HARRISBURG, Oct. 4 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, released the following statement regarding Governor Tom Wolf’s executive order, directing the state Department of Environmental Protection to draft regulations to join the nine-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Doing so means that the state will set a cap on power plant emissions and require plants that exceed that limit to purchase additional allowances. “I clearly oppose the governor’s efforts to implement RGGI. RGGI won’t protect jobs in our area or keep energy rates low. It will actually do the opposite by devastating our state’s already-struggling coal plants and will force them out of business. Taxing coal to pay for subsidies for other forms of energy is not the American way. “Our coal industry accounts for 20 percent of the power in our state and supports more than 17,000 jobs. If those plants close their doors, that would be a proverbial economic punch to the gut, both in lost jobs and higher power bills. “If Pennsylvania officially joins this initiative, areas of the state that have suffered job and industry losses due to RGGI should be the first ones compensated from any savings or revenue that’s gained. “It makes me angry that the governor decided to bypass the legislature on this effort. I’d like to know who gave him the power to do this. It’s un-American and extremely unfair to all hard-working Read more
EBENSBURG, Oct. 3 – In an effort to ensure residents are aware of their Second Amendment rights, state Rep. Frank Burns is hosting a free informational Concealed Carry seminar at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 at the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co., located at 176 Adams Ave. in Mineral Point. Burns, D-Cambria, said local law enforcement representatives will be on-hand to discuss the rules and regulations regarding firearm transport and use in Pennsylvania – including primers on concealed carry, the Castle Doctrine, using firearms for personal protection and related legal liabilities. “I encourage everyone to attend to ensure you know your rights as a law-abiding gun owner,” Burns said. “This valuable seminar will provide attendees with information on concealed carry permits, including state requirements and how to carry, as well as an opportunity to ask questions.” Anyone wishing to attend the Concealed Carry seminar is asked to call Burns’ Portage office at 814-736-7339 no later than Monday, Oct. 7. Read more
HARRISBURG, Oct. 2 – Local farmers, organizations and entities that support or are connected to the state’s dairy industry are encouraged to apply for the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the program will provide $5 million in grants to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry in adopting organic processes, research and development initiatives, value-added processing and marketing efforts. Individuals, businesses, nonprofits, schools, and institutions of higher learning are eligible to apply. “This second year of grant funding was made possible by the passage of the PA Farm Bill package earlier this year, which I supported,” Burns said. “These grants are a great way to help our local farmers and companies stay competitive and support innovative processes designed to keep our dairy industry strong and vibrant for generations to come.” For more information on the program, visit: https://dced.pa.gov/programs/pennsylvania-dairy-investment-program-pdip/ The deadline to apply for the grant is Friday, Nov. 15 . To apply, visit the following website: www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/login.aspx Burns added that Brittany Blackham, his own in-house grant writer, can provide information and assistance regarding the grant application. She can be reached at his Portage office at 814-736-7339. Read more
Opinion piece on Rep. Burns' suit against the PLCB regarding the number of restaurant liquor licenses in Pennsylvania. Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 26 – Appealing for help from the highest level of state government, state Rep. Frank Burns is asking Gov. Tom Wolf to file a “friend of the court” brief in support of his legal battle to obtain public information from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Burns, D-Cambria, sent official correspondence , highlighting that Wolf took office making “ transparent government that works in Pennsylvania one of his top priorities ,” and urging the governor’s help to put that philosophy into action. Burns noted that he understands this is early in the process, however he wanted to provide the governor with plenty of advanced notice as a courtesy. “I am asking you to file an Amicus Brief with Commonwealth Court in support of my efforts to overcome the PLCB’s refusal to provide me – and thus the public – with a county-by-county breakdown of the number of restaurant liquor licenses this state agency has available for auction,” Burns wrote. Burns continued, “The PLCB has put up stiff resistance to my request, to the point of arguing that such information is a ‘trade secret.’ As someone who shares my belief in transparent government, I hope you also share my belief that an agency that works for, and is paid by, state taxpayers should not be keeping ‘trade secrets.’” Burns noted that although the state Office of Open Records sided with him and Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – Calling it a missed opportunity to help local, small businesses, state Rep. Frank Burns said he is disappointed by the failure of his colleagues to support an amendment to a liquor bill that would have given local taverns and restaurant owners a significant break. Burns, D-Cambria, said his amendment to H.B. 1048 would have eliminated the $700 annual license surcharge imposed by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board not only for fire companies and veterans’ organizations, but for all liquor licensees. The amendment failed by a vote of 185 to 14. “This surcharge is financially burdensome not only to these organizations, but to mom-and-pop restaurants and taverns across Pennsylvania,” said Burns. “It’s not as if the LCB is hurting – they continue to report record profits and sales. In good economic times, it’s only fair that we give these small businesses and nonprofit organizations a financial break. “Despite what happened today on the House floor, I remain undeterred in my efforts to support the hardworking, local business owners in my community and across Pennsylvania.” The bill moves on for a final vote in the House. Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23 – As part of his ongoing efforts to promote Cambria County as a great place for business, state Rep. Frank Burns sent a letter to CEO John Morikis of Sherwin-Williams, inviting him to tour the county as he considers possible locations for a new global headquarters and research and development facility. Burns, D-Cambria, said the paint manufacturing company is considering multiple sites in Ohio and several other states, due to its significant growth and expansion over the last several decades at its current location in Cleveland, Ohio. “I would welcome the opportunity to showcase all that Cambria County has to offer, from its strong workforce and our recent designation of 375 acres as a Keystone Opportunity Zone,” said Burns. “That designation means we can offer substantial state and local tax incentives and offer flexibility to work with companies of any size who are interested in creating jobs in our region. This could be a great opportunity to help Sherwin-Williams in its quest for a new location for its global headquarters, its research and development facility, or both.” Burns also touted the county’s proximity to Ohio as another potential benefit to relocation and has vowed to work with Sherwin-Williams and elected officials from both parties to make a deal that could benefit everyone involved. “Having a company like Sherwin-Williams relocate to Cambria County would be a substantial boon Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – Continuing his efforts to ensure that those on the public dole don't take advantage of the system, state Rep. Frank Burns today supported a bill that would prevent people on public assistance from using those benefits to buy tobacco or related products. House Bill 847, which passed the House, would prevent the purchase of tobacco and tobacco-related products with Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT Access cards, which is the electronic delivery system used by the state to provide public assistance and supplemental nutrition benefits to those who qualify. "One only needs to open a newspaper or website or watch the news to hear of another story where someone is abusing our welfare system," Burns said. "This isn't fair to the hardworking taxpayers of Pennsylvania." State law already prohibits the purchase of alcohol and gambling with public benefits. Burns said this just adds to the list. "When you have a dentist -- a licensed medical professional -- hiding the income from his dental practice in order to obtain more than $25,000 in SNAP benefits as he was charged with in June, prohibiting people from using their electronic Access card to buy their cigarettes may be just a drop in the bucket against those taking advantage of the system, but every step we take to crack down on fraud helps," Burns said. "I will continue to do everything I can to fight welfare fraud to ensure that taxpayers are Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 19 – As part of his ongoing efforts to support and assist local fire departments and emergency responders, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced the grant application for the 2019-20 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program is now open. “We count on our firefighters and emergency responders – including many who are volunteers – each and every day to respond to all types of emergencies, and I will continue to do all I can to make sure they have the support and resources they need,” Burns said. “I encourage volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads to apply before the October 18 deadline.” The grant program is offered through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner. Eligible organizations can apply for grants in the following categories: Facilities – construction or renovation of a facility, or the purchase or repair of fixtures and furnishings to maintain or improve the ability to provide emergency services. Equipment – purchase or repair of firefighting, ambulance or rescue equipment. Debt Reduction – associated with facility or equipment categories listed above Training – training and certification of members. Training and Education – collateral and related materials regarding fire prevention for the public. Career Departments Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 17 – A total of $877,766 in state funds to provide needed infrastructure repairs and provide enhanced recreational opportunities for Cambria County were awarded by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said a total of four projects will receive the following CFA funds: $499,800 to Portage Borough for the Trout Run Flood Protection project. Funds will be used to make improvements and repairs, including the restoration of stream bank stability and erosion remediation work, including the replacement of the failed portion of the crib wall, protection of exposed footing areas, removal of gravel bars and repair of settled ground surfaces. $247,000 to Washington Township for the Memorial Park Trail. Funds will be used toward a variety of improvements, including trail extension, installation of light fixtures, the planting of shade trees and work to mitigate storm water runoff. $70,616 to Gallitzin Borough for the Gallitzin Athletic Field Park to fund the multi-phase development of the park, including the installation of a walking trail extension to the upper parking lot, restroom