Q&A with Sen. Dan Laughlin: What to know about Republican candidate for 49th Dist., state Senate

State Sen. Dan Laughlin is running for a third term in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Laughlin, a Republican, who was first elected to the 49th senatorial district seat, which represents nearly all of Erie County, in 2016, was reelected in 2020. He’s facing Democratic challenger Jim Wertz in the Nov. 5 general election.

Pennsylvania Voter Guide: The who, what, where & when of the 2024 election

Laughlin, 62, serves as chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee and vice chairman of the Game and Fisheries Committee. He also serves as the Senate representative on the advisory council of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Home in Erie.

An Erie native raised in the Erie Heights housing project, Laughlin joined his brother’s construction firm and later bought into the company as a full partner. The brothers later formed Waste Away, a trash disposal company, which they then sold to Pro Waste Corp. Their portfolio of companies expanded to include Clear Water Foam, an insulating firm, as well as Laughlin Properties, a rental company.

Laughlin is married with two sons. He is a Penn State Behrend graduate.

His answers to Erie Times-News questions were edited for length and clarity.

Laughlin's reason for seeking reelection, top priorities

Question: Why did you decide to seek another term for this office?

Answer: I am asking to be re-elected because I have the drive, vision and now momentum to get more done for all of Erie County. There is vital work to be completed on the CRIZ (the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone), which has the potential to fundamentally transform our region’s economy if completed correctly. The largest Pennsylvania personal income tax cut in history is still on the table. I want to see it through for the Pennsylvanians who desperately need relief.

If re-elected, what would you consider your top priorities?

Good schools, safe neighborhoods for work and play, a thriving economy and retention of American principles no matter your zip code. Since first elected, Erie’s Public Schools receive $82 million more annually. Every school district in the 49th district has benefitted financially and will continue to in perpetuity. As long as I am state senator, “No Cash Bail” will never come to our community. I have introduced a bill that would mandate Pennsylvania prosecutors inform the U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law. Creating an environment where companies can grow and thrive yields good, life sustaining jobs, less blight and crime and more independence.

What unique perspective do you bring to the office?

I grew up in a lower middle-class family that experienced true poverty. I remember going to bed hungry and waking up cold. I worked many jobs to make ends meet for my family starting at age 12. As a young adult, I worked as a union steelworker at National Forge. I started and operated several small businesses. I have lived paycheck to paycheck. I have gone without a paycheck, so my employees were paid. These experiences keep me grounded and ensure I never forget where I came from or who I represent.

How do you plan to help Erie on a state level in Harrisburg?

Delivering for schools and the CRIZ are examples of getting things done. Addressing so-called “Squatter’s Rights” is another. With bipartisan support, we changed the law so that squatters are considered trespassers. After the tragic daycare fire five years ago that claimed the lives of five children, I changed the law to ensure daycares meet fire safety guidelines. Moving quickly to make a difference on real safety and quality of life issues like these are important to me.

We've made this article free as a public service. If you are able, help power local journalism by subscribing to the Erie Times-News or gifting a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in helping us provide meaningful coverage on issues that matter to you.

A.J. Rao can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @ETNRao.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Q&A: Sen. Dan Laughlin outlines goals for 49th Dist., state Senate