Daniel was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He attended the Behrend campus of Pennsylvania State University. He is married. 

Daniel co-founded Waste Away disposal company and owns Clear Water Foam, an insulating firm, and Laughlin Properties, a rental company. He previously worked at National Forge in Erie and was involved in Laughlin Builders, a construction firm.

Facebook

Daniel Laughlin currently serves as a State Senator in State Senate District 49. He was first elected in 2016 and is serving his fourth term. 

Candidate website

Supports reducing corporate taxes and regulatory burdens to attract businesses and create jobs.

Wants to place a hold on collecting taxes from businesses for a set period and said "business is disheartened by a lack of certainty that makes it impossible to develop and maintain a clear plan toward profitability."

Supports raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour, adjusted for inflation, ensuring full-time workers earn above the poverty level.

Supports raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour with built-in adjustments for inflation, saying "Full time work should be rewarded with earnings above the poverty level."

- Wants to place a hold on collecting taxes from businesses for a set period and said "business is disheartened by a lack of certainty that makes it impossible to develop and maintain a clear plan toward profitability."
- Supports raising Pennsylvania's minimum wage to $15 per hour with built-in adjustments for inflation, saying "Full time work should be rewarded with earnings above the poverty level."
- Supports paid parental leave.
- Plans to have roads paved.

Economy

Believes access to quality Pre-K through 12 education is essential.

Believes each child should have access to a strong Pre-K-12 education. 

Supports investing state funds to support local schools and prevent financial impacts on neighboring districts.

As State Senator, invested "$16 million" in state funds to support Erie County schools' local schools and prevent "the domino effect that would have hit neighboring districts."

- Believes each child should have access to a strong Pre-K-12 education. 
- As State Senator, invested "$16 million" in state funds to support Erie County schools' local schools and prevent "the domino effect that would have hit neighboring districts."

Education

Supports reforming the prescription drug system to ensure patients receive rebates and discounts.

- Supports reforming the prescription drug system to ensure patients receive rebates and discounts.

Healthcare

As of September 30, 2024, Daniel J Laughlin’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Voting & Elections

Believes in reducing incarceration for non-violent offenders, especially drug possession, and reassessing "mandatory minimum" policies.

Believes the "lawless immigration situation" at the Southern Border is a "humanitarian crisis and security risk" and supports using E-Verify to prohibit the employment of unauthorized employees in the construction industry.

Said the "lawless immigration situation at our Southern Border is a "humanitarian crisis and security risk" and supports using E-Verify to prohibit the employment of "unauthorized employees" in the construction industry.

- Opposes gun control.
- Believes in reducing incarceration for non-violent offenders, especially drug possession, and reassessing "mandatory minimum" policies.
- Said the "lawless immigration situation at our Southern Border is a "humanitarian crisis and security risk" and supports using E-Verify to prohibit the employment of "unauthorized employees" in the construction industry.

Public Safety

Energy & the Environment

Daniel J Laughlin

LinkedIn

Jim is from Pennsylvania. He has a bachelor's degree in communications and history from Edinboro University, a masters degree in history from American University, and a doctorate degree in philosophy from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 

Jim is a professor at Edinboro (now PennWest) University. He was previously a union broadcaster and production manager for WICU-TV and owned a production company.

Jim Wertz currently serves as Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party. He was elected in 2018. 

Supports the right to unionize, wants to ensure worker safety, and guarantees higher wages.

- Supports the right to unionize, wants to ensure worker safety, and guarantees higher wages.

Supports school funding for pre-K through high school.

Supports access to higher education, including the Erie County Community College, trade schools, and union apprenticeships.

- Supports school funding for pre-K through high school.
- Supports access to higher education, including the Erie County Community College, trade schools, and union apprenticeships.

Believes in the integrity of elections. Will oppose voter suppression and hold those who undermine democracy accountable.

- Believes in the integrity of elections. Will oppose voter suppression and hold those who undermine democracy accountable.

As of September 30, 2024, Jim Wertz ’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Twitter

Instagram

Jim Wertz 

- Your state senator represents the interests of your district in the Pennsylvania State Senate. The State Senate, along with the State House of Representatives, makes up your state lawmaking body: the Pennsylvania General Assembly. 
- Your state senator can author, sponsor, and vote on bills that may become state laws after going through the legislative process.
- The State Senator and their staff members respond to constituent concerns and questions through emails, phone calls, and website announcements. 
- The State Senator oversees the executive branch and can vote to overrule a veto by the Governor.   
- There are 50 Pennsylvania state senators, each representing a single district.
- Senators must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens, and residents of Pennsylvania for four years. They must also have lived in their district for one year before the election and must remain there throughout their term.
- State senators are elected to four-year terms and have a salary of $106,000, with a 1-3% annual increase.  