facility, concession stand, park benches, picnic tables and the repair of exiting bleachers and trash receptacles. $60,000 to Washington Township Central Mainline Sewer Authority to rehabilitate 126 acres of a severely eroded stream bank of the Little Conemaugh River, Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 17 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will again offer a PennDOT-approved class at the Portage Senior Center where participating seniors will receive a 5 percent discount on their automobile insurance. Burns said the discount – mandated by state law – is one benefit of the $16 class, which is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the Portage Senior Center, located at 5050 Farren St. in Portage. An additional benefit of the class is that it will help sharpen awareness for older drivers, Burns added. “My office has continually offered these classes and seniors have been very receptive,” Burns said. “Any time we can help our seniors save money, and also provide them tips on how to stay safer behind the wheel, we will do it.” The course is specifically geared toward mature drivers 55 or older and allows them to refresh driving techniques and develop a positive driving attitude. This will be classroom instruction only; no on-the-road driving or classroom testing will occur. Lunch is available for a donationto the senior center. Interested participants must register by Wednesday, Sept. 25 by calling Burns’ Portage office at (814) 736-7339 and providing their driver’s license. Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 16 – On behalf of Pennsylvania citizens, state Rep. Frank Burns is taking legal action to battle the Liquor Control Board’s dogged refusal to comply with a request for public records. “I simply asked how many restaurant liquor licenses are able to be auctioned in each county, and it is shameful that we need a legal battle to obtain this necessary and basic public record,” Burns said. "The Office of Open Records ordered the release of this information, but the LCB refused to comply and instead went to court." Forced to pay an attorney on his own, Burns has hired Terry Mutchler , the founding executive director of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, to handle his case before Commonwealth Court. Burns, D-Cambria, said Mutchler and her seven years’ experience heading the OOR will be brought to bear on the LCB and its battery of taxpayer-paid attorneys in his quest to find out how many licenses the state agency has available in each county for auction, as allowed under Act 39 of 2016. “Since the LCB wants the court to overrule the OOR , which recently sided with me, I can think of no one better qualified than Terry Mutchler to take up this fight for transparent state government,” Burns said. “She is synonymous with Pennsylvania open records and has been inducted into the National Freedom of Information Coalition’s State Government Hall of Fame .” Burns said Mutchler Read more
HARRISBURG, Sept. 12 – The Cambria County Child Advocacy Center will receive a $24,985 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to assist in its efforts to help child victims of abuse, state Rep. Frank Burns announced today. Burns, D-Cambria, said the Victims of Crime Act funding from PCCD will fund the continuation of the center’s multidisciplinary team coordinator, who facilitates the center’s response to child victims of abuse. The funds will also be used to update the center’s forensic interview recording equipment and to continue providing timely and appropriate victim services. "These victim service providers play an invaluable role in helping these young victims heal and receive the vital services they need and deserve,” Burns said. “I strongly support investments like these in our community that will help children heal in the aftermath of crime.” 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
EBENSBURG, Sept. 10 – Municipalities and organizations should consider several competitive state grant programs with open application windows that are closing later this month and into October, said state Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria. “If you think you may be eligible, I strongly encourage you to apply,” Burns said. “I have consistently touted these grant opportunities as a good way to have more of your tax dollars returned to our communities.” For some time, Burns has made a priority of informing and encouraging government, nonprofit and other eligible entities to apply for available grants – and has offered the assistance of Brittany Blackham, his own in-house grant writer. Burns said she can be reached in his Portage office at 814-736-7339 to provide information or help with the following grant applications: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation: Capital Assistance Section 5310 Program Transit Grants Eligibility: Nonprofits and governmental authorities approved by the state to coordinate services for seniors and individuals with disabilities, such as county transit authorities and shared-ride programs. Use: To purchase new wheelchair accessible small transit vehicles. Application Deadline: September 20 More Information: Click on https://spportal.dot.pa.gov/Planning/AppReg/BPT-5310/Pages/default.aspx . Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency: 2019 County Jail-Based Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 9 – State Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, will host his annual Senior Fair for Cambria County’s senior citizens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Young Peoples Community Center, 300 Prave St., Ebensburg. Burns hosts this annual Senior Fair as a way to provide seniors with a wealth of information about their health and well-being. “I look forward to again hosting this Senior Fair,” Burns said. “It’s an event that’s geared toward providing our seniors with the most up-to-date information on a variety of services and state-related programs.” Attendees will be provided information on senior services, such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and PACE/PACENET. Burns’ staff also will be in attendance to answer questions and provide direction on a host of government-related programs and services. More information on this event is available by calling Burns’ office at 814-472-8021. Read more
