Dale Erdey Running for Re-Election in State Senate

Press Release from Sen. Erdey's Office

    Dale Erdey, citing a record of proven leadership resulting in improved highway infrastructure, quality education, lower taxes, better public safety and flood control, announced he will seek re-election to the Louisiana State Senate, District 13 seat.

    Senate District 13 includes Denham Springs, Watson, Walker, Livingston, Colyell, Holden, and Albany, all of which are in Livingston Parish. The District also encompasses two precincts in Central along Hooper Road at Greenwell Springs Road and five precincts in Tangipahoa Parish west of I-55 and south of I-12 along LA Highway 22. The primary election will be held on Oct. 22nd.

    Erdey currently serves his first term as State Senator for District 13 and has previously served two terms as State Representative for District 71 in Livingston Parish. “Serving the people of District 13 and the State of Louisiana is a distinct honor and privilege, an awesome responsibility that I take very seriously. My legislative experience, conservative voting record and dedication to serving my constituency qualify me to continue representing the citizens of District 13.”          

   Erdey serves on the Senate Committee on Transportation as Vice-chairman, the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality. Erdey also serves on Senate sub-committees for Consumer Affairs and Technology and as Vice-chairman on Vocational Technical and Education.

    Championing efforts for widening I-12, Erdey has successfully collaborated with area legislators to secure $400 million for infrastructure projects in the Baton Rouge area over the past three years.   “I have utilized my membership on the Senate and House Transportation Committees to promote and fight for numerous highway improvements, including I-12 widening from O’Neal Lane to Walker, I-12/Juban Road interchange, interchange enhancements at Walker and Denham Springs, LA Highway 16 expansion between Denham Springs and Watson, as well as three new bridges across the Amite River.” Erdey also worked to secure additional funding for widening Juban Road from I-12 to US 190 and extending Cook Road from Pete’s Highway to Juban Road.

    Erdey lobbied and won approval from the Legislative Joint Budget Committee and the State Bond Commission for the state’s participation in the Bass Pro Shops development project. “Bass Pro Shops has had a tremendous economic impact on the Baton Rouge region, bringing 300 jobs and millions of dollars to our state and local economy. In essence, Bass Pro Shops development has put our area on the national map.”

Erdey says that he understands the vital importance of providing our children with quality education and child care safety. He has fought for teacher and support personnel pay raises as well as passed legislation that provided $11 million in additional teachers pay for sixteen school districts. Since elected to the legislature, he has supported over $627 million in teacher pay raises. In 2010, Erdey was awarded “Legislator of the Year” by the Child Care Association of Louisiana.

    Erdey has exemplified fiscal conservative policies while serving in the State Legislature. Erdey has consistently supported tax-relief legislation, reducing over $1 billion in taxes over the last six years, including the repeal of the Stelly Tax which lowered personal income taxes. He has also supported the Louisiana Sales Tax (Exemption) Holiday as well as repealing the state inheritance tax and the state gift tax.

    Erdey fought for flood control and successfully worked with area legislators and leaders to secure state funds for the Comite River Diversion Canal, which will dramatically reduce flooding along the Amite and Comite Rivers. He also fought for legislation that addressed the affordability and availability problems crippling our insureds, including the abolishment of the politically-appointed Insurance Rating Commission.

    Erdey supported ethics reform legislation for state and local officials that has set the bar for other states across our nation to follow. He also passed legislation for first year operators that prohibits the use of cell phones while operating a motor vehicle, making our highways safer.

    “There are many legislative tasks yet to tackle,” explains Erdey. “For example, I am aware of the unfunded, mandated costs passed on to our local school systems and will fight to increase funding for our K-12 schools.  I will also fight to make our flag ship university at LSU and SLU stronger research and teaching institutions by giving them greater autonomy to realize their maximum potential. I pledge to continue fighting for additional funding for roads, roads, and roads!”

    Erdey, who is 56 and a life-long resident of Livingston Parish, graduated from LSU with a degree in Business Administration. He served as Mayor of Livingston from 1993-1997. Currently, he is owner/president of Erdey Insurance Agency and has achieved the professional designation of Certified Insurance Counselor. He maintains a license in Real Estate and is a Notary Public.

    Erdey is an active member of the Livingston United Methodist Church, Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce, Livingston Economic Development Council, Livingston Kiwanis, Central Chamber of Commerce, and National Rifle Association (NRA). He is also a member of Hurd Merrill Masonic Lodge #454 F & AM.

    Erdey is a Republican, presently serving his first term as State Senator. He is married to Donna Carlisle Erdey and they have four children, Lindsey and son-in-law Brian McCaskill, Ashlyn and son-in-law Cody McMorris, Leah and son-in-law Josh Smith, and Trey along with six grandchildren, Jacksen and Lawsen McCaskill, Kayden and Blakelyn McMorris, Bryce and Kenzie Smith.