The Erie Times-News asked voters to submit questions to the candidates running to represent Erie-area residents in the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives. Here, incumbent state Sen. Dan Laughlin, the Republican nominee running in the 49th Senatorial District race, offers his answers. The district covers all of Erie County except the city of Corry, Elgin borough, and Concord and Wayne townships.
Issues
Question: What legislative issues are most important to you?
Answer: I want to see every resident of our district succeed. The Pennsylvania Tax Code must be reformed to put more money back into our pockets because we know how to spend our money best. Investments in both public and private K-12 education are essential to growth. Communities can only thrive when they are safe.
What is your position on school choice? What accountability will you demand for education outcomes for both public and private schools?
I have voted to grow the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program that delivers tax credit for students of families with a qualified household income to attend the school of their choice. The program also delivers extra-curricular funding to public schools. The high demand for tax credits and the satisfaction of parents indicates the program is a model that is working.