A new initiative to promote economic growth and job creation moved forward this week as federal officials visited Erie to plan ways to develop its Opportunity Zones and use the incentives provided by a recently enacted change to Pennsylvania’s Tax Code, according to Senators Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) and Pat Browne (R-Lehigh).

The new Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget provides significant increases in Basic Education Funding (BEF) for all school districts in the 49th Senatorial District, according to Senator Dan Laughlin. House Bill 790 increases state support for all levels of education, with BEF increasing by $160 million statewide.

Legislation introduced by Senator Dan Laughlin to provide stronger protections for crime victims and ensure they have more opportunities to participate in the judicial process was signed into law by the Governor.

The Senate today approved a Fiscal Year 2019-20 spending plan that includes no tax increases, provides funding for essential services, promotes workforce development efforts, bolsters education spending at all levels and makes a substantial investment in the state Rainy Day Fund, according to Senator Dan Laughlin.

Senate Republicans - Funding What Works

The Senate today (June 26) approved legislation that would empower the Pennsylvania Game Commission to allow hunting on up to three Sundays, according to Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49) prime sponsor of the bill. Listen

Senator Dan Laughlin issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement of a 10-year contract between UPMC and Highmark that ensures patients will continue to have access to the physicians and services they need.

Legislation introduced by Senator Dan Laughlin to provide stronger protections for crime victims and ensure they have more opportunities to participate in the judicial process received final legislative approval today (June 19) and is now headed to the Governor for enactment into law.

The Senate adopted a Resolution on Tuesday (June 18) marking the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote, according to Senator Dan Laughlin (R-49), a prime sponsor of the Resolution. Listen