Biography
Dwight Evans, born on May 16, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, serving Pennsylvania's 3rd Congressional District since 2016. His district encompasses Northwest and West Philadelphia, as well as parts of North, South, Southwest, and Center City Philadelphia.
Before his tenure in Congress, Evans served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for 36 years, representing the 203rd Legislative District. In 1990, he made history as the first African American chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, a position he held for two decades.
Throughout his career, Evans has been a staunch advocate for urban renewal, economic development, and education reform. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing Philadelphia's West Oak Lane neighborhood, transforming it into a thriving community with a stable housing base and robust commercial activity.
In Congress, Evans serves on the influential Ways and Means Committee, focusing on issues such as Social Security, Medicare, taxes, and trade. He is also a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and the Congressional Black Caucus.
Education and Political Experience
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Education:
- Associate of Arts from the Community College of Philadelphia
- Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University
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Political Experience:
- Pennsylvania House of Representatives
- Chairman, House Appropriations Committee
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Member, Ways and Means Committee
- Member, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
- Member, Congressional Black Caucus
Evans has been instrumental in initiatives such as the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative, which aimed to increase access to quality foods in underserved communities by expanding grocery stores in food deserts. This program served as a model for similar initiatives nationwide.
In Congress, he has supported significant legislation, including the American Rescue Plan, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, focusing on economic development, healthcare access, and combating climate change.
