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Erie County Times

Saturday, May 18, 2024

State Senator Dan Laughlin (PA)

Recent News About State Senator Dan Laughlin (PA)

  • Sen. Laughlin introduces text messaging for constituent outreach

    Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has announced a new method for constituents to communicate with his office: text messaging. This development is part of an ongoing effort to improve accessibility and communication. Constituents can now directly text Sen. Laughlin’s office at 814-900-4527.

  • Pennsylvania Senator opposes offshore wind farms in Lake Erie

    Pennsylvania Senator Dan Laughlin has expressed his opposition to the proposed offshore wind farms in Lake Erie. As the representative for the entire Lake Erie coastline in the Pennsylvania Senate, Laughlin voiced concerns about the potential impact on both the environment and local communities.

  • Laughlin Announces PENNVEST Funding for Erie City Water Authority Project

    Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) announced today that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has allocated $710,000 in funding to the Erie City Water Authority for a crucial project. The funding is designated for replacing lead service lines within the Borough of Wesleyville and Lawrence Park Township, aiming to improve water quality and public health.The project focuses on replacing around 100 service connections that currently consist of cast-iron pipes connected to water mains by lead goosenecks. Laughlin explained that a gooseneck is a short,...

  • Laughlin Announces Investment to Improve Access to High-Speed Internet in Erie County

    HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that Windstream is being awarded a total of $921,997 to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet in Erie County, according to state Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49)."When many people from outside of the area think of Erie, they think of the city and the bayfront and sometimes miss the fact that the majority of Erie County is comprised of rural communities," said Laughlin. "My constituents who live in these areas have the same broadband and internet needs as anyone else, and I’m proud to...

  • Laughlin To Introduce Legislation To Help Property Owners Deal with Squatters

    State Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has announced his intention to introduce legislation aimed at addressing the issue of squatters in Pennsylvania. Laughlin emphasized the need for clear guidelines to assist property owners in dealing with this growing problem.“Squatters are a growing problem throughout our nation,” said Laughlin. “Trespassers unlawfully taking over homes is becoming an increasingly prevalent dilemma for property owners and poses a significant threat to the stability and security of our citizens and communities."Laughlin highlighted the inconsistency in how...

  • Laughlin Introduces PA Uniform Firearms Act Update for Medical Marijuana

    HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania state Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has introduced Senate Bill 1146 aimed at amending Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act to align with the state’s legalization of medical marijuana. Laughlin's legislation seeks to ensure that valid medical marijuana cardholders are not considered unlawful marijuana users under the law.2A Day, established in 2019, is an annual celebration honoring the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. In light of this, Laughlin's proposed bill comes as a significant step towards protecting the rights of all citizens,...

  • Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Medal Ceremony on April 18

    HARRISBURG – On Thursday, April 18, Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) will be holding a free veterans appreciation breakfast to honor all the veterans of the 49th Senatorial District. The breakfast will start at 8 a.m. in the Zem Zem Shrine Club, located at 2525 West 38th Street in Erie. The keynote speaker for the event will be the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, Major General Mark J. Schindler. Also participating in the breakfast will be the McDowell High School Air Force Junior ROTC and The Mercyhurst Preparatory School Show Choir.Katie Nagle, the contact person for the...

  • Senate Approves Measure Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Violating State Law

    The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation, Senate Bill 1127, that would require prosecutors across the state to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law, according to bill sponsors Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35)."We have seen far too many murders and violent crimes committed by illegal migrants with multiple prior arrests by various law enforcement agencies across the country," said Laughlin. "U.S. Customs and Border Protection data shows hundreds of...

  • Senate Majority Policy Committee to Hold Hearing on Innovation in Pennsylvania

    HARRISBURG – The Senate Majority Policy Committee is set to hold a public hearing on innovation and emerging technology in Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 11, as announced by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49), chair of the committee. The event will take place at the Montgomery County Community College (Pottstown Campus), Room 202, North Hall Building, Pottstown, PA19464.According to Sen. Dan Laughlin, "The committee will hear from various technology experts and industry leaders regarding the significant innovation assets opportunity in Pennsylvania and examine how innovation...

  • Laughlin, Langerholc Announce Measure Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Violating State Law

    HARRISBURG – Prosecutors across Pennsylvania would be required to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law, under legislation, Senate Bill 1127, being introduced by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35).Earlier this year, two NYPD officers were assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants. Several of the offenders had been previously arrested but not reported to ICE and were released back on the streets. The shocking crime prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams to call...

