfully for years. When these contractors hire undocumented workers, they are likely skirting payroll and required taxes. Construction companies – just like other employers – must follow the rules, or face the music, which can include the loss of their state-issued Read more
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