EBENSBURG, Sept. 4 – As part of his ongoing efforts to advocate for all Cambria County residents, state Rep. Frank Burns has sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, formally supporting Peoples Natural Gas Co.'s proposed rate decrease and encouraging the PUC to quickly approve the utility’s request. Burns, D-Cambria, said under an agreement negotiated this summer, residential customers would see an 8.6% drop in their monthly gas bills, beginning Oct. 1. “Many Cambria County residents will benefit from this rate reduction, including those who are struggling to make ends meet,” Burns said. “The average customer could see a reduction in their bill of about $7 dollars each month. During these challenging economic times, this kind of savings is very meaningful to them.” In April, Burns encouraged residents to attend public hearings hosted by the PUC on a proposed rate increase from Peoples Natural Gas. “When you speak up and make your voice heard, you get results,” Burns added. “I will continue to support and fight for all Cambria County residents – both locally and in Harrisburg –because it’s the right thing to do.” Read more
EBENSBURG, Aug. 28 – Continuing his work to bolster commerce and economic growth in Cambria County, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced a total of $150,000 in state grants to upgrade and enhance the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County airport. Burns, D-Cambria, said the funds will be used toward improvements at the airport’s passenger terminal facility, including energy-efficient components. “Investments to support and create jobs and attract additional economic opportunities in Cambria County are among my top priorities as a legislator,” Burns said. “Making these needed improvements ensures the airport stays competitive and supports current and future jobs in the region.” The airport is among 29 across Pennsylvania that will receive more than $13 million in state investments from the state Department of Transportation’s Aviation Transportation Assistance Program, the Aviation Development Program and the Multimodal Fund. As of April 2019, Pennsylvania ranks 13 th nationwide in the total number of public-use aviation facilities, with 127 airports, heliports and seaplane bases. Read more
EBENSBURG, Aug. 27 – Bucking a ruling by the state Office of Open Records, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is taking state Rep. Frank Burns to court to dodge Burns’ attempt to find out how many liquor licenses the state agency has available for auction. Burns, D-Cambria, said that in legal papers served on his office, the LCB clings to its belief that the number of liquor licenses it plans to auction is “confidential proprietary information or a trade secret subject to protection from public disclosure.” The LCB wants Commonwealth Court to rule in its favor. “Since fewer than 10 percent of Office of Open Records rulings are appealed to court, I’m even more baffled at why the LCB is being so secretive,” Burns said. “The OOR sided with me , shooting down every one of the LCB’s arguments on why the public shouldn’t know this information. It’s amazing that they’re now spending taxpayer money to fight this in court.” After Burns was initially rebuffed by the LCB, which refused to comply with his Right-to-Know Law request seeking a countywide breakdown of the total number of licenses the public agency has available to auction, he followed protocol and asked for a ruling by the OOR, which issued a final determination and order in his favor on July 24. Burns said that, to his amazement, the LCB is still trying to maintain secrecy, to the point of arguing that, Read more
EBENSBURG, Aug. 22 – Alarmed that several recent state parolees have been arrested for homicide, state Rep. Frank Burns has called for an independent, outside review of the parole process and a halt to new parole hearings until that occurs. Burns, D-Cambria, urgently requested the external review in a letter to Corrections Secretary John Wetzel that was also sent to Theodore W. Johnson, chairman of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole. “Five recent Pennsylvania prison parolees have been charged with killing six people in just two months. Our process of determining who to release on parole is critically flawed and must immediately change,” Burns wrote. “We cannot sit idly by, watching murder after murder, in the name of soft-on-crime ‘reforms’ that loosen our parole policies. “We should be more focused on protecting innocent Pennsylvanians from senseless death at the hands of convicted criminals that about reducing our prison population at all costs. Please put any new parole hearings on hold until an independent, outside review can figure out why so many unrehabilitated murderers are slipping through your bars and back into society.” Burns noted that he stands with the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association in demanding the review of parole policies and procedures. He called the spate of murders and arrests of recent state parolees “unfathomable” and Read more
An area lawmaker plans to redouble his efforts to hold parents accountable with fines or community service for their child’s repeated bullying.Rep. Frank Burns, D-Johnstown, is bringing back his proposal, which failed to win approval last year. If a child bullies three or more times within the same school year, the school would file a citation against the parents in district court. Potential penalties could include a fine of up to $750 and or community service. 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
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