  • Laughlin Introduces Bill to Protect Animals in Domestic Violence Situations

    HARRISBURG – Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) has introduced new legislation aimed at protecting animals in domestic violence situations. Laughlin highlighted the importance of this bill by stating, "Data from the Humane Society of the United States reveals a staggering number of animals are targeted by those who abuse their children or spouses, with one survey illustrating that 71% of domestic violence victims reported their abuser also targeted pets."Laughlin emphasized the need for action, saying, “We need to do what we can to prevent abusers from using the threat of harm...

  • Laughlin’s Sunday Hunting Legislation Reported from Committee

    HARRISBURG – The state Senate Game and Fisheries Committee has reported Senate Bill 67 to the full Senate."This legislation will remove the prohibition on hunting on Sundays and provide additional opportunities to hunters," said bill sponsor, Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).Sen. Dan Laughlin explained, "Ever since the 18th century, Pennsylvania has mostly banned hunting on Sundays. The Sunday hunting prohibition is one of the last vestiges of our commonwealth’s antiquated ‘Blue Laws,’ which were created a very long time ago, some dating back to colonial times, to prevent...

  • Senate Majority Policy Committee Holds Public Hearing on Rural Health Care

    The Senate Majority Policy Committee will be holding a public hearing on rural health care on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at Penn Highlands Mon Valley in Monongahela, PA. The hearing aims to address the challenges facing rural health care sustainability in Pennsylvania and explore strategies to ensure continued care for the public. According to Sen. Dan Laughlin, chair of the committee, the goal of the hearing is to "highlight the issues that threaten rural health care sustainability in Pennsylvania and what strategies may be taken to ensure continued care to the public."During...

  • Laughlin to Introduce PA Uniform Firearms Act Update for Medical Marijuana

    State Senator Dan Laughlin, a Republican representing the 49th district, has announced his plan to introduce legislation that aims to amend Pennsylvania's Uniform Firearms Act to align with the state's legalization of medical marijuana. Laughlin's proposed legislation comes in response to the discrepancy between the Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Act, which allows individuals to legally use marijuana for specific medical conditions, and existing laws that view all marijuana use as unlawful.Laughlin's legislation seeks to address the issue faced by medical marijuana...

  • Laughlin Announces Nearly $160,000 in Grant Funding for Erie County Schools

    Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) has announced that Erie County schools have been awarded almost $160,000 in grant funding through Pennsylvania's Career and Technical Education Supplemental Equipment Purchase Program. The funding will be used to acquire new training equipment for students."The nearly $75,000 granted to the Erie City School District and the nearly $85,000 granted to the Erie County Technical School will allow for the purchase of instructional equipment that will be used to prepare students for the workplace and a career," said Laughlin.Laughlin emphasized the...

  • Sen. Laughlin to Host Grants Workshop for Municipal Leaders

    Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) will host a grants workshop for Municipal Leaders on Thursday, Feb. 8, in Erie, PA. The event will take place at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and will feature experts from various Pennsylvania state departments.The workshop aims to provide valuable information and resources to municipal leaders who are seeking grants for their communities. Sen. Laughlin is committed to supporting local governments in their efforts to secure funding for important projects and initiatives.According to Sen. Laughlin, "This grants workshop is an opportunity...

  • Laughlin’s CRIZ Program Improvements Bill Reported from Committee

    The state Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee has reported to the full Senate legislation that would update the current requirements and tax eligibility for the City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) program, said bill sponsor, Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49).“The CRIZ program has been used to successfully redevelop old, abandoned properties while creating jobs and generating millions in local revenue for several Pennsylvania municipalities,” said Laughlin. “Senate Bill 1014 will make needed improvements to the program that will build on...

  • Laughlin Announces New Street Lights Coming to Erie’s Bayfront Connector

    Erie’s Bayfront Connector is set to receive improved traffic safety measures with the installation of new street lights, according to Sen. Dan Laughlin. The project is made possible by a $55,000 grant from the Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements Grant Program (ARLE). Laughlin stated, "The $55,000 will be used to replace and upgrade 201 city-owned streetlights along with new LED light fixtures. Designed to provide a smoother connection to downtown Erie and the lakefront, the Bayfront Connector will be safer for all those traveling to our beautiful...

  • Laughlin Announces More than $2.4 Million in PENNVEST Funding Approved for North East Township Water and Sewer Authority

    HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved more than $2.4 million in funding for the North East Township Water and Sewer Authority. The funding will be used for an important sewer extension project that aims to improve water and sewer services in the area.Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) announced the funding, stating that the North East Township Water and Sewer Authority will receive a $2.44 million loan to extend existing public sewage service to approximately 112 homes, two businesses, and several developable lots. The